New MINT ambassador takes engineering studies into focus

The BTU would like to motivate more pupils to pursue a career in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (MINT) and to inspire them to study. To this end, it has recruited contact persons who can serve as role models. Pascal Fritzsche is now involved in this together with the doctoral student Katharina Noatschk, who has already been a MINT ambassador for Faculty 1 - Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology - since the last winter semester. With the experience gained from his dual bachelor's degree and his recently completed master's degree in mechanical engineering, as well as from a wide range of project work, the 24-year-old is ideally qualified for the challenging new task.

"As a MINT ambassador for Faculty 3, I see myself as a mediator for pupils, students, educators and other interested parties and would like to introduce young people to how multifaceted, exciting and profitable an engineering degree can be," says Pascal Fritzsche. "To do this, I want to motivate people from all areas of society to get involved with this topic and get to know the BTU as a great creative place for future-oriented studies."

The MINT ambassador's many tasks include organizing and supporting events to attract students and promote gifted students. For example, Pascal Fritzsche will soon be involved in the BTU's trial study program planned for June 28-30, 2022. He is particularly looking forward to working with schools and other educational institutions as part of his networking activities. He also wants to implement joint projects involving the university's modern laboratories. In order to attract more female students who are particularly interested in STEM subjects, the ambassadors are currently working very actively on the conception of special STEM scholarships for young women. These are to be awarded at the BTU as early as the coming winter semester. It is particularly important to Pascal Fritzsche to increase the acceptance of engineering studies among the general public - and especially among the parents of prospective students - with suitable measures such as public tours and lecture series for everyone.

He receives support from the Dean's Office and the chairs of Faculty 3, as well as from the Center for Student Recruitment and Student Support (College), the Central Student Advisory Service, the dual study program team, and the Equal Opportunity Office, as well as from his fellow campaigner Katharina Noatschk. For his work as a MINT ambassador, he benefits from experience gained during his dual mechanical engineering studies in cooperation with P.U.S. Lauta GmbH. He was a member of the student team Lausitz Dynamics, worked here on the self-developed energy-saving mobile and presented the project on energy-efficient driving, for example, at his former school, the Emil Fischer Gymnasium Schwarzheide. Since completing his master's degree, he has been assisting a doctoral student from Azerbaijan with his research in the machine tools department under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Sylvio Simon.

"I had and still have a really great time at BTU," explains Pascal Fritzsche. "I would like to share my positive experiences with others and inspire as many young people as possible to study STEM subjects with the best career prospects. I'm looking forward to numerous new contacts, exciting projects and future-oriented collaborations."

With Dr. Ramona Kuhn, another MINT ambassador has now started her work for Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences. This completes the interdisciplinary acquisition team at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

Contact: Pascal Fritzsche MINT Ambassador of Faculty 3 pascaldirk.fritzsche(at)b-tu.de T +49(0) 0355 69 4600