Back to the Hall of Femmes

Hall of Femmes

Raphael, Sabine

A moment with... Dr Sabine Raphael

“My career path has taken some interesting turns: After a degree in Engineering at Ilmenau University of Technology, I went on to do a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at Paderborn University. I then worked in two post-doc positions in neuroscience, and have now found my vocation as a data scientist.”

(1) What I love about my current job is...
...analysing large amounts of data and working on neural networks and machine learning algorithms to achieve the best possible results.

(2) My current job suits me perfectly because...
...I love to think through and analyse analytical questions in detail.

(3) One of the highlights of my career so far has been...
...working with and discussions with leading scientists in my research field.

(4) When I look back on my career so far, I’d say that what has particularly shaped me has been...
...The periods I’ve spent working in various research institutions in Germany and abroad
...The friendships I’ve made and discussions I’ve had with researchers from all over the world
...Having to repeatedly think outside the box and leave my comfort zone

(5) People and career paths of others that encouraged me to take up my profession are…
...those who mentored me and believed in me and my abilities.

(6) I’d advise any young women wishing to pursue a career similar to mine to...
...be brave and try different things. I’d also advise them to not constantly compare themselves with others or worry about their weaknesses, but to recognise their strengths and be proud of them.

(7) I decided to do a doctorate at Paderborn University because...
...the partnership between Paderborn University and Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. enabled me to pursue a doctoral degree both at the university and in industry. In addition, as a Hella Fellow, I received a doctoral scholarship that enabled me to focus on my research work.

(8) I associate my time at Paderborn University with...
...Lunch in the cafeteria (especially the delicious curd dessert)
...The Libori festival in the city
...The Paderborn University Drama Group “Studiobühne”
...Advanced training courses in University Didactics

Also worth seeing

Professor Andrea Luke
Andrea Luke is Chair of Technical Thermodynamics in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kassel. Her research focuses on energy-efficient transport processes in multiphase systems in regular collaboration with Paderborn University, where she completed her doctorate on “Heat transfer during boiling” and habilitated in technical thermodynamics.
Read interview
Flagmeier, Vanessa
Junior Professor Vanessa Flagmeier
Vanessa Flagmeier is Junior Professor of Accounting at the University of Passau and obtained her doctoral degree on the topic of “Financial statements’ tax disclosure” from Paderborn University in 2017.
Read interview
Dilger, Bernadette
Professor Bernadette Dilger
Bernadette Dilger is Professor of Business Education at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland. She completed her doctoral degree on “The self-reflective learner” at Paderborn University in 2007. Her research focuses on impact-oriented business didactics.
Read interview
Padberg-Gehle
Professor Kathrin Padberg-Gehle
Kathrin Padberg-Gehle is Professor of Applied Mathematics at Leuphana University Lüneburg. She completed a degree and also a doctoral degree as well as worked as a research assistant in Paderborn between 1995 and 2007.
Read interview
Eller, Elke
Dr Elke Eller
Elke Eller completed her doctoral degree at Paderborn University in 2014. She is a supervisory board member, investor and coach, specialising in the transformation of organisations and the role of people in these processes.
Read interview