MINT Center meets MINT ambassadors

Six university staff members rediscover their love of play and experimentation when Randolf Rotta, a computer scientist at BTU Cottbus, demonstrates how homemade mini-computers can be developed into quiz games with buzzers, simulations of bomb disposal, musical instruments, and remote-controlled toy vehicles.

The topic of “finding and nurturing the next generation of STEM talent” is now a priority for educational institutions and companies throughout Germany. Thanks to the “Diversity as a Strength” project, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences even has a dedicated “STEM Center.” Representatives from the center were able to establish valuable contacts with other stakeholders in this field at various STEM conferences toward the end of last year.

This has now led to a workshop on “Building and Programming Mini-Computers,” which has provided participating HSZG staff with numerous ideas for expanding and developing STEM stations.

The suggestions gathered at the workshop are already being incorporated into the “Neisse-Elektro”—the student competition organized by the department of electrical engineering—and into the “AG-Elektro” club.

Randolf Rotta, the workshop leader, was recently named STEM Ambassador of the Year at the 2017 STEM Future Conference for his commitment to STEM and his innovative STEM programs, particularly those for children and young people. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to him for the countless sources of inspiration and interesting discussions; we look forward to future meetings and hope for further collaboration with him.