From the Classroom to the Lab: Gaining Practical Experience at ECOMAT
Romane Gauvain from Paris and Nikolas Otte from Hannover, Photo: ECOMAT/Raveling
Internship in Aerospace: Romane Gauvain from Paris and Nikolas Otte from Hanover work in the Winter of 2024/2025 as interns at the ECOMAT technology center. They dive into the world of aerospace research, gaining valuable insights for their academic and professional lives.
For many students, an internship represents the first contact with the professional world. At ECOMAT in Bremen, they have the opportunity to gain exciting insights – including at the Bremen site of the global player Airbus. Nikolas Otte, 24, is currently doing his internship there. French student Romane Gauvain, 22, also took the opportunity to intern, but at the Leibniz Institute for Materials Engineering (IWT), also an ECOMAT partner. In the interview, they share their experiences and impressions during their internships.
How does it feel to come from the big metropolis of Paris to the "small" city of Bremen?
Romane Gauvain: I had never been to Germany before, so it was, of course, a different culture that I got to experience – and that was very nice. I think Bremen is a wonderful city, and despite the cold, I like it here. Of course, Paris is busier and larger. But even though Bremen is smaller, it feels quite spacious, and there is a certain diversity.
Ms. Gauvain, what was your first impression of the research landscape here?
Romane Gauvain: I was surprised by how extensive the network around ECOMAT is. There are many institutions, which I wasn't aware of before. I knew that Airbus is based in Bremen, but I didn't know about IWT or ECOMAT before my internship.
Mr. Otte, what was your first impression of ECOMAT?
Nikolas Otte: I was impressed – ECOMAT is huge, with many offices, laboratories, and large halls with machines. Only during a tour did I realize how many labs there actually are. I felt that ECOMAT offers everything needed for research in this field. Especially considering the center’s focus on sustainable materials and technologies in aviation, it seems to be the perfect place for companies to participate as partners – which the number of resident companies confirms.
Discussion in the ECOMAT Café, Photo:: ECOMAT/Raveling
What motivated both of you to apply for an internship here?
Romane Gauvain: I became aware of ECOMAT through a family member who works at Airbus and then learned about IWT, where I got in touch with Dr. Anastasiya Tönjes, the head of the lightweight materials department. The application process was actually very quick and straightforward.
Nikolas Otte: I got in contact with Dr. Hubertus Lohner, the board member at ECOMAT innovation platform, and he was open to the idea of an internship right from the start. He immediately had an idea and spoke enthusiastically about the internship, which made everything progress quickly. I applied directly at Airbus and was able to secure the internship with his support. My office is also at ECOMAT.
Mr. Otte, you studied in Hanover for several years and are now in Bremen. What was your first impression of the city?
Nikolas Otte: Initially rather negative, because during my first visits to Bremen, it was always rainy and dark. I thought to myself: Oh man, did I make the right decision? But with sunshine and blue skies, my opinion changed quickly. A walk along the Weser and through the various districts showed me how beautiful Bremen is. It sometimes feels like a village with a tram – everything you need is there, yet the city remains cozy and manageable.
Ms. Gauvain, you moved to a foreign country. How did you experience the beginning of your stay here? Was it easy to make new contacts?
Romane Gauvain: Yes, everyone at IWT was very friendly and helpful, which made the start very pleasant for me. The atmosphere in the office is open and welcoming – everyone knows each other, and there are many group activities. A big relief was also that everyone speaks English.
Did you have your own apartment here, or how did you arrange your accommodation?
Romane Gauvain: My internship came about quite spontaneously, and I had heard that it’s not so easy to find accommodation. Fortunately, it worked out, and I got a room in a shared apartment. The location is great – right in the city, near the main train station. Really practical because you can get everywhere quickly.
Nikolas Otte: Yes, I also live in a shared apartment, but in the Findorff district. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the Findorff market takes place, and when I head to work in the morning, there are many people – drinking coffee, shopping. It feels very familiar and cozy.
Is there a place in Bremen where you particularly like to spend your free time?
Nikolas Otte: My absolute favorite place in Bremen is the Weser Stadium. I was a big Werder fan as a child but somehow lost touch with it over time. However, two weeks ago, I was back at the stadium – and it was just incredible. I think it’s the most beautiful stadium location in Germany – right by the Weser, in the middle of the city, just perfect.
Romane Gauvain: I love the area around the market square, right next to the cathedral. The atmosphere is great. The area has beautiful old buildings, which adds to the charm. Since it’s on my way home, I often pass by just to soak up the atmosphere.
Learning about 3D-printing: Nikolas visits Romane at IWT, Photo: IWT
Ms. Gauvain, let's go back to your work during the internship. What exactly did you work on?
Romane Gauvain: My internship was part of a larger project in the lightweight materials department, using additive manufacturing with metal powders. I ultimately conducted a complete experiment – from preparing the powder to sample production, heat treatments, mechanical tests, and microscopic examinations. It was especially exciting to oversee the entire process and learn about many new experiments. I focused on iron and shape memory alloys to analyze the influence of heat treatment and chemical composition on the microstructure and the shape memory effect.
Nikolas Otte: Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to join the lab team and witness some tests – it was really exciting! Shape memory alloys are complex, especially for someone who is not directly from this field. However, they are fascinating and have great potential for the future.
Was additive manufacturing a new topic for you, or did you already have experience with the processes?
Romane Gauvain: I was only familiar with the powder-based additive manufacturing process in theory, not in practice. That made it all the more exciting to experience it live. During my studies, I got an overview of different processes, but when I heard about this project, I knew right away: This fits perfectly with my area of interest! A lot was new to me, and I certainly don’t know everything yet, but it was a great opportunity to dive deeper into the field.
Working in a company is, of course, quite different from studying. How did you experience working with your colleagues? Was it a new or challenging experience for you?
Romane Gauvain: Yes, it was definitely a new experience for me because I previously had hardly any insight into the world of research – which is exactly why I wanted to do this internship. I didn’t know how things worked there, and that’s quite a big difference compared to studying. Teamwork was also new to me.Mr. Otte, what is your main task during the internship?
Nikolas Otte: My main task is project management and partly communication. Through my work with Hubertus Lohner, the head of ECOMAT, I gain insights into many projects. Since my bachelor’s thesis dealt with hydrogen applications and ECOMAT is growing in this area, it’s particularly interesting for me to be involved in projects like the Hydrogen Campus Bremen and the "Hydrogen Valley" initiative.
Finally: Would you recommend coming to Bremen for an internship?
Romane Gauvain: Yes, definitely! I can’t directly compare Bremen to other cities in Germany, but overall, I had a really good time here. I think others would also have a great experience.
Nikolas Otte: I can only agree! It isn't obvious at first glance but Bremen offers a wide variety of opportunities for internships with many interesting companies and institutes located here. The people of Bremen are really kind and the city has its charm.
About the interviewees:
- Romane Gauvain is studying for her Master’s degree in Materials & Additive Manufacturing at the Arts et Métiers de Paris.
- Nikolas Otte is completing his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering at Leibniz University in Hanover.
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