Award-winning for outstanding commitment in the STEM field

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 a prize. It is an important symbol – and our award winners are strong role models for future generations of female STEM students.’

The prize for ‘Best STEM Student in a Master's Programme’ went to Elisa Korb, a student in the Master's programme Industrial Engineering with a specialisation in Environmental Technology.

Elisa Korb impressed not only with her excellent academic achievements, 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 assistant 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 a zest for action combined with social responsibility,’ said the laudatory speech at the award ceremony.

The ‘Best STEM Student in a Bachelor's Programme’ award went to Smilla Kuhnt, a student of medical technologyin her fourth semester. 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 at many levels: She tutors high school students in mathematics and English, is an active participant in the Geek Girls programme as part of the MINT 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 dedication, 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,’ emphasised the laudatory speech at the award ceremony.

The Special MINT Prize was awarded to Archana Paimpillil Abraham 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, with a focus on environmental technology. She gained five years of professional experience at the Consortium for DEWATS Dissemination (CDD) India in Bangalore. She is studying at the BTU with excellent results in the master's programme Environmental and Resource Managementand 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,’ emphasised the laudatory speech.

The ‘Best MINT Student at the BTU’ award

The awards were made possible in particular by the commitment of the university's Equal Opportunities Office. ‘With this award, we specifically promote young women who excel in STEM subjects, both in their studies and in their voluntary work. In doing so, we are sending an important message: the BTU is a place where female STEM students can break down existing stereotypes and continue to grow,’ explains Birgit Hendrischke, Central Equality Officer at the BTU. The award shows that excellence comes in many forms. The university considers it an important task to highlight potential and provide targeted support. The ‘Best STEM Student’ award sends out a strong signal.

Congratulations to the award winners!