Elizaveta Shpieva, Autonomous Systems

From the first semester on, Master’s students of Autonomous Systems like Elizaveta used to be, get the chance to apply their knowledge on robots such as those from the world market leader KUKA. The aim of the course is to provide students who have already obtained a first university degree the opportunity to learn scientific concepts, methods and techniques to design interacting autonomous systems. This knowledge enables the students to develop and use the designs for practical problem solving.

Two Master Studies at the Same Time

“Call me Liza”, says the 27-year-old when we contacted her. She describes herself as a “nerdy” student, due to the fact that the first semester at Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University was pretty hard for her to follow. Besides, she was studying for her Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Russia at the same time. She had to work hard to keep up with the learning content. After the first semester was over, things got easier and she could enjoy her leisure time. She had time for sports activities and went out to parties with her fellow students. She really enjoyed cycling along the Rhine to free her head. She visited old German cities including Cologne, Koblenz, Worms and Heidelberg and more towns with an exciting cultural history.

To Bring Robotics Closer to People

While she was studying at Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University Elizaveta Shpieva worked as a research assistant where she participated in the Russian-German Year of Education, Science and Innovation in 2011. The project aimed to increase the connection between German and Russian scientists to form a general basis for further joint projects in robotic science. Elizaveta was jointly responsible for organisation and technical support. “It was really fun and I learned a lot. I met so many different people I could exchange experiences with”, she says.

Enjoyed Barbeques and Parties with Lecturers

Elizaveta is impressed by the close connection between students and lecturers. “In Russia, professors and students live in completely different universes”, she says. She enjoyed the meals, barbeques and parties they shared. “Even if you have problems not related to studies. I cannot even count how many times they helped me with something.”

After her graduation Elizaveta went back to Russia and has worked with robotic systems ever since. But her education career is not over yet: she is now thinking about earning a PhD degree.

Elizaveta reflects on her experience: “I wanted to go to a different country to broaden my mind, and that is what I have done. I am really proud of it and I am glad to have had this experience.”

By Anna Tipping