MEET THE 2025-2026 RISE TEAM

We are RISE, and our passion is to innovate in challenging problems in rocketry and space engineering. We are based at the University of Twente and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This collaboration welcomes students from Beta studies at the VU and engineering studies at the UT to work together on challenging, multidisciplinary projects.

Achieving circularity and sustainability pushes the space industry toward unique and innovative solutions that we would not have dared to dream of a decade ago. With the rising number of particles in orbit and the limited resources on Earth, solutions must be developed to sustain human space activities.

RISE focuses on two topics: sustainability in rocketry and active space debris removal. Project Alpha brings reusability and renewable fuel usage together in one project, where the first vertical landing of a biofuel-powered rocket will be demonstrated. The vertical landing, or powered descent, enables complete reusability of the rocket.

With Project Clean Space, the team aims to engage high school and undergraduate students in generating creative ideas through a yearly competition to tackle a growing problem: space debris. Removing floating objects in orbit and sustaining an efficient in-space servicing system will be essential for maintaining a safe environment for satellites, launch vehicles, and astronauts. With these projects, RISE hopes to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in the space sector and to show STEM students the exciting challenges and possibilities that come with it.

Management

Manu Brems

Team & Technical Manager
Hi, I’m Manu Brems, this year’s Technical & Team Manager. I studied Advanced Technology and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Robotics.
RISE caught my interest because I’ve always dreamed of starting my own company. Since RISE is still relatively young, it’s very much in a “startup” phase. That means there are many decisions to be made, which makes the work both challenging and exciting.
I wanted a role that combines engineering with leadership, where I could learn more about managing a team. Because Advanced Technology is such a multidisciplinary field, the role of Technical & Team Manager felt like a perfect fit for me. This year, I aim to guide the team toward becoming more professional and effective.
Jessie Hanania

Communications Manager
Hi! I’m Jessie, this year’s Communication Manager for RISE. I’m a third-year International Business Administration student.
I have always been interested in working in this field, where I can apply my creativity, marketing skills, and strategic thinking. I love finding meaningful ways to connect with people and represent a brand’s identity in a visually appealing way, especially through editing and social media marketing.
In my role at RISE, I’m excited to bring new ideas to life, strengthen our presence across platforms, and create content that truly reflects who we are as a group. I’m passionate about working with the team to make this year impactful and inspiring!
Defne Kutsal

External Affairs Manager
Hi, I’m Defne from Turkey.
I’m currently studying Business & IT at UT, where I explore how technology and business come together to create impactful solutions. I work in External Affairs at Rise, where I build and maintain relationships with external partners, sponsors, and university departments.
Through coordinating outreach efforts, partnership proposals, and collaborative events, I’ve strengthened my communication and stakeholder management skills while supporting innovation and meaningful connections within the student community.
Mariana Ritt de Souza

Finance Manager
Hi, my name is Mariana and I’m a master’s student of Industrial Design Engineering.
As the finance manager of RISE I keep track of our budgeting, accounting, and financial operations. I was inspired to join RISE due to the internationality and newness of the team, which creates a lot of potential for innovation.
In every dream team someone has to stay grounded, which as finance manager means ensuring that every penny goes toward our goal of making rocketry more sustainable.