Report on the exchange at the University of California, Irvine (1 November 2024 - 28 February 2025, Lars Kufferath-Sieberin)

July 23, 2025

I had the opportunity to write my Master's thesis as part of the ERASMUS+ program organized by Prof. Mehring at UC Irvine (photo 1 and 2) in Southern California - one of the most exciting times of my life! In cooperation with the Combustion Laboratory (UCICL) under Prof. Vincent McDonell, I investigated atomization phenomena in more detail. The close exchange with two professors helped me to complete a successful project.

My workplace was in the office of the graduate students (photo 3), almost all of whom were working on their PhD. Together we had lunch breaks in the best weather, excursions to surrounding cities (Los Angeles, photo 4; San Diego, photo 5) and national parks (photos 6 and 7). Whether skiing in the Mammoth Mountains or surfing in Newport Beach: California has everything to offer! We also competed as a volleyball team in the student league: The Anteater Recreation Center is a large university sports complex with just about every sport you can imagine. Even in winter, the weather is sunny almost every day at a pleasant 20-25°C. My bike ride to work was along the Back Bay - sea air every day to clear my head.

After an intensive work phase, I had the opportunity to get to better know the natural beauty of the USA on a month-long road trip. The country has so much to offer and immersing yourself in the American way of life is a great way to grow as a person. I can recommend everyone to apply and have an unforgettable time!

Lars Kufferath-Sieberin

Photo 1: Campus driveway in the evening sun
Photo 2: UCI Campus

Video 1: University volleyball at professional level in the UCI arena.

00:16
Photo 3: Monthly exchange at the pub

Video 2: Daily work route along the “Back Bay” with very good cycling infrastructure.

00:21
Photo 4: Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles
Photo 5: Sunset in San Diego
Photo 6: Grand Canyon South Rim
Photo 7: Bryce Canyon

Video 3: Newport Beach as proof of the advertisement “Best College for Beach lovers”, only ten minutes by car from campus.

00:08
Attachments
To the top of the page