Interview with Hanna Maxie Brüggemann

Hanna Maxie Brüggemann recently finished her Bachelor degree and is working as a research assistant at the Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IME), University of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg.

Where are you studying, and what degree are you pursuing?

I have just finished my Bachelor of Engineering in mechanical engineering at SDU Sønderborg in January. Now, I am working full time for half a year before continuing my degree by pursuing a master’s in mechanical engineering with focus on Fluid and Energy after the summer in Sønderborg.

What motivated you to study physics or engineering?

I have always enjoyed solving problems that involved me building or fixing something. Understanding the concept of how things fit together and work together always came easy to me. When I was a kid, I was always the one in the family to mend broken bikes or kitchen machines together with my dad.

All this made me interested in studying engineering and when I found the study program here in Sønderborg, I knew it was the perfect place to study for me. Here in Sønderborg, the study is all built around applying the learned concepts in practical projects. Also, this course brings me close to local companies where I can learn from experienced engineers and see where my skills can be later applied. I enjoy that engineering always works towards solving problems no matter how small or big.

What has been your favorite course or topic in physics so far?

I cannot really decide on a single course that is my favorite. I enjoyed the courses in the higher semesters of the programme since they build on different aspects from previous classes which allows me to see how different areas can interact with each other and what can come out of that. I would say that one of my favorite courses would be the special course in mechanical engineering. This course involves choosing a research topic, alongside a faculty professor, and developing it. This was personally a great course for me because I could choose the area to work with. I worked in the Energy sector where I researched and learned a new software in order to simulate the national energy systems to evaluate sustainable energy solutions.

Tell us about a cool project you have worked on or are currently working on.

The most recent project I finished was my final project in my bachelor education. I worked for half a year on improving an innovative process to produce low loss conductive 3D printed parts. Working on one project for this long all alone I proved to myself again what I am capable of. Being a woman in engineering often inflicts a lot of self-doubt in myself about my capabilities and qualities. This project and graduating with honors showed me that I need to believe in myself more. This is, of course, an ongoing process but it is important to reflect on major achievements.

What kind of career do you envision for yourself after your engineering studies?

Right now, I am working as a research assistant in university. I am really enjoying the work I am doing since I can apply the knowledge I have learned during my degree to real projects, some of them even international, like a collaboration project with EUROfusion.

Because of this, working at a university or in the research area is very attractive to me. I also really enjoy the teaching positions I have held as well as guiding students in lower semesters through their university lives so I can also see the future taking me in that direction.

What does being an engineer mean to you?

To me, being an engineer means having the drive to always chase the optimum and push what everyone thinks is possible. I’ve always been the most passionate about projects that have a positive impact on society and focus on improving lives.

What advice would you give to young people, particularly women and minorities, who are interested in studying physics?

Self-doubt is normal but you can always do more than you initially think. Be brave and you will grow with your challenges. Trust the people that believe in you. Do also remember that you are allowed to make mistakes and ask for help. It doesn’t make you look weaker but just makes you better in the long run.