Direct Track students interviewed (4/4)
Antje Vahl, Mechanical Engineering
2023/09/14
The Clean Circles Direct Track Programme is aimed at female Bachelor students who would like to do a doctorate on topics in the field of energy research or energy transition. During a two-year Master's phase, they are supported by mentors and prepared for the doctoral phase in the Clean Circles project. Here we introduce some of the students.
Antje Vahl
Subject: Mechanical Engineering
Entry into programme: 2021
Mentor: Prof. Christian Hasse
Dear Antje, you are studying mechanical engineering in your 10th semester, how did that come about?
At school, I particularly enjoyed mathematics and science. Overwhelmed by the range of studies in this field, I took the time for a technical orientation and preparation year. Afterwards, it was clear to me that the broadly basic-oriented mechanical engineering program was right for me.
Which research projects or specializations in mechanical engineering particularly interest you and why?
During my bachelor's studies, I liked the areas of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics the most. Both the elective courses and my bachelor's thesis strengthened my decision that I would like to specialize in these areas during my master's degree. I find it particularly exciting that the problems and approaches to solving them are often very complex, ranging from mathematical descriptions and numerical simulations to chemical and physical processes.
How did you get involved in the Direct Track program? Why did you apply for it?
I don't remember where exactly I found out about the Direct-Track program, either through the equal opportunity mailing list, the student council, or word of mouth, or all three. When I heard about it, I thought it was an amazing fit for me. Not only was I generally comfortable with a pursuing a PhD after my Master's, but I was also attracted to the Clean Circles research area with its interdisciplinary approach to solving a highly relevant issue in the energy transition.
Antje Vahl,
Direct-Track student since 2022
I had the opportunity to get a taste of a conference with presentations and poster session. I particularly enjoyed the low-threshold opportunities to gain insights into the work and experiences of PhD students.
You have been with us for more than a year now. Are there any particular highlights or learnings?
One highlight for me was participating in an international workshop in Darmstadt, where I had the opportunity to get a taste of a conference with presentations and poster session. I particularly enjoyed the low-threshold opportunities to gain insights into the work and experiences of PhD students.
How can we improve collaboration and networking between female students in mechanical engineering?
Because networking with like-minded female students is more difficult simply because of the lower percentage in mechanical engineering studies, promoting them is certainly helpful. This can be started, for example, with offers in the orientation unit. In addition to the targeted exchange among female students, the exchange between female mechanical engineers in different phases of life is also useful, from the interested schoolgirl, female students and scientific staff to representatives from industry and female professors. With the Direct-Track program, both can be implemented in a very targeted manner by strengthen-ing the exchange among the scholarship holders, for example at conferences or depart-mental events. At the same time, it is also possible to involve alumnae in the program, especially in the longer term, and thus also to establish contact with female academic staff.
Antje, thank you very much for this interview.
