They come from Morocco, Iran, and Cameroon: Three international students were honored at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) ball with awards for their outstanding academic performance and extracurricular involvement. Two of them received the Reza Mehran Prize, and one received the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Prize.
The Reza Mehran Prize is awarded by the International Office of THM to international students enrolled in engineering and science Degree Courses . Its founder, Dr. Reza Mehran, was a professor of electrical engineering at the Friedberg campus of THMfor many years. Mehran passed away in November at the age of 81.
One of this year's award winners is 23-year-old Anas Ahakki from Morocco. He is studying for a Master's degree in Computer Science at THMof Applied Sciences. Alongside his studies, which have yielded excellent results, Ahakki volunteers in the student council of the Department of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Computer Science. He also supports his fellow students, especially international students from African and Arabic-speaking countries. His language skills in French, Arabic, English, and German are a valuable asset in this regard. For his Bachelor's thesis, he collaborated with a regionally based insurance company, developing a concept that helps the company evaluate and procure a central, business-critical software. Ahakki also collaborated with this company for his Master's development project and works there as a student trainee. After completing his studies, he would like to continue working there.
The second prize winner is Mohammadali Esparjan from Iran. The 30-year-old is pursuing a dual engineering degree in electrical engineering at THMApplied Sciences. He also demonstrates excellent performance during his studies – both in the academic portion and in the practical phase at Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH in Wetzlar. At the company, Esparjan is active in the youth and trainee representation, working closely with the works council to improve working conditions for young employees and trainees. Furthermore, from 2018 to 2021, he volunteered as an interpreter, supporting refugees and migrants in the parish of St. John's Church Giessen . He also works as a tutor for StudiumPlus.
The DAAD Prize was awarded to Steve Morel Kountchou Ghomsi from Cameroon. For THM of Applied Sciences, this prize is the most important award the university can bestow upon international students. It aims to give international students a face at the university and connect them with their stories. Above all, it recognizes their social engagement and outstanding academic achievements.
Kountchou Ghomsi is studying Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Mechatronics in his Master's program at THM Friedberg. The 26-year-old is a tutor in systems theory and control engineering, participated in the Erasmus program in Romania, and is a mentor in the "GettING started – Studying at an Adapted Pace" program at THM. This program allows students to extend their standard course of study by two semesters. Students receive support in organizing their studies as well as in developing subject-specific and interdisciplinary skills.
With his outstanding academic achievements and social commitment at THM , he serves as a role model for all international students at the university. After completing his master's degree, Kountchou Ghomsi would like to continue working or pursuing a doctorate in Germany.
