Meet two of our Erasmus students Sandra Recklies and Anne Klemm
Sandra: I am a Master student from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and I’ve been visiting Oslo within the Erasmus program for one semester. Since my study programme includes a mandatory lab project, I decided to combine my stay in Oslo with a research project at the Department of Biomaterials, especially because of the cooperation with my group at the Institute of Biomaterials in Erlangen.
Anne: I’m an international student from University of Hannover, Germany. I’ll be staying for six month at the Department of Biomaterials for writing my master thesis “Investigation of ionic strength and powder properties on aqueous anatase TiO2 slurries”. I worked as a student assistant at the Institute of Production Engineering and Machine Tools in Hannover for five years. There I learned a lot about five axis milling of TiAl6V4 samples, in particular engine blades and artificial hip cups. During my master study “biomedical engineering” at the Institute for Multiphase Processes I focused my interest on implants which are in contact with bone. At the Department of Biomaterials I get the chance of combining my interests in producing implants and improve my knowledge about the bone-to-implant biointerface.
What have they learned in Oslo?
Sandra: My project has focused on the improvement of ceramic scaffolds to obtain the photocatalytic properties of TiO2. I did degradation tests using an organic dye and determined the influence of the scaffolds on the formation of a biofilm. At the Department of Biomaterials, I found a well-equipped laboratory with much collaboration in different fields of research all over UiO as well as other Scandinavian institutes. I also met a great team of international researchers who were keen to share their knowledge. Therefore, I have been able to extend my knowledge biomaterials and the interaction between organic tissue and bodyfluids with artificial scaffolds and implant materials. I also got insight into the practical requirements on the scaffolds as stated by dentists and those working with the implants.
Anne: My research work focuses on the investigation of the effect of ionic strength and chemical surface properties of TiO2 slurry behavior. Through my work it will be possible to reduce the production time of preparing TiO2 slurries for bone scaffolds. I would recommend the Department of Biomaterials to everyone who is interested in improving knowledge and skills in biomaterials. Furthermore to everyone who wants to work in an excellent work group which supported and supports me so much during my time here. You will meet very friendly people here from all over the world. Additionally to the excellent team, it is a very pleasant and kind work atmosphere in the lab.
