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Hall of Femmes

Tünnermann, Maike

A moment with...
Dr Maike Tünnermann

“I’m a 34-year-old chemist and mother of two and work as a project manager. Before studying at Paderborn University, I trained as a chemical lab technician. I completed my doctoral degree in Inorganic Chemistry as a German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) scholarship holder.”

(1) What I love about my current job is...
...the wide variety of the many different projects I’m involved in and the link to environmentally relevant issues.

(2) One of the highlights of my career so far has been...
...successfully completing my doctorate very soon before the birth of my son.

(3) When I look back on my career so far, I’d say that what has particularly shaped me has been...
...being able to work independently and take responsibility for my own work while doing my doctorate and the many great people I met during my time at Paderborn University.

(4) I believe that female role models are important in university and professional life today because...
...many stereotypes are still unwittingly more present than we care to admit, and female role models show just how diverse the options are for women and their potential in the world of work.

(5) I’d advise any young women wishing to pursue a career similar to mine to...
...go for it and not doubt yourself.

(6) I personally benefited from the equal opportunity measures in place at Paderborn University when I...
...was a student assistant on the university’s “Einblick!” (insights) peer mentoring programme. It was inspiring to meet so many different women on the programme who ultimately all had the same goal.

(7) I associate my time at Paderborn University with...
...the many friendships made that have lasted beyond university, as well as a lot of fun doing my research.

(8) For the next 50 years, I wish Paderborn University...
...to continue to develop in the same way as it has done over the past 50 years: with inquisitive researchers and students with a keen desire to learn and do research.

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