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Hamburg
Heidi Gensler, Senior, Biomedical Engineering
Hallo from Hamburg!
I am finishing up my last week here at Ethicon GmbH in Norderstedt, Germany (near Hamburg). It is a company within the Johnson & Johnson family that specializes in surgical materials and implants. I have had quite an amazing experience here adjusting to the new climate, learning massive amounts of vocabulary and culture, as well as getting involved with the manufacturing side of biomedical engineering.
Although my internship was shortened due to a delay with my work permit (German bureaucracy at its best) I was able to make the most of my time here in Hamburg. The first few days were dedicated to tours of the production and manufacturing lines, from needles and sutures to hernia repair devices. My first assignment was to create a 45-minute presentation describing the latest surgical mesh products. The PowerPoint presentation will be given by my coworkers at a conference for the production line managers and engineers.
The next task was quite fun and a rare opportunity. An English laser engineer flew to Germany to train Ethicon employees on how to use a new laser cutting machine. I was designated as translator, as the laser engineer could not speak German and the Ethicon employees were not fluent in English. Not only did I learn a few new technical words in German, but I was also able to test the design software and the machine alongside the employees! We adjusted the focus and optimized speed and power settings for the cutting of several products. Afterwards I compiled a “tips” document for the workers that reviewed hints the laser engineer gave us and would facilitate use of the machine.
There are just a few more small tasks, and then I will be taking the bus to Berlin for my 5-month IES study abroad program. In Berlin I will take a few German courses and fulfill my social science and fine arts electives for engineering. More details to come.
I admit to a little bit of homesickness, particularly for good weather and good Tex-Mex, but there are incredible sights to see and interesting people from all over the world to meet. Hope all is well at UT and that you have a successful semester.
Hook ‘Em from Hamburg,
Heidi Gensler
Are you an Engineering student who has studied abroad? Would you like to share your experiences here? Let us know! Contact Audra Sneed or Elizabeth Vondran in the Office of Student Affairs, ECJ 2.200, (512) 471-4321.