In conversation with Melissa Horchemer
The WISTA project manager wants to show young people career and academic opportunities in the natural sciences
Coming from a non-academic family living in a socially disadvantaged area of Duisburg, Melissa Horchemer was far from predestined for a career in the STEM sector. Yet, this background didn’t hold her back—it inspired her to pursue a degree in biology. She found scientific thinking and experimentation fascinating and was determined to create an impact through her work. At the Institute of Neuroanatomy of Berlin’s Charité University Hospital, Melissa, who is also passionate about art and film, started a video production company while working on her BA. She is currently working at WISTA Management GmbH, inspiring school students to consider careers in the natural sciences.
Adlershof Journal: What exactly does your work and the ‘STE(A)M Learning Ecologies (SLE)’ project involve?
Melissa Horchemer: The project name may sound a bit tedious, which is why I prefer to describe it as creating extracurricular STEM learning environments. I’ve been working on this since early 2023, as part of an EU-funded initiative at WISTA, in collaboration with Lisa Bering from the proMINT-Kolleg at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. From my own experience, I know how crucial it is to support young talent and open up career and academic opportunities regardless of social background. Our goal is to encourage students and show them that success is not determined by their starting conditions.
What might such a learning environment look like?
We build on existing resources and networks within the Technology Park, such as school labs and our WISTA Academy, but we also take students to research institutes and companies, giving them an inside look into the laboratories and production facilities. There, we can spark enthusiasm through hands-on experiences and provide career counselling. We are happy about any additional dedicated partner who wants to introduce young people to the world of STEM professions.
What events have you organised so far?
In October 2024, we hosted a STEM experience day for ninth-grade students from Berlin’s Archenhold Gymnasium. Working together with the Federal Employment Agency, the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (FBH), and the High Technology Education & Training Network (ANH Berlin), we showcased the people behind the innovations shaping our future. The event started with a tour of the campus, followed by insights into the career journey of a female employee at HPS Home Power Solutions AG. The highlight was a workshop at Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, where students got a hands-on introduction to the profession of microtechnologist.
Was there another event last summer?
Yes, our first STEM Summer School in 2024 was titled ‘From Your Own Research Idea to a Product.’ Over three days, students aged 11 to 16 gained the essential knowledge for founding a business in the STEM sector. With guidance from the head of WISTA’s start-up centres, they participated in PR and marketing workshops and received advice on issues like funding and price calculation from the experts at Berliner Sparkasse. There was more on the agenda: idea development, design thinking, prototyping, and presentation techniques for successful pitches. At the end, participants presented their ideas to a ‘real-life’ entrepreneur, Nikolas Hahne of Quantune Technologies GmbH.
What was the response from the students like?
It was wonderful. It was especially rewarding to see the students’ personal growth and learning success. Watching them confidently present their ideas and inspire others with their enthusiasm was incredible. These are experiences that will stay with them long after their time at school. Our experience days not only pique curiosity but also create genuine opportunities. We see how impactful role models can be for students.
What are the next steps for the project?
We are looking to further expand our network, for example, through the Education X Business initiative of IHK Berlin, Berlin’s Chamber of Commerce, continue developing sustainable formats on campus, and solidify the long-term success of the existing ones.
Peggy Mory for Adlershof Journal