Valentino Bizuga is halfway through his internship at Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM. For four weeks, the high school graduate can experience the professional world of mathematicians and gain first insights into research. We used this occasion and our student assistant Antoinette Duus from the team »Communication« interviewed the 19-year-old.
From an early age, he had a particular interest in mathematics and physics – an enthusiasm that continued to develop throughout his school years. Today, Valentino Bizuga is a determined young man who is very passionate about the world of science.
In March 2023, the 19-year-old graduated at the top of his class at Landstuhl's Sickingen Gymnasium with the highest grade 1.0. He even received several awards for his achievements, including the prize of the German Mathematics Association, » that was a crowning conclusion to my school career.« His favorite subjects included physics and mathematics. »Physics stood out for me above all because I enjoyed it enormously. I also always found physical connections very interesting and important what holds the world together inside, what is generally behind it.« The close connection to mathematics is also a plus in his opinion. So it's no surprise that Valentino will begin studying physics with a minor in mathematics at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) in the winter semester of 2023.
After graduating from high school, he first wanted to work at a research institute to get a deeper insight into the profession. Thus, the Fraunhofer ITWM with its relation to mathematics and physics was particularly appealing to him. At present, the curious young man is completing a four-week internship in the department »Transport Processes«. His tasks are very versatile. They consist of research on the topic of »needling of nonwovens«, reproducing existing results, expanding models and much more. The 19-year-old emphasizes: »the internship is really fun especially the independent and free work is nice«. He is also motivated to finally apply what he has learned at school and, of course, to gain a lot of new knowledge.
But if you think STEM subjects are the 19-year-old's only focus, you're mistaken. It's important to him to have time for family, friends and hobbies. For example, he trains four times a week in Gardetanz (a german carnival dance), a sport he got to know and love through his older sister. Traveling is also one of his top priorities. Right after graduating from high school, he went skiing and then off to Paris. He also has a lot planned for the near future. In June, for example, he's going to a music festival.
Valentino wants to encourage other young people to pursue a career in a STEM subject. He emphasizes: »definitely beneficial, whether in research or business«. He also points out that, at least as he was able to get to know the research work, the atmosphere, especially at Fraunhofer ITWM, is very pleasant and allows for a good work-life balance. Therefore, he can very well imagine coming back for another internship or a Hiwi position during his studies. We would definitely be excited!
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM