Christoffer Roepstorff

Christoffer Roepstorff graduated 2003 from the Natural Science Programme at SSHL. He finds a lot of inspiration from his parents, both veterinarians, who have worked with horses.

What are you doing today?

I am currently working on my PhD at the University of Zurich. After graduation, I did my military service and worked for a few years as well as taking some drama courses. Five years after graduation, I started studying Physics at Uppsala University.

When did you attend SSHL, and why did you and your parents choose the school?

I was a boarding student at Tallåsen and graduated in 2003. I had always lived in the countryside far away from friends, and suddenly I had friends around me 24/7 which was a great experience.

Was there anyone special at SSHL who inspired you to continue your studies?

Christoffer was deeply inspired by his old physics teacher, Rolf Stavegård:
I’d always had an underlying curiosity for the sciences but during high school I began to understand more. Once I moved away from the abstracts and saw the real-life applications of everything it became so exciting.

What are you planning for the future?

The future is still unsure, but it appears that Christoffer will continue his research and hopefully implement it in the field:
– It’s still work in progress, but I’m exploring the nature of a horse’s movement while measuring their lameness and symmetry. I’m doing so with specialized treadmills, sensors and cameras. I’m trying to empirically create an objective evaluation of a horse’s wellbeing.

How can we motivate students to choose higher education, such as sciences?

It’s so exciting to understand how the world around you works. That’s what it’s really all about. So if you’re curious about something, just go for it! However, to pursue such a career you have to be tenacious, curious, and critical. It’s important to be critical of everything. You shouldn’t be afraid of failing either, because that’s something you will do often and should prepare for. So try things out whenever you can, explore until you find what you enjoy the most.

Re-write from SUUM article (20-21) by student Hanna Rodriguez Sundqvist