Seit 1996 veranstaltet die Stadt Heidelberg - auf Anregung aus dem MPIK - jedes Jahr eine International Summer Science School, an der Schülerinnen und Schüler aus den Heidelberger Partnerstädten und Partnerorganisationen teilnehmen können. Nach einer Einführungswoche arbeiten die Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer 3 Wochen in einem Heidelberger Forschungsinstitut. Abschließend präsentieren sie die Ergebnisse ihrer Arbeit in einem kleinen Workshop. Abgerundet wird das Programm durch Ausflüge in die Umgebung.
Dieses Jahr waren vom 26.07. bis 12.08. drei Schülerinnen am MPIK: Kristyn Harpool (USA) und Melanie Tacey (Australien) forschten in der Abteilung Blaum / Gruppe Wolf unter Anleitung der Mentoren Michael Froese und Sebastian Menk; außerdem Noya Ruth Itzhak (Israel) in der Abteilung Keitel mit Heiko Bauke als Mentor.
Noya Ruth Itzhak hat einen begeisterten Bericht geschrieben:
"During this summer vacation I had a great chance to enter in the Max-Planck Institute für Kernphysik. I was working under Dr. Heiko Bauke in the Theory department. I have to say that before I came I was unsure. I did not know what to expect, I was afraid I would not be able to fit in or most important understand the physic issues. Fortunately, I had one of the most exciting, interesting and fascinating adventures I have ever had. This institute was kind and generous to me since the day I arrived. I felt like I am welcome and like a real project student and not a small high school student. Having fun and getting to know people from the institute was, of course, not the main goal. The internship had to be something interesting, easy to understand (due to time limit and me been a high school student) but not too simple. Therefore, my project was visualizing quantum mechanics. By visualizing quantum mechanics it was easier for everyone to understand and interpret the quantum effects. I feel lucky that I got this amazing opportunity to study in such a great and honorable institute, to learn new things in physics and also interacting with people from all over the world. On my last day I almost cry because I had a lot of fun working and it was a shame to leave it behind me. I would like to thank everyone who took part in this experience, the International Summer Science School for arranging this program, Dr. Heiko Bauke who was an excellent tutor, Prof. Dr. Christoph H. Keitel for letting me work in his department."
Hier der nicht minder begeisterte Bericht von Kristyn Harpool:
"The experience I had while I worked at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik is indescribable. I had never been given an opportunity to study science at a hands on level, and I learned many things that I would not have learned in the classroom. Working at this institute has helped me decide what I want to do as a job, I would like to work with particle physics, and eventually come back and work at the Max-Planck-Institute. The work done there peaked my curiousity from the beginning, I relished working with the co-workers, the physics, the city, and the overall atmosphere. One thing I truly appreciated working at the facility was how willing everyone was to work with me, help me understand what they were doing, and the patience they had when they explained things to me. My life has been made richer, and more knowledgeable thanks to the people at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik. I cannot thank everyone enough for allowing me to participate in such a prestige program, it took a lot of trust to be able to allow international students come in a study at the facility, and I do not believe the opportunity was wasted. I look forward to continuing my work with physics, and what it will help me accomplish in my lifetime."
Auch Melanie Tacey hat es ausgezeichnet gefallen:
"As a part of the International Science Summer School Heidelberg I recently had the opportunity to spend 3 weeks completing practical research at the Max-Plank Institut für Kernphysik. It was a wonderful chance to gain insight into a potential career in physics, and meet many wonderful people, not to mention experience the culture of Heidelberg. My time was spent within the Stored and Cooled Ions Division under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Andreas Wolf and Sebastian Menk, working largely with the CTF. The major work which was completed during the time was to determine the components of the gas C2H4 when ionised through mass spectrometry, however time was also spent writing a computer program able to remotely control the electrodes used in the electrostatic trap within the CTF. It was an incredibly valuable month spent in Heidelberg experiencing a taste of what the Institute has to offer in science, and a unique way to experience first-hand a prospective future in physics."
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Weitere Informationen:
International Summer Science School Heidelberg
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Kontakt am MPIK:
PD Dr. Bernold Feuerstein
Tel: +49 6221 516281
E-Mail: info@mpi-hd.mpg.de
