TUHH student Bruna Ribeiro Mello Alves wins DAAD-Preis 2019
11.10.2019
Photo: TUHH/Hennings
Bruna Ribeiro Mello Alves, a graduate of the Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), has been awarded this year's Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) prize for her commitment to water supply in a village in Cambodia and her outstanding academic achievements in her studies. The award is endowed with EUR 1,000 and was presented by Vice-President Research Kerstin Kuchta at the TUHH Semester Opening Ceremony for Master's and Exchange Students on October 11th.
For the Brazilian Alves, improving living conditions in developing countries is a central issue. She is active in the regional group Hamburg "Technik ohne Grenzen e.V." as well as in the project "Sauberes Wasser für alle". In a leading position, she coordinates the planning and implementation of the project, which aims to ensure sustainable water supply in the Cambodian village of Chiro. In addition to the existing well utilisation, a nearby river is to be used there as an additional all-year water source, for which a filter system from locally available and cost-effective resources is planned. The villagers will also be involved in the installation to prepare them for future maintenance.
Alves is particularly pleased with the message that the DAAD Prize communicates to the public: "As a student coming from a country which is home to very competent professionals and scientists, but sadly every year shows less support towards education, academics and research, it is a great honour to receive this recognition, specially in a country renowned worldwide for the quality of its education. I am very thankful to the DAAD for supporting education, and rewarding dedication and commitment, regardless of where someone comes from." The 27-year-old has completed her Master's degree in Environmental Engineering at the TUHH with excellent grades, is currently planning her PhD and wants to focus on the long-term development of environmental solutions for developing countries.
The DAAD awards this prize every year to foreign students for good academic performance and social and intercultural commitment. The aim of the award is to promote internationality at universities and a joint exchange between students.
TUHH - Public Relations Office
