100 years HESCHO

Luise, what excites you most about your work at Sensor Space?

It's definitely the work with the children and young people. Imparting knowledge to them and seeing how they develop with it is simply fun.

Of course, it's all about technical knowledge. I studied physics in Jena and specialised in optics and laser physics during my studies. In addition, I have experience in the field of sensor technology and electronics, which I gained in my private life, but which I was able to deepen and professionalise during my studies and also during my employment in industry. I worked in a small company that develops and builds customised laser pump modules. Here I worked on the development of the optical side and was responsible for the production of the devices.

In Sensor Space, on the one hand, it is important to me to pass on my expertise with enthusiasm. On the other hand, it is also important to me to teach children and young people skills that they will need again and again in life. For example, I want to teach the pupils how to acquire knowledge themselves and how to work out new topics independently. Especially in the STEM area, it is important to learn the principles of scientific work and to acquire them. At the same time, it is also important to encourage their creativity and hopefully support and accompany them in their small and large innovative ideas.

 

What's next for you at Sensor Space?

First of all, I'll get to know the various partners with whom we already have a close cooperation. On the one hand, there are various companies on campus that, for example, offered courses together in the Sensor Space in the past. On the other hand, there are other Maker Spaces and student research centres in the region around Hermsdorf, but also throughout Thuringia. There is a lively exchange here on a professional level.

However, the focus on giving pupils a space to engage with STEM topics beyond the school curriculum should not be neglected. Therefore, I continue to offer the "Open Research Time" introduced by Jonas Greif in Sensor Space in the SBSZ Hermsdorf, as usual on Wednesdays 14:00-18:00. All students from grades 5 to 10 are welcome here at any time!

 

What challenges still lie ahead for Sensor Space?

Since I'm still learning the ropes myself, I naturally don't have an overview of all the key issues that need to be addressed. However, a few points are already becoming apparent. This is primarily the follow-up funding, since without it the project will end next year. In addition, it is our goal to make the Sensor Space permanent in order to be able to offer the pupils STEM activities in the long term. On the other hand, it is particularly important to me to strengthen the cooperation with schools and thus achieve a greater reach, especially in rural areas. Our goal is to also reach regions where afternoon programmes are thinly spread.

 

The TRIDELTA CAMPUS wishes you, dear Luise, a good start. We look forward to working with you.