Jiuheng Chen has been in Germany since 2010 and has been working at the Institute of Plastics Processing in Aachen since 2014.
Why did you come to Germany?
I came to Germany to study for my Master's degree because the mechanical engineering course here offers an outstanding combination of theory, technical know-how and practice. It was my childhood dream to see the world. The original question was how people on the other side of the world walk around with their head pointing downwards. Later, I also wanted to know how they live and think.
Why did you decide to spend your time abroad at IKV?
I did plenty of research before I applied and then made my decision. Two factors were particularly important for my choice: Firstly, the wide range of topics at IKV, and secondly the industry-related research.
In your opinion, what makes working at IKV stand out?
Research and the constant supply of fresh challenges: Learning, learning, doing, doing, and sometimes simply "learning by doing". Planning & Management: You learn to plan and manage for the projects, for your own working group and for yourself.
What plans do you have after your doctorate?
Immediately after I receive my doctorate – when that happens – I want to drink a beer or two with my friends. I will certainly miss the fantastic four and a half years and my super colleagues.
In the medium term I would like to remain in the composites industry in Germany. Because of the increasingly intensive cooperation between Germany and China, I will certainly find my way back again to IKV.