Presentation of university awards for outstanding academic achievements at the BTU in 2021.

The prize of 1,000 euros for the best dissertation at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg has been awarded to Dr. rer. nat. Martin Grönke. His thesis entitled "Synthesis and characterization of layered transition metal trihalides MCl3 (M = Ti, Cr, Mo, Ru) and CrX3 (X = Cl, Br, I)", translated as "Synthesis and characterization of transition metal halides MCl3 (M = Ti, Cr, Mo, Ru) and CrX3 (X = Cl, Br, I)", was awarded summa cum laude.

In his doctoral thesis, Dr. rer. nat. Martin Grönke dealt with an innovative approach to the production of new thin film compounds, so-called 2D materials. Following the discovery of the special material properties of graphene, a two-dimensional structure of carbon, other classes of materials with similar structures have since come into focus. The metal halides studied here are chemical compounds with a layer thickness in the nanometer range, 6,000 times thinner than a human hair. They are used to manufacture small, high-performance components in microelectronics and sensor technology.

The dissertation has resulted in four widely cited peer-reviewed publications with Dr. Grönke as first author in renowned international journals (Chemistry of Materials, Nanoscale, Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects, and Advanced Materials Interfaces). In addition, Dr. Martin Grönke passed on his knowledge and experience to younger junior scientists, including in the training of four master's students. Thanks to this commitment, the conceptual approach developed in the doctoral thesis is being continued in a current DFG joint project of the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg with the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW) on the topic of "Strategies for the chemical modification of transition metal halides MX3 (M = Cr, Mo, Rh, Ru; X = Cl, Br, I) as 2D layered materials".

The dissertation was supervised by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Peer Schmidt at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry, BTU, and Dr. rer. nat. habil. Bernd Büchner, Dresden University of Technology.

Second place among the best dissertations went to Dr. rer. pol. Kathleen Jacobs with the thesis "Quantitative Empirical Studies on Sustainable Consumption". The third best dissertation was that of Dr.-Ing. Stefan Kazula on "Concept study regarding variable pitot engine intakes for supersonic commercial aircraft using a safe product development approach." All received a final grade of summa cum laude.

The prize money for the university awards, amounting to 4,900 euros, is donated by the Förderverein der Brandenburgischen Technischen Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg e.V..

The awards for the best master's theses at the six faculties go to the following six graduates:

• Faculty 1: MINT - Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.

Jonas Marko, M.Sc.
"Optimal control problems with total variation" Supervisor:: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Gerd Wachsmuth and PD Dr. rer. nat. habil. Patrick Mehlitz, Department of Optimal Control

• Faculty 2: Environment and Natural Sciences

Erik Hentschel, M.Sc.
"Differentiation of human chondrocyte- and osteoblast-derived microtissues in co-culture using different medium compositions" Supervisor: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Ursula Anderer and Dr. rer. nat. Barbara Hansen, Department of Cell Biology

• Faculty 3: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Energy Systems

Moritz Berneis, M.Sc.
"Presentation and evaluation of possible applications of Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management" Supervisor : Prof. Dr. habil. Herwig Winkler and Dipl.-Ing. Devis Bartsch, Department of Production Management.

• Faculty 4: Social Work, Health and Music

Romy Brendel, M.A. and Juliane Herzig M.A.
"Recognition and professional biographical development of nursing assistants with many years of professional experience in Saxony" Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Heidrun Herzberg, Department of Educational Sciences and Vocational Pedagogy in Health Professions

• Faculty 5: Economy, Law and Society

Henrik Jeßen, M.Sc.
"Corporate Environmental Responsibility as an Important Influencing Component of an Attractive Employer - An Empirical Study" Supervisor: Prof, Dr, rer. pol. habil Christiane Hipp, Dr. rer. oec. Christin Hoffmann, Timo Berg, Department of ABWL, in particular Organization and Corporate Management.

• Faculty 6: Architecture, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning

Karolina Klara Kotyrba, M.Sc.
"Caspar-David-Friedrich Museum Greifswald" Supervisors: Prof. Per Pedersen and Dr.-Ing. Adria Daraban, Department of Building in Existing Contexts

For the best bachelor theses were awarded:

• Faculty 1: MINT - Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

Max Bergmann, B.Sc.
"A Machine Learning Approach For Churn Prediction Within The Social Network Jodel" Supervisor: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Oliver Hohlfeld and M.Sc. Jens Helge Reelfs, Department of Computer Networks and Communication Systems

• Faculty 2: Environment and Natural Sciences

Nadine Gottschalk, B.Sc.
"Ecophysicological response of grapevines to the microclimate in a vineyard (in the post-mining site Welzow-South) in Lower Lusatia, Germany" Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Katja Trachte, Dr. Maik Veste, Department of Atmospheric Processes

• Faculty 3: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Energy Systems

Tina Rischke, B.Eng.
"Evaluation of existing process tests with regard to completeness and future requirements under aspects of economic efficiency" Supervisors: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sylvio Simon and M.Eng. Christin Faulstich, Department of Machine Tools

• Faculty 4: Social Work, Health and Music

Tobias Mahal, B.A.
"Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - The Interactions of Biological Impairments, Stigmatization and Self-Image" Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Annemarie Jost, Department of Social Psychiatry, and Prof. Dr. Marina Ney, Department of Special Education.

• Faculty 5: Business, Law and Society

Clara Galle, B.Sc.
"Effects in the use of entertaining content in the social media marketing of clinics; analysis using the example of the Carl-Thiem-Klinikum" Supervisors: Prof. Dr. rer. pol. Florian Dost and Thomas Reichstein M.Sc, Department of ABWL, especially Marketing

• Faculty 6: Architecture, Civil Engineering and Urban Planning

Anne Lina Wehrle, B.Sc.
"The late Gothic cellular vaults in the chapel of St. Petri in Brandenburg an der Havel" Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. David Wendland and Dipl.-Ing. Heike Bücherl M.A., Department of History of Structural Engineering.

The best female STEM students at the BTU are Lisa Postelt and Tina Rischke. The award honors particularly talented, high-performing and dedicated female master's and bachelor's students in a degree program in the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology (STEM). The award was first presented in 2016 as part of the university's measures to promote equality. Master's student Tina Rischke receives 1,000 euros, and Bachelor's student Lisa Postelt 500 euros.

Lisa Postelt is a very dedicated bachelor's student in the biotechnology program. She discovered her interest in natural sciences as a child. Exciting findings constantly aroused her curiosity, whether at the Children's University or later at the Science Academy. Even during her school years, the 22-year-old was enthusiastic about passing on her knowledge and passion to younger children. Thus, the examination of scientific phenomena became a lasting, serious interest. Her high school graduation was followed by an ecological year at the BTU's mobile school lab Science on Tour, during which she worked on her own research topic, "Investigating the relationship between heavy metal exposure and the chlorophyll content in crops." As a biotechnology student, she actively advocates for the interests of students at BTU. As a member of the Senate Commission for University Culture and University Community, her goal is to contribute to community awareness and university life. To this end, she interacts 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, provided her with insights into new areas of knowledge.

Tina Rischke is a student in the three-semester master's program in mechanical engineering and is one of the top performers in her class. Prior to that, she completed the training-integrated dual bachelor's degree program in mechanical engineering at the BTU. Parallel to her studies, she completed an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic at BASF Schwarzheide. Tina Rischke is committed to the interests of dual students across all study programs and has served as a MINT tutor for the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Energy Systems. She also actively supports the MINT EC Camp at the central campus as well as the BTU recruiting team to inspire new students to pursue STEM subjects. During her bachelor studies, she successfully completed the project management modules with the junior project manager. The 24-year-old was also awarded for the best bachelor thesis in her faculty. She is currently earning an additional qualification 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 again. Furthermore, she supported the dual study team on a voluntary basis. During school visits, trade fairs and information events, she reported as a former dual student about her studies, her experiences and the challenges. In addition, she is active in student BTU motorsports.

The Soroptimist International Club Cottbus 2021 sponsorship award will be presented to Thi My Linh, Nguyen. "Soroptimist International" (SI) is the world's largest service organization of professional women. The Cottbus Soroptimist International Club honors the social, intercultural and ethical commitment of female students with the sponsorship award.

Thi My Linh Nguyen is studying industrial engineering at the BTU. She has been involved in social activities since her school days. She is a trained paramedic and has been a volunteer member of the Youth Red Cross (JRK) since 2014. She has been a member of the Landesjugendring since 2017. As a recognized youth group leader, Thi My Linh Nguyen teaches first aid skills to children and young people and supervises recreational activities. She also supports youth association work and social projects such as the "Neuberliner*innen-Projekt" (New Berliners Project), which focuses on the integration of refugees and children and young people with a migration background. As a confidant, she is particularly concerned about the welfare of girls and women.

Thi My Linh Nguyen showed her willingness to learn in her studies, in her work as a math tutor at the BTU College and as a research assistant. She also gained experience in establishing the Center for Hybrid Electric Systems Cottbus (CHESCO). She has been a member of the Association of German Industrial Engineers (VWI) since April 2022. In the Cottbus university group, she supports intercultural development, the planning of lectures and seminars, and the establishment of a cooperation network. Since 2020, she has been involved as a deputy decentralized equal opportunities officer in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Energy Systems in the faculty council, appointment committees and job interviews. She is also active in the development of an equal opportunities concept for the promotion of young female scientists at the BTU.