Article
The Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) welcomed more than 160 schoolgirls to the Girls' Day. For one day, students between the ages of 12 to 14 can experience the field of science and engineering. Prof. Kerstin Kuchta welcomed the girls and presented the SWAP Project.
On 27 April 23, the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) welcomed more than 160 schoolgirls to the Girls’ Day. For one day, students between the ages of 12 to 14 can experience the field of science and engineering. Prof. Kerstin Kuchta welcomed the girls with her speech about climate change, the circular economy, and the protection of valuable resources. She presented the SWAP project and its contribution to education, politics, and the solid waste management sector in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. She gave the girls the advice to make themselves visible and stand out for their interests, values, and beliefs.
Furthermore, the Institute of Circular Resource Engineering and Management (CREM) gave 12 Girls a deeper look into a variety of research topics. Magdalena Kitzberger gave them a more detailed look into the structure, tasks, and goals of the SWAP-Project. She showed different employment opportunities and research topics in the field of solid waste management and policies.
That was not it; the girls could explore polymer recycling at a practical level. With the help of infrared radiation, the students were able to identify the different polymer components in plastic packaging. With this analysis, they learned about different types of polymers, the complexity of waste separation, and the further processing of the materials for recycling.
They have also been able to microscope microalgae and gain insight into algae cultivation. CREM is primarily working on issues relating to the harvesting and processing of algae as well as the extraction and purification of specific ingredients such as fatty acids, pigments, carbohydrates, and proteins. In further steps, these products can be characterized and detected using analytical methods. The students learned about those methods and the benefits of algae cultivation.
