From a Degree in Mechanical Engineering to International Research

Clarissa Becker, Research Assistant and Ph.D. Candidate in the Field of Fiber-Reinforced Composite 3D Printing

My master’s program further deepened my enthusiasm for lightweight construction and additive manufacturing and paved the way for me to pursue international research.

Today, Clarissa Becker works as a research assistant on an international research project at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and is pursuing her Ph.D. in the field of 3D printing of continuous-fiber composite materials. Her master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering–Lightweight Construction provided the decisive impetus for this path.

Even as a child, she wanted to understand how technical products are created and how they work. After completing a dual-track bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in Germany, she gained her first professional experience as a design engineer. At the same time, she discovered her passion for sharing knowledge and guiding others in their learning.

For her master’s program, she specifically sought out a specialization in lightweight construction and materials. At CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, she found exactly that: modern lightweight construction materials, innovative design methods, and additive manufacturing. She was particularly impressed by the combination of research, practical experience, and personalized guidance.

In addition to the academic content, she particularly remembers the university’s international environment. Students from different countries, shared activities, and exchanges across cultural boundaries made her time as a student a special experience.

With her master’s thesis on the 3D printing of continuous-fiber composite materials, Clarissa laid the foundation for her current research work. As part of an international collaboration project with a French university, she is further developing innovative manufacturing technologies and working on her dissertation.

Looking back, she describes her studies as academically challenging and personally enriching: “The support I received at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences helped me to consistently pursue my own path and turn my passion for research into a career.”