On July 11, the Mainz University of Applied Sciences University Council Award—which recognizes outstanding academic achievement—was presented for the tenth time. The prize, worth 2,000 euros, was split this year and awarded in equal parts to Yannik Braun for his bachelor’s thesis “Model Experiment to Illustrate Failure Patterns Under Active and Passive Earth Pressure” (Civil Engineering program, advisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Kluge) and to Olivia Nigl for her bachelor’s thesis “I Wonder – A Film About Dyslexia” (Communication Design program, advisors: Prof. Katja Davar and Prof. Olaf Hirschberg).
Practical Experimental Setup
In his thesis, which received a grade of 1.0, Yannik Braun designed an experimental setup to illustrate failure patterns in soil that can be used for practical demonstration purposes in teaching.
All structures that come into lateral contact with the ground are subjected to pressure from that ground, known as earth pressure. Depending on the direction of the structure’s movement—away from the ground or toward it—this is referred to as active or passive earth pressure, respectively. Deformation in the soil creates a failure pattern in the ground; the resulting earth pressure acting on the structure can be calculated based on the shape and size of this pattern. Since this failure process occurs within the soil—that is, below ground level—the failure pattern is normally not visible. In the apparatus designed by Yannick Braun, the experiments are conducted by alternately filling the apparatus with layers of light- and dark-colored sand and then shifting or rotating the walls that border the soil on the sides. The fractures then become visible as the differently colored layers of sand shift relative to one another. Such patterns occur to a greater or lesser extent behind every retaining wall in areas with changes in ground level, though they are not visible. Thus, the experimental apparatus represents a cross-section through the terrain and enables the visualization of fundamental processes within the soil.
The thesis, which also includes a thorough explanation of the theoretical foundations, is supplemented by detailed instructions for conducting the experiments independently, as well as two instructional videos that have been used in classes at Mainz University of Applied Sciences since the 2018–19 winter semester.
“Yannick Braun has written a thesis that, on the one hand, features a wonderfully crafted product that can be used in the future, and on the other hand, presents results obtained through experimental techniques and compares them with results derivable from theory—a task he accomplished in an extremely interesting and well-reasoned manner,” said Prof. Dr.-Ing. Katharina Kluge, who supervised the thesis.
During his studies, Yannick Braun was also actively involved in university life. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree, he was an active member of the Civil Engineering Student Council. Prior to that, as a student assistant, he had already developed practice exercises and a guide to help students learn how to use geotechnical calculation software.
Commitment to People with Dyslexia
Olivia Nigl’s film “I Wonder” addresses an issue that affects approximately 10 percent of the world’s population. The 17-minute short film is about a gifted young woman who, due to her dyslexia, but is also constantly confronted with her struggle; yet, through her openness, she manages to come to terms with herself and her situation.
“Dyslexia is a serious disorder affecting the acquisition of reading and/or spelling skills, rooted in specific characteristics of brain function. But this impairment cannot be described in such simple terms,” explains Olivia Nigl about her film. “Dyslexia is multifaceted and profound, and the psychological response to this impairment must not be underestimated. Although society’s perception of dyslexia has changed over time, it still does not reflect the current state of research on the subject. It is also a problem that schools do not respond appropriately or, due to a lack of staff and expertise, are unable to respond. To bring about change, the issue of dyslexia must first be recognized more fully as such. The film “I Wonder” addresses the emotional side of specific learning disabilities and, through a strong main character, succeeds not only in establishing a personal connection to the topic but also in generating awareness of this issue, in the hope of fostering greater acceptance and understanding in society.”
While developing the material for the screenplay, the young director held many conversations with people affected by dyslexia, therapists, and other experts. In a subsequent step, she launched a call on social media for people to share their experiences with dyslexia. A key feature of the film is that it portrays real-life stories of people with dyslexia.
The project was realized over eight days of filming with the support of the Federal Association for Dyslexia and Dyscalculia (BVL). The film was co-produced by Spektrumfilm and additionally funded by the Rhineland-Palatinate Film + Media Young Talent Promotion Program. It was subsequently released through the BVL, which has a large network. “I hope that my film can reach a wide audience as a result,” said the award winner, who was involved in public relations work for the AStA during her studies. “I think there is a lot to say and a lot to do, because those affected must get involved so that change can happen.”
The University Council established the award in 2009. Prof. Dr. Gerhard Muth, President of Mainz University of Applied Sciences, emphasized at the award ceremony: “The award is a special honor for students and graduates. For with it, our university honors not only outstanding academic achievements but also the recipients’ broader social and higher-education advocacy. We are pleased to once again recognize two pioneering projects with this year’s award, each of which, in its own way, holds great potential.”
