Outstanding Academic Achievement Recognized

How can radioactive waste be safely disposed of? What rehabilitation measures can help people with post-COVID symptoms? And what makes it easier for returnees to settle into rural regions? Graduates of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) addressed these and similar questions in their final dissertations. On November 4, 2026, five of them were honored with awards from the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences e. V. for their outstanding academic achievements.

The award ceremony took place on the Zittau campus as part of the official opening of the Year of Science 2026/27. Prof. Falk Maiwald presented the awards on behalf of the chair of the Friends of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. With these annual awards, the association recognizes particularly good academic achievements, with a special focus on the final dissertations.

Bodo Mauksch completed the Master's degree programme in energy and environmental engineering, with a specialization in Environmental and Radiation Protection, at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, earning an (overall) grade of 1.1. In his Master's thesis, he used simulations to investigate the radiological properties of containers for the final disposal of radioactive waste. The laudatory speech particularly highlights the high level of scientific rigor in his work.

Scientific poster on the final dissertation (PDF)

Luise Kieschnick completed the bachelor’s program in health care management at the Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies with a grade point average of 1.1, ranking first in her class. She dedicated her Bachelor thesis to the question of how effective pulmonary rehabilitation measures are for patients with post-COVID-19. To this end, she systematically evaluated existing scientific literature.

Research poster on the final dissertation (PDF)

Nathalie Lange completed her bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Environmental Protection at the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences with a grade of 1.0. In her final dissertation, she investigated how different materials and manufacturing conditions influence the functionality, sensitivity, and long-term stability of specialized hydrogen sensors. Her scientific understanding and dedication to her studies were particularly highlighted.

Research poster for the final dissertation (PDF)

Jim Gerschwitz was honored for his achievements in the Diplom degree course in Housing and Real Estate Management at the Faculty of Business Administration and Engineering Management. His final dissertation, which received a grade of 1.0, focuses on risk culture in complex building construction projects. From a behavioral economics perspective, he examined how different project management models can influence risk management.

Research poster on the final dissertation (PDF)

Janine Goliaß completed the Master's degree programme in management of social change II at the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her master’s thesis, which received a grade of 1.0, is titled “Back and Settled? Return, Engagement, and Social Integration in Rural Regions.” In it, she examined the challenges of return processes and the importance of social engagement for social integration in rural regions.

Research poster for the final dissertation (PDF)

Johann Markus Paul received yet another award. The Faculty of Business Administration and Engineering Management, with the support of the Friends of the School, presented him with the 2026 Dr. Rashid A. Al-Makhawi Prize.

He was recognized for his outstanding exam performance and his Bachelor thesis on “An Investigation of the Influence of Volatility on the Accuracy of the Elliott Wave Theory.” The laudatory address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, Vice President for Research, Knowledge Transfer, and International Affairs.