Last summer brought a fresh international research spirit to Hof University of Applied Sciences: two talented young researchers – Anisha Jarang from the USA and Shaelagh Stephan from Canada – spent several months at the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers (ibp), where they worked on current issues in polymer and biopolymer research. Both were part of the EISBiR project (“campuls-digital” reported) and experienced an intensive time that not only opened up new scientific perspectives for them, but also brought them closer to the special environment of Hof University of Applied Sciences.
The students came from different disciplines: Anisha Jarang is studying materials science and engineering at the University of Virginia, while Shaelagh Stephan is studying mechanical engineering at Western University in Ontario, Canada. Despite their different academic backgrounds, both found a common field of research at ibp: the sustainable development of novel materials.
Anisha worked in the field of polymer science on improving the thermal and mechanical properties of P3HB and P3HB4HB blends using electron beam irradiation. The close collaboration with partners at TU Dresden, where parts of the material irradiation took place, gave her a deep insight into the German research landscape and its strong inter-university collaborations.
Shaelagh worked on the processing of biopolymers on a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Her project shows how versatile biopolymers can be used as sustainable materials. She found the complete insight into the research process particularly valuable – from literature research to statistical test planning and sample analysis.
An institute that inspires enthusiasm
The ibp offered both young researchers ideal conditions for their scientific development: laboratories with modern equipment, a collegial team and an open, collaborative working culture. In particular, “EISBiR” – a project for bio-based innovation – quickly became a real temporary home for both of them. “Joint activities, short distances within the team and the palpable passion of the employees created a very pleasant atmosphere that benefited the research. The enthusiasm of the people here is infectious,” reports Anisha.
You can feel that sustainable material development at Hof University of Applied Sciences is not just a field of research, but a conviction.”
Anisha Jarang
Shaelagh also emphasizes:
From day one, I felt part of the team. The support I received was exceptional.”
Shaelagh Stephan
Researching in Hof – and discovering Europe
In addition to the intensive work in the lab, they both used their time in Germany to get to know the country and culture. Weekend trips took them to cities such as Berlin, Zurich, Nuremberg and Barcelona. The region around Hof also proved to be ideal for outdoor enthusiasts: the Saale river, the Höllental valley and Saxon Switzerland offered nature experiences that perfectly complemented their day-to-day research.
Setting the course for the future
The summer in Hof has left its mark on both young scientists. Anisha would like to start a doctoral program after her bachelor’s degree – preferably in the field of sustainable polymers and nanotechnology. Shaelagh plans to return to Germany after completing her studies to continue her career in materials technology.
Their joint conclusion: her time at ibp was not only an important step in her scientific development, but also a personal highlight.
