The FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences has appointed Dr. Shanshan Gu-Stoppel as an honorary professor. The renowned researcher from Fraunhofer ISIT will contribute her expertise to the Master's degree program "Microelectronic Systems" in particular.

Dr. Gu-Stoppel is Group Leader Optical Microsystems at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology in Itzehoe. Together with her team, she develops highly specialized scanners that are used for laser projections, in optical telecommunications or in material processing with high laser power. These systems are then used in the automotive or biomedical sectors, for example.

The internationally renowned scientist has also been working for the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences since 2020. As a lecturer, she teaches in lectures on microtechnology and microsystem design and also supervises students in their final theses. Dr. Gu-Stoppel attaches particular importance to involving students in real research and development tasks wherever possible in order to teach the subject matter as realistically as possible.

Prof. Dr. Anja Wollesen, President of the FH Westküste:

"Fraunhofer ISIT and the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences have already been working together very closely and constructively for many years. I am very pleased that this cooperation is now also reflected in the appointment of Dr. Gu-Stoppel. Her outstanding scientific expertise combined with the very specific practical application relevance makes her a great asset for our university and especially for our students."

Dr. Gu-Stoppel is also looking forward to the new task with great joy and motivation:

"This appointment is a very nice recognition of my work at ISIT and the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences. I'm particularly looking forward to continuing to work so closely with the students - it's great when young people are so enthusiastic about scientific and technical topics. The exchange with them is also inspiring and enriching for me. And I feel that the opportunity to accompany them on their path and help shape their future to a certain extent is something very valuable."

Prof. Dr. Holger Kapels, Director of Fraunhofer ISIT, adds: "I am delighted that Dr. Gu-Stoppel has been appointed to the honorary professorship in microtechnology and congratulate her warmly. With her expertise and her commitment to teaching microtechnology and MEMS, she is making a major contribution to inspiring young talent for microsystems technology and thus strengthening the cooperation between Fraunhofer ISIT and the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences." 

An honorary professorship is awarded on the recommendation of a department by the President with the approval of the Senate. This is possible for people who work full-time outside the university and whose academic achievements meet the requirements for professors. In addition, the person must be willing to teach at the university in their subject area. Once awarded, the person may use the title "Professor".