Before the pandemic, the ball at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) was always an opportunity to recognize socially engaged international students for their achievements in a festive setting. Now this was finally possible again: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Prize and the Reza Mehran Prize were awarded in the Congress Hall. Both prizes aim to give a face to the large number of international students and to honor their work.
President Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems presented the DAAD Prize to Hasan Albakour. Originally from Syria, Albakour is currently studying for his Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics in Friedberg. His goal is to pursue a Master's degree in Robotics at THM University of Applied Sciences. Albakour is actively involved in the Department council and the student council. His professor Dr.-Ing. Thomas Pyttel, explained the nomination: "His open and friendly manner makes it easy for students to feel comfortable asking all their questions, which Mr. Albakour is then able to answer competently."
Nina Kryvenko von Willems, a Ukrainian master's student, received a Reza Mehran Prize. Alongside her architecture studies, she founded the project "Art and Architecture in Giessen " for Ukrainian refugees. She is also involved in supporting a university in Ukraine and works as a student assistant in the Department of Civil Engineering. Prof. Dr. Bartosz Czempiel explained his nomination of Kryvenko: "Ms. Kryvenko demonstrates an exceptional understanding of complex spatial structures and comprehensive functional relationships."
The Reza Mehran Prize was also awarded to two female students from Nepal, presented by Vice President Prof. Dr. Katja Specht. Both women originally came to Germany as au pairs with the intention of subsequently studying medicine, but then enrolled in the Department of Health at THM . Nabina Parajuli is studying for a Master's degree Biomedical Engineering and Digital Medicine with a focus on Regulatory Affairs. After completing her studies, she would like to start a company in Nepal, as there is no medical device manufacturer there. She is a member of a study support program for students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America (STUBE Hessen). Her professor Dr. Bernd Heimrich, commented on her achievements: "Through her participation in and successful completion of my courses, Ms. Parajuli has demonstrated her ability to grasp complex issues and find solutions to scientific questions."
Manisha Shrestha is studying for a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering . Her goal is to earn a doctorate in the development of high-frequency MRI technology. Her professor Dr. Boris Keil, explained why he nominated her: "Her profound conceptual understanding of engineering enables her to integrate the complex and intricate issues of physics, electronics, high-frequency technology, and computer science, as well as medical aspects, into new and applicable concepts." Shrestha is involved in several volunteer activities. She is active in the Rotaract Club Giessen and is a member of the Namaste Didi association, which supports the training of seamstresses in Nepal. She also works as a tutor for "Electronic Circuits" and assists with "Clean Up Walks.".
