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

Brassat, Katharina
Dr Katharina Brassat
Katharina Brassat works in the field of technical innovations and is currently training to be a patent attorney in Munich. She completed her doctoral degree in Nanotechnology at Paderborn University in 2018.
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
Weber, Lena-Farbe
Dr Lena Weber
Lena Weber is Team Lead at the Centre of Excellence Women and Science (CEWS) at the Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences in Cologne and, as a doctoral student, post-doc, interim professor and subject spokesperson, helped shape the Department of Sociology at Paderborn University for over 10 years.
Read interview
Sigrid Blömeke
Professor Sigrid Blömeke
Sigrid Blömeke is Director of the Centre for Educational Measurement (CEMO) at the University of Oslo. Between 1985 and 2001, she completed her degree, doctoral degree and habilitation at Paderborn University.
Read interview
Hartmann, Doreen
Dr Doreen Hartmann
Doreen Hartmann is Head of Exhibitions at the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden (DHMD). Prior to this, she worked as a curator at the Heinz Nixdorf Forum (HNF) in Paderborn. Her interdisciplinary positioning between media, literature, computer science and art has opened a wealth of doors for her.
Read interview