DAAD Program RISE: SFB 1313 offers five internships to international undergraduate students

June 20, 2025 /

Group picture of the RISE student group on the campus Vaihingen of the University of Stuttgart.

About the fellows

Originally from Iran, Peyman Ramezanpour is studying Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Manchester, UK. His research interests span applied mathematics, mathematical modelling, artificial intelligence, and theoretical computer science. He has also worked on imaging technology projects in healthcare and disease diagnosis. During his stay at Stuttgart, he will be working on the project “Amortized Bayesian Model Comparison with Polynomial Chaos Expansions,” supervised by Rebecca Kohlhaas and Prof. Bernd Flemisch.
(SFB 1313 research project D03)

Aya Tessier is a Bachelor of Science student studying physics and mathematics at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. Her role within SFB 1313 is analyzing the benefits of various matrix preconditions used to more efficiently solve models of fluid flow through fractures in porous material. Aya's previous research for her Bachelor's thesis involved using numerical methods to extend theoretical models of neutrino mass generation. She also has a first-author publication in Icarus on her early work with Carleton's International Venus Research Group about mapping and developing a history of volcanism associated with Heng-o Corona on Venus. Outside of her research she is a dedicated teaching assistant in the Department of Mathematics, the Marketing Officer for the CU Physics Society, and President of the Carleton Ravens Quadball team (and currently playing quadball with the Stuttgart Smoking-Thestrals while in Germany). Aya hopes to return to Germany for a masters/doctorate in astrophysics, before going on to teach at a university level.
(SFB 1313 research project A03)

My name is Daniel Spraker and I live in the United States in a small town located in Southern Virginia. I study physics and renewable engineering at George Mason University located in Northern Virginia. My research interests include renewable structural engineering and renewable energy sytems which is what I plan on pusing after I finish my bachealors. My research at the SFB 1313 involves surface fracture analysis of sandstone mediums to quantify the roughness and mechanical behavior of the fracture. The motivation for this kind of research is backed by geo-physical and geo-engineering projects. I am very excited to be working at the University of Stuttgart as it will provided valuable insight into pursing a masters program in Germany.
(SFB 1313 research project B05)

Dalia Luckhardt studies Biological Sciences and Geology at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, and she is interested in how subsurface fluid dynamics shape the resilience and function of vulnerable coastal environments. Currently, she is experimenting with the preferential flow pathways of wetting and non-wetting fluids through porous media.
(SFB 1313 research project Z02)

Kiana Ahmari is a third-year student at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, USA. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Chemical Engineering and Mathematics. Her research interests include Environmental Engineering and Environmental Microbiology.
(SFB 1313 research project C04)

About RISE Germany

The DAAD RISE (Research Internships ins Science and Engineering) programme is a highly regarded initiative that offers undergraduate students from North America, the UK and Ireland the opportunity to take part in fully funded summer research internships at leading German universities and research institutions. What makes RISE especially attractive is that participants gain hands-on research experience in various STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, mathematics – while being mentored by doctoral students or experienced researchers in their host institutions.

In addition to its academic strength, RISE promotes cultural exchange and international networking, allowing students to immerse themselves in German life ad build global professional connections.

  • Hands-on research experience in STEM fields
  • Mentorship by PhD students or researchers
  • Funding provided by the DAAD
  • Cultural exchange and international networking opportunities

It’s an excellent chance to build academic and intercultural skills, explore Germany, and gain valuable insights into global research environments.

RISE Germany

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