A Glimpse into Research: Student Internship at the Institute of Bioprocess Engineering

Shortly before the summer holidays, two female and two male 11th-grade students had the opportunity to complete their school internship at the Department of Bioprocess Engineering. During their stay, they accompanied a research associate each day and gained fascinating insights into ongoing research projects.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, the focus was particularly on hands-on laboratory work: The interns investigated the influence of various parameters on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, determined sugar and alcohol contents in beverages using high-performance liquid chromatography, and extracted photopigments from algae and cyanobacteria, which they then separated using thin-layer chromatography. They also produced magnetic particles under different conditions – without stirring, with stirring, and in an ultrasonic bath – and subsequently separated them using a magnetic separator.

During lunch breaks, the interns were able to enjoy the wide range of meals offered in the cafeteria at reduced student prices and exchange ideas with others.

We would like to thank the interns for their interest and dedication, and we wish them all the best and much success on their further academic journey.