In memoriam Aashlesha Vartak
On Monday 10th June 2024, Aashlesha Vartak passed away at the age of 22. She was a student at the Bachelor programme Maastricht Science Programme at the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Aashlesha had recently completed all the necessary requirements to graduate and was due to receive her diploma in two weeks.
Aashlesha loved trekking, exploring nature, sketching and cooking. She enjoyed playing cards, board games and organising treasure hunts. She was a very calm and resilient girl. Aashlesha was very interested in evolutionary biology, molecular and cellular biology. She was planning to pursue PhD and have career in research. Aashlesha had recently completed her bachelor thesis in the group of Prof. Dr. Bart Smeets, supervised together with Dr. Rossella Trezza. Together they conducted research using stem cells and their use as a potential treatments in cardiovascular disease. She was due to move to Amsterdam next year to complete a master programme.
The faculty has set up a room for quiet reflection and to allow individuals to pay their respects. It is also an opportunity for everyone who wishes to leave messages of condolence in PHS1, room B2.021 until Friday 12 July 2024.
If as staff or students, you are experiencing difficulties with this news, whether immediate or in the future, you can make an appointment with the UM psychologists through the SSC information desk at 043 388 5388 or via the online appointment tool on the UM website: UM Psychologists. Additionally, the InnBetween student chaplaincy offers a listening ear to those in need. More information can be found here: InnBetween.
The loss of Aashlesha has been deeply felt within our close-knit community; we wish to thank all of the support from UM towards all of friends, family and colleagues who have been affected by this tragic circumstance.
On behalf of the students and staff of MSP,
Chris, Linzi, Gerco
Aashlesha Vartak