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

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.
Purnaprajna, Madhura
Professor Madhura Purnaprajna
Madhura Purnaprajna is a Professor in Electronics Engineering at the People´s Education Society (PES) University, Bangalore/India. She completed her doctorate on “Run-time reconfigurable multiprocessors” in Paderborn University’s Department of Electrical Engineering in 2009.
Gefele, Katharina
Dr Katharina Gefele
Katharina Gefele studied at Paderborn University, where she also completed her doctoral degree. She currently works as a deputy project manager at the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK).
Weiß-Borkowski, Nathalie-Farbe
Professor Nathalie Weiß-Borkowski
Nathalie Weiß-Borkowski is currently Professor of Materials Engineering at South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences. She did her doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at Paderborn University on “Analysis of the deformation behaviour of transition zones of partially press-hardened structures”.
Flaßkamp, Kathrin
Professor Kathrin Flaßkamp
Kathrin Flaßkamp is Professor of Modelling and Simulation of Technical Systems at Saarland University. She is a Paderborn University alumna, having studied Engineering Mathematics and completing her doctoral degree here in 2013.