Pranjal from IIT Bombay, India spent two months at the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines and Fuel Cells
Personal & Academic Background
My name is Pranjal, and I am currently pursuing Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay. I chose to apply for a summer internship at TU Braunschweig because of Germany’s rich cultural heritage and the country’s welcoming attitude towards international students. I was also excited to gain technical exposure, experience a new culture, and hopefully make a small impact through my work.
Project & Research Experience
I am working at the NFF, particularly in the field of fuel cells. My project is focused on Online Fault Diagnosis in Fuel Cells Using Impedance Spectra.
So far, my main tasks have involved developing algorithms for real-time diagnosis using impedance data. One fascinating part of the work has been exploring self-learning mechanisms and combining traditional ML models with online learning frameworks like River. This fusion approach opens up exciting possibilities for real-time, adaptive diagnostics.
Support & Collaboration
The application and arrival process - including housing, the International House, and city registration - was very smooth for us, thanks to the extremely helpful and responsive coordinators.
I’ve learned a lot from everyone here, but my biggest supporters have been my supervisors, Sunil and Pankaj. Sunil taught me valuable people skills, while Pankaj helped me build a strong understanding of machine learning during our group meetings.
Living in Braunschweig
I’m living at Rebenring 63, which I like because it's close to the TU Braunschweig main campus and the city centre. A lot of international students live here too, so it’s easy to meet new people from around the world.
The public transport in Braunschweig is convenient and efficient. The city itself has the perfect balance - neither too hectic nor too quiet - and that’s something I really appreciate.
Challenges & Learning
The biggest challenge for me was settling in and understanding the local norms, especially since I didn’t know much German initially. But over time, I realized that asking colleagues or even locals for help made everything much easier. The key is not being afraid to ask.
What surprised me most about working in a German research environment is the emphasis on work-life balance. People here maintain good mental health, enjoy flexible working hours, and deliver high-quality work. The investment in research is also very impressive.
Impact & Future Plans
This internship has given me a clearer picture of what research involves—how to communicate results effectively, how to ask the right questions, and how to work independently. It has certainly influenced my academic and career goals in a positive way.
I would definitely consider coming back to TU Braunschweig for further studies or work. The work culture, student-friendly environment, and opportunities here are excellent.
Tips & Shout-Outs
My advice to the next group of interns would be: don’t hesitate to ask questions, talk to people, and make connections. It will make your experience richer and more meaningful.
A big thanks to everyone who made my stay special—Prof. Michael, who made us feel at home and was always open to feedback; my supervisors, Sunil and Pankaj; and my colleagues, Guang, Nadine, Ines, Bhav, Johann, Lenart, and everyone else who supported me along the way.
Fun Fact
I'm part of my institute's Racing Team, but ironically, I don't follow Formula 1