Annika Wisniewski awarded sponsorship prize

Every year, the Soroptimist Sponsorship Award is presented to an outstanding student at TU Dortmund University for her performance in her Bachelor's studies. In an interview, Ms. Wisniewski reveals why she chose to study at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and what she would like to use her prize money for.

Why did you decide to study mechanical engineering?

My enthusiasm for science and technology has accompanied me all my life, but I was still torn about my choice of study, as I was also absorbed in the German language course I took in high school. During the university days, I listened to a lecture on the Otto engine and, to be honest, I didn't feel interested at first.

But when I told about the lecture afterwards, I could remember quite a few details. This made me rethink whether I didn't find it interesting after all, because I usually only remember details if they arouse my interest.

As a result, I approached the subject of mechanical engineering studies in a different way: I met with a colleague of my mother's who has been working as an industrial engineer for only a few years. My questions to her were not of a technical nature, but rather aimed at satisfaction with the decision to go into the field of work. Since we were sympathetic, I relied on my gut feeling that I should take a chance on studying mechanical engineering.

At first, I couldn't imagine it at all, but when you meet people from a certain field and you feel like you're in good hands, it's usually the right thing for you, too, because you resemble them in that respect. Now I do not regret my decision in any way! In my opinion, the best thing about this study program is that you learn to understand the world around you better. Again and again, I notice things that I take for granted due to experiences in everyday life, but that I can now justify scientifically.

What are you focusing on in your studies?

After my undergraduate studies, I focused on modeling and simulation in mechanics. At the beginning of my studies, I thought that design might appeal to me, since I am also artistic in painting and drawing. However, it turned out that during the course of my studies I came to appreciate mathematics more and more. So the choice of specialization was not far away, especially since I also like programming. More specifically, I am involved with material modeling and have written my bachelor thesis on the topic of parameter identification.

Where would you like to go (professionally)? Do you already have concrete goals?

I can't say yet where my path will take me. What is certain is that I will follow up with a master's degree in the same field. Since I am still very undecided about my professional future, I can well imagine doing more internships. Perhaps there will also be an opportunity for me to gain experience abroad.

What will you do with the prize money?

I will use the prize money to better equip my workplace. My laptop in particular can no longer cope well with the demands of a complex simulation, which is why I want to invest in it.

What advice would you give to young women who are not sure whether to study mechanical engineering or a STEM subject?

Do it. If you're thinking about doing something, just do it, because you can only ever learn. It's a shame that the first thing people ask when you tell them you're studying mechanical engineering is whether there really aren't other women there. Let's change that together!

There is nothing better than gaining new knowledge at the end of arduous work. And after all, women and men can do that in the same way!

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