The STEM scholarship is now in it’s third year and firmly established at TU Dresden. Svenja, Fabian, Luzie and Paul tell us how their first semester went and if university life is as they expected it would be – or if it is completely different. On this page, our 2021/22 scholarship holders introduce themselves with the help of visual aids, as we asked them: What object best describes you?

Carolin-Sophie Pohl

My object is an old pair of binoculars, given to me by a very good friend. They represent my interest in the universe. They can be used to observe stars and shooting stars in the night, something I enjoy doing.
I started my studies in Physics at TU Dresden during the 2021/22 winter semester. I always found it fascinating that we can use physics to find answers to everyday questions as well as to explain phenomena involving particles so small we can’t see them.

Fabian Rudolph

I chose this object because it says a lot about my interests. It’s an out of order sign from the market leader in ropeway engineering. I like it because of the old logo alone. Another student in my course gave it to me. I love everything that transports people and goods – trains, buses and even cable cars – both from the technical and the operational side. In Dresden, I’ve found the perfect degree program that suits my interests – Transport Engineering.

Ferdinand Heinrich

I’ve brought an old climbing carabiner, which is 30 years old. It’s a present from a friend and it means a lot to me because it relates to my favorite hobby, climbing. I enjoy climbing in my free time and can get to Saxon Switzerland (an ideal climbing spot) from Dresden very quickly. 
This is one reason why I really like studying in Dresden. The campus is in a central location and there’s a lot of leisure activities on offer. For me, STEM is about understanding the fundamental interrelations in nature, which is why I study Physics.

Luzie Schmerbauch

I brought my analog camera with me. I discovered my passion for photography a few years ago and started out with a digital single-lens reflex camera. After that, I had the opportunity to learn about analog photography in school, which fascinates me. I’m interested in how people think, what makes them tick, and how certain societal and social phenomena can be explained. I study Psychology at TU Dresden.

Flavia Theisel-Bravo

My object is my dancing shoe, which I always wear to dance salsa. As I was born in Cuba, salsa is an important aspect of my culture and is also a lot of fun! It's also a great way to balance out my studies in Physics.  I love to find the answer to a difficult problem after mulling it over for a long time. Maybe I can answer questions after I graduate such as whether nuclear fusion could be a solution to our energy problem, or how quantum technologies can take us forward in the future.

Paul Opitz

I brought a screw gun with me because I’m building a wooden boat. This is what I’ve used most often to build it. I have to do a lot of planning and calculations for my houseboat construction. For me, STEM is an important tool that helps me, as a budding Civil Engineer, to plan how to handle different projects and how to identify, calculate and execute the next step. Also, a lot of STEM subjects awaken my curiosity and inspire me to research or improve things.

Julia Kegel

The object I’m holding is a chalk bag. Along with the right shoes, this is the basic equipment needed for bouldering. For me, this sport is a good balance to my studies and allows me to switch off. In addition to exercise, I enjoy creative pursuits and am passionate about natural sciences. This is why I study Physics at TU Dresden. Staying in touch with my friends played a big role in my choice of TU Dresden, since I come from nearby.

Svenja Schmidt

At first glance, the object I chose looks like an ordinary paperweight. I chose it because I think it’s beautiful and because it shows the solar system, which fits well with my interests, as I want to specialize in Aerospace Engineering. At TU Dresden, you can choose this as a specialization in the Mechanical Engineering degree program. I really like studying Mechanical Engineering because you can find especially practical solutions to current challenges in this area.

Konrad Schulze

Why did I pick this ball?
This soccer ball with the Dynamo Dresden badge unites my two passions: I’m a big Dynamo Dresden fan and love playing soccer myself. And I have since I was very young, so they mean a lot to me. I study Physics at TU Dresden. In the near future I want to study astrophysics because I have been interested in astronomy for a long time  – some of my peers and I even founded an astrology-oriented student company in my school called “Astrokuppel.”