Chronicle of the MINT Awards since 2016
As part of its efforts to promote equality, BTU Cottbus–Senftenberg has been awarding a prize of €1,000 to a particularly talented, high-achieving and committed female master's student in a STEM* degree programme since 2016. Since 2021, the commitment and outstanding achievements of a female STEM student in a bachelor's degree programme have also been recognised with a prize of €500. In addition to academic criteria, particular consideration is given to the candidate's personal background, social and family circumstances, social engagement and special achievements.
*STEM = science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
STEM degree programmes are offered in faculties 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.
The Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) honours outstanding achievements by women in STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The ‘Best STEM Student’ award for 2024 was presented in the bachelor's and master's categories, as well as a special STEM award, at a ceremony on ‘Teaching Day’.
With these awards, the BTU is sending a strong signal for equality, visibility and empowerment of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Prof. Dr. Peer Schmidt, Vice President for Studies and Teaching at the BTU, emphasises: ‘The award is more than just an honour. It is an important symbol – and our award winners are strong role models for future generations of STEM students.’
The award for ‘Best Female MINT Student in a Master's Programme’ went to Elisa Korb, a student in the Master's programme in Industrial Engineering with a specialisation in Environmental Technology.
Elisa Korb impressed not only with her excellent academic performance, but also with her broad social commitment: She is a highly committed member of the Association of German Industrial Engineers (VWI), organises events, represents the BTU at nationwide events and collects donations for charitable causes. As a student employee at the Centre for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (chesco), she contributes her expertise in manufacturing and actively shapes the future of the research factory. She is chair of the industrial engineering student council and a member of an appointment committee. She excels in her studies, demonstrating skill and creativity and working on topics at a technically demanding and mature level. Her work has already been published. She is currently completing an internship at Porsche Leipzig.
‘Elisa Korb combines technical excellence with social commitment, team spirit with initiative, and determination with openness to new ideas. She shows that STEM is not just about mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology, but also about courage, inspiration, curiosity and drive combined with social responsibility,’ said the laudatory speech at the award ceremony.
(Source: press release)
Smilla Kuhnt, a fourth-semester medical technology student, was honoured with the award for ‘Best Female STEM Student in a Bachelor's Programme’. The jury praised her professional determination, her social commitment and her inspiring openness to intercultural and social issues: ‘Ms Kuhnt shows what it means to devote oneself to STEM with curiosity, perseverance and passion.’ In addition to consistently excellent academic performance, she is involved on many levels: She tutors high school students in mathematics and English, is an active participant in the Geek Girls programme as part of the STEM Women's Scholarship, is involved in the BTU's buddy programme for international students, and is active in student initiatives such as the Cottbus university group of the Association of German Industrial Engineers (VWI) and Otiwo e.V.
‘With her commitment, openness and broad interests, Ms Kuhnt is a role model – for her fellow students, for the university and especially for young women who are enthusiastic about technology,’ was emphasised in the laudatory speech at the award ceremony.
(Source: press release)
Archana Paimpillil Abraham was awarded the MINT Special Prize for her impressive combination of academic excellence, social commitment and personal strength. The prize winner has already completed a Master of Technology at the National Institute of Technology in Tiruchirappalli, India, specialising in environmental technology. She gained five years of professional experience at the Consortium for DEWATS Dissemination (CDD) India in Bangalore. She is studying for a Master's degree in Environmental and Resource Management at the BTU with excellent results and is also working as a research assistant and doctoral candidate in the Department of Circular Economy. In addition to her academic work, she volunteers at the Catholic deanery and is active in a student-initiated group that promotes community and well-being among students.
‘Archana Paimpillil Abraham's ability to combine everything under one roof is very impressive. It is not gender or origin that determines success,’ the laudatory speech emphasises.
(Source: press release)
The award ceremony for the ‘Best STEM Student at BTU 2023’ took place during the graduation ceremony at the main campus on 11 October 2024.
The award for ‘Best Female STEM Student in a Master's Programme’ went to Shahar Ban Karyaparamban, a student in the Master's programme in Environmental and Resource Management. As a committed and versatile personality at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, she contributes her special skills to various projects. In addition to her professional commitment in the Department of Ecology, Soil Protection and Recultivation, she actively participates in BTU projects such as the Welcome Point, Admission Session and as an Accommodation Tutor, supports the campus initiative Quasimono Kochen and offers free yoga classes for students. Shahar Ban Karyaparamban also volunteers in the local community, for example, distributing food for the Diakonie charity.
With previously completed bachelor's and master's degrees in zoology, she is one of the top performers and has already been honoured with the STIBET I award. She draws her motivation from the joy and vitality that volunteering brings to her life and enriches campus life with her commitment and enthusiasm.
Marie Kreßmann, a civil engineering student, was honoured with the award for ‘Best STEM Student in a Bachelor's Degree Programme’. She has been active in the German Red Cross since 2008 and has been a member of the volunteer fire brigade since 2012, where she currently holds the rank of senior firefighter. At the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, she is involved as a STEM tutor in structural mechanics and offers tutoring in mathematics. Her motivation and interest in mathematics, chemistry and physics are reflected in her determined, ambitious and friendly nature. She strives to promote resource-saving and recyclable construction methods and thus help shape the future of building. Her commitment to voluntary work and her ability to inspire others make her a role model in both academic and social circles.
On 7 November 2023, two young women who have shown particular commitment to their studies and voluntary work were awarded the ‘Best STEM Student at BTU’ prize at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU).
BTU President Prof. Dr. Gesine Grande, Vice President for Studies and Teaching Prof. Dr. Peer Schmidt and Deputy Central Equal Opportunities Officer Jenny Scholka presented the certificates for the STEM Bachelor's Award to Marie Elaine Müller from the Mechanical Engineering programme and Lina Jessica Manuela Prenzler from the Civil Engineering programme.
Marie Elaine Müller successfully completed her dual bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Faculty 3 – Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Energy Systems at the BTU and at the family business IHMCAD-Ingenieurbüro Helge Müller in Bernsdorf. She is currently continuing her studies in the Master's programme in Mechanical Engineering at the BTU. In addition to good to very good grades in typical engineering modules, she is also distinguished by her extensive extracurricular activities. For example, she has been taking piano and guitar lessons for many years and performs voluntarily at church services and in retirement homes, among other places. Dancing and athletics are further interests. At university, she is very active in the mechanical engineering student council and is involved in organising events such as the Faculty 3 alumni meeting in Senftenberg. To encourage secondary school students to study STEM subjects, she tutors them in subjects such as mathematics, physics and chemistry.
Lina Jessica Manuela Prenzler, who successfully completed her practice-oriented bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Faculty 6 – Architecture, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning, also impressed the jury as a very active student with a wide range of interests. She excelled in the STEM subjects and also completed the Advanced Mathematics 3 module. As a STEM tutor, she supported other BTU students in the subjects of Structural Mechanics 1+2. She encourages young women to study a technical subject and already has practical experience in teaching. Lina Jessica Manuela Prenzler is trained in therapeutic riding. She volunteers in church services and fundraising campaigns, among other things. She currently works as a structural engineer at HALTEC Hallensysteme GmbH in Vetschau, where she already worked during her studies.
(Source: press release)
The best female STEM students at BTU are Lisa Postelt and Tina Rischke. The award honours particularly talented, high-achieving and committed female Master's and Bachelor's students in a degree programme in the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (STEM). The prize was awarded for the first time in 2016 as part of the university's gender equality measures. Master's student Tina Rischke receives 1,000 euros, while Bachelor's student Lisa Postelt receives 500 euros.
Tina Rischke is a student in the three-semester Master's programme in Mechanical Engineering and is one of the top performers in her year. Prior to this, she completed the dual Bachelor's programme in Mechanical Engineering at the BTU, which integrated training. Parallel to her studies, she completed an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic at BASF Schwarzheide. Tina Rischke is committed to promoting the interests of dual students across all degree programmes and has worked as a STEM tutor in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Energy Systems. She also actively supports the STEM EC Camp on the central campus and the BTU's recruiting team in order to inspire new students to take up STEM subjects. During her bachelor's degree, she successfully completed the project management modules with the junior project manager qualification. The 24-year-old was also awarded for the best bachelor's thesis in her faculty. She is currently acquiring additional qualifications as a welding engineer.
Tina Rischke volunteered, for example, in a ‘bicycle repair campaign’ for refugee aid, in which old bicycles that had been donated were made roadworthy and safe for traffic again. She also volunteered to support the dual study programme team. During school visits, trade fairs and information events, she spoke as a former dual student about her studies, her experiences and the challenges she faced. She is also involved in the BTU student motorsport team.
Lisa Postelt is a highly committed bachelor's student studying biotechnology. She discovered her interest in science at an early age. Exciting discoveries constantly sparked her curiosity, whether at children's university or later at the Science Academy. Even during her school days, the 22-year-old was enthusiastic about passing on her knowledge and passion to younger children. This is how her engagement with scientific phenomena became a lasting, serious interest. After graduating from high school, she spent a year studying ecology at the BTU's mobile student laboratory Science on Tour, during which she worked on her own research topic, ‘Investigating the relationship between heavy metal contamination and chlorophyll content in crops’. As a biotechnology student, she is actively involved in promoting the interests of students at the BTU. As a member of the Senate Commission for University Culture and Community, her goal is to contribute to community awareness and university life. To this end, she engages in dialogue with other students and researchers at the university. Her practical work at the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology at Heidelberg University, which she completed in February 2022, gave her insights into new areas of knowledge.
(Source: Press release)
Dylana-Chiara Stein, Master's programme inIndustrial Engineering
Dylana-Chiara Stein has been working as a science manager since September 2020, preparing the application to establish a research centre for hybrid-electric systems (CHESCO). Her tasks primarily involve preparing and coordinating all research-related activities. She performs these tasks alongside her master's degree in business administration and industrial engineering. She is an outstanding student with excellent grades and active participation. She actively applies the knowledge she has acquired during her studies to her practical tasks as a science manager. She demonstrated her excellent organisational skills in, among other things, the organisation and moderation of the workshops at the Lausitz Partner Conference in October 2020.
Since 2018, Dylana-Chiara Stein has been actively and competently representing her fellow students on the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Economics, Law and Administration at the BTU. She facilitates a good balance between different interests. With her communication skills and sound professionalism, she ensures successful cooperation between different stakeholders and knows how to ensure commitment to action once an agreement has been reached.
With her excellent academic performance, her voluntary commitment to everyday university life through her many years of civil society activities in leading roles within the Rotaract Club Cottbus, she was selected as the best STEM student at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.
‘Be brave, try new things and don't let anyone talk you out of your dreams and goals.’ - Dylana-Chiara Stein
Click here for Ms Stein's acceptance speech, which she gave on 20 July 2021 during the award ceremony.
Julia Genßler, Master's programme in Mechanical Engineering
She began her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at the BTU in 2014. As the only woman in her year, she had previously completed a STEM training programme as an aircraft mechanic specialising in engine technology. After successfully completing her bachelor's thesis within the standard period of study, Ms Genßler remained at the BTU to pursue a master's degree. Professors and lecturers praise the young woman for her extensive applied knowledge, her excellent cooperation and her ability to independently develop goal-oriented solution strategies even for complex problems.
Ms Genßler impressed the jury with her excellent academic performance and, even more so, with the breadth and consistency of her commitment both within and outside the university.
Since childhood, she has been an active member of the volunteer fire brigade, completed a lifesaving course with the German Red Cross (DRK), and became a medical assistant and motor rescue boat operator. She volunteered her skills as a lifeguard at the outdoor swimming pool and taught young people the basics of first aid.
Julia Genßler was also involved at the BTU as a student representative on two appointment committees and is committed to making mechanical engineering and technology attractive to young women.
‘During my training and mechanical engineering studies, I was the only woman in my year. I was able to counter the sometimes sceptical looks with good to very good grades. My academic achievements and my many years of commitment to society are proof that women are in no way inferior to men.’ – Julia Genßler
Anna Populoh, Master's programme in Mechanical Engineering
Anna Populoh stands out for her outstanding academic achievements in mechanical engineering and her voluntary social engagement. The student is a role model for her fellow students and those interested in a more technically oriented degree programme at the BTU. In her work at renowned companies such as Porsche, Bugatti and Class, she has proven that she can hold her own in a professional environment that is still male-dominated. As one of the few women studying mechanical engineering, Populoh has consistently achieved above-average results. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Seidlitz, specialist in lightweight construction with structured materials, highlights her outstanding academic achievements. While working on her master's thesis, which she completed with a grade of 1.0, she spent two months teaching at a school in Uganda and supporting the local orphanage. Anna Populoh spent her semester abroad at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST), which she organised together with the BTU's International Relations Office. After university, she supported children with their homework in a social project there. Every summer, she travels to a youth holiday camp with the Gütersloh District Sports Association as a volunteer supervisor, enabling children from difficult social backgrounds to enjoy two wonderful weeks in the Netherlands. Since May 2011, Anna Populoh has been a member of an Amnesty International youth group. She is actively involved in the German-French Friendship Circle Beelen/Villers-Ecalles, participating in and helping to organise regular exchanges.
Annemarie Bunar, Master's programme in Civil Engineering
Annemarie Bunar demonstrated a high level of scientific competence and structured thinking, particularly in her bachelor's thesis on ‘Truss models for force transmission at joints in wood-concrete composite ceilings with infra-lightweight concrete’. Annemarie Bunar brings her great social commitment to university life outside of her studies. Since 2016, she has been supporting refugees in dealing with the authorities, finding accommodation, visiting the doctor and practising the German language. She is particularly committed to helping women with a refugee background who are interested in studying. For them, she is a role model, friend and support all at once. Since June 2017, she has been working as a student assistant in the International Relations Office on the project ‘Welcome – Students get involved with refugees’.
Tina Helmecke, Master's programme in Biotechnology,
completed her Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology with excellent results in March 2016 and has been studying for a Master's degree in Biotechnology with a specialisation in Bioanalytics since April 2016. She has also been heavily involved in the Science on Tour Lausitz project. In addition, she has mentored a Syrian student, both academically and personally, and is always willing to support other students.
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