From a very early age, I was fascinated by the fact that a single cake is created from individual ingredients. Later, through craft projects at home and, of course, great math and physics teachers at school.
Your organization field and mission
Microelectronics, The FMD pools its resources across the entire value chain of micro- and nanoelectronics to maintain technological sovereignty in Europe and to strengthen Germany’s competitiveness as a business location. FMD enables comprehensive and easy access to new micro- and nanoelectronics applications at different levels of technical maturity and offers complete solutions from a single source.
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:
I’m an Innovation manager focusing on startups. I coordinate two programs for startups and SMEs in the field of green ICT and neuromorphic and quantum computing, which can apply to us to have feasibility studies and even prototype developments carried out.
Your interest in STEM
My first role model was the mother of one of my sister’s school friends. She worked at a research institute and got me an internship while I was still at school.
Your studies
Getting through the first few semesters of materials science was the hardest part. As soon as the courses became more subject- specific, I found it easier to learn. Some professors lectured in a monotonous way and could not explain the material easily to students, which made it difficult to understand the content.
Be clear about what you want to do after your studies. Don’t be afraid to talk to women who are already working where you want to go. I am sure they will be happy to share their most important experiences from their professional careers with you.
You at work
Fraunhofer TALENTA is a program for all female university graduates who want to start their career in applied research with Fraunhofer.
Fraunhofer also offers an equal opportunities support program for all institutes.
I am most proud of having chosen jobs where I could develop my strengths, gain new skills and enjoy my work. I am currently delighted to be able to support so many research groups, start-ups and SMEs with their developments.
Don’t let others make you feel insecure. You know best what you want and how you want to shape your life.
Your point of view
Technology empowers everyone. It’s no longer just about strength, it’s about knowledge and intelligence and how you use them: Working hours are becoming more flexible, different life models are easier to realize.
Microelectronics is a broad field – people with different backgrounds work here. No matter what you enjoy most, you can help lead microelectronics into a new era. Be it making it more ecologically sustainable or advancing quantum computing.
Women are more strongly represented at management level. Work-life balance is respected and implemented for everyone.
To finish with
Sincerity, kindness, open- mindedness.
Expanding my knowledge in project management, finding a work-life-balance.
I will be a group leader and will continue to work not in research, but for research.