Master’s student Oyindamola Depo Oyedokun has been awarded the 2026 DAAD Prize

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was awarded the University’s DAAD Prize, worth 1,000 euros, at the ceremony marking the start of the 2026/2027 academic year. 

With distinction, BTU honours an international student both for her excellent academic achievements and for her exceptional social commitment. BTU President Prof. Gesine Grande presented the prize together with Prof. Lars Enghardt, who delivered the laudatory speech. 

Depo Oyedokun regularly demonstrated her keen interest in aerodynamics, engine technology and numerical simulations right from the start of her studies, particularly in the ‘Engineering Acoustics’ course. She quickly stood out not only for her enthusiastic participation and excellent preparation, but also for her outstanding performance verification, achieving the top mark of 1.0.

Since March 2026, she has been a student (research) assistant in the Environmental Impacts and Sensor Technology Department at the DLR Institute of Electrified Aero Engines in Cottbus. She completed her Master’s thesis, entitled ‘Development of a methodology for the numerical aerodynamic analysis of ring propellers for electrified aviation’, back in September with a very good result. The results of her analyses are intended to serve as a basis for investigating novel propulsion concepts for a sustainable aviation industry. Her preliminary work will make it possible to determine the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of ring propellers through numerical simulations. 

Prof. Lars Enghardt, Chair of the Electrified Aero Engines Department at the BTU and Director of the DLR Institute for Electrified Aero Engines, praises her achievement: “Depo Oyedokun’s quick grasp of concepts and the intensity with which she carries out her research are remarkable. She is precise and highly detail-oriented in her research, and she always critically examines the results of her simulations. Even when faced with complex problems, she takes a structured and solution-oriented approach.” 

Before commencing her studies at the BTU, Oyindamola Depo Oyedokun completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering at Emirates Aviation University in Dubai. There, too, she completed project work with excellent results. She gained practical experience as an intern at the airline Air Peace Limited, where she was responsible for the condition monitoring of various engines. 

In her spare time, Depo Oyedokun writes articles on engineering, technology and society. Her more than 20 publications range from award-winning short stories to two works of fiction. She also volunteers with the Student Mission in Germany, where she prepares meals for the weekly events. 

The DAADPrize honours international students for their commitment to their studies and to society. The individual stories of the award-winning students exemplify the enrichment they bring to both their host universities and their home countries. Today’s prize winners will be tomorrow’s partners in academia, politics and business. The prize is funded by the DAAD using funds from the Federal Foreign Office.