Hall of Femmes

(1) What I love about my current job is...
...the on-going work on scientific and societal issues that improve consumer protection and food safety. As a scientist, I have free rein here when it comes to shaping co-operations, projects and issues.

(2) One of the highlights of my career so far has been...
...my appointment to the international committee for establishing maximum levels of contaminants in foodstuffs. Working internationally on a consensus basis has taught me a lot: There are so many different perspectives on what seems to be a simple subject.

(3) When I look back on my career so far, I’d say that what has particularly shaped me has been...
...scholarships that have enabled me to follow my path without having to be financially dependent on my family. This freedom had a huge impact on me, and ultimately enabled me to grow, both personally and professionally.

(4) I believe that female role models are important in university and professional life today because...
...we still don’t have equal participation. We need other approaches, now more than ever, to meet the global challenges. Women can do more and participate with different ideas!

(5) I’d advise any young women wishing to pursue a career similar to mine to...
...take advantage of every opportunity that comes up, even if it seems difficult – there’s always a way... And follow your heart: Deep down, we all know what’s good for us and what inhibits us. We should let this guide us and constantly recalibrate ourselves.

(6) I associate my time at Paderborn University with...
...first-rate, interesting training as a chemical lab technician and chemist and subsequently successfully balancing my family with three children with doing my doctorate – this was possible thanks to the support of my partner, neighbours, family, professor, working group and the university's degree completion grant. My sincerest thanks to each and every one of them for all their help and support and their belief in me.

(7) For the next 50 years, I wish Paderborn University...
...to go further than the mainstream and create a variety of opportunities for the diverse training needs and goals of students and trainees. And: to create the freedom and space to bring potentials to unfold.