Innovate and Inspire: NETZSCH Women in Science

February 11^th is The International Day of Women & Girls in Science. It is a global movement to inspire girls and women to join the innovative world of science and engineering. (Source: https://www.womeninscienceday.org)

NETZSCH is striving to break down the stereotypical barriers that in the past may have made women hesitate before entering the exciting world of science. Our company culture reveals opportunities through experience and recognizes that achievements and rewards are greatly enriched by gender inclusivity.
NETZSCH is supporting, encouraging and empowering all of our employees to grow and self-develop. In doing so, we also strive to bring dedicated innovation and momentum to the world of materials, passionately creating and helping the planet to be a better place.

To give you a little insight of our NETZSCH women working in the field of science, we prepared a video for you. We will publish the video on Friday 11^th – the International Day of Women & Girls in Science. Stay tuned!

We asked our female employees working in science, why they have chosen to study their field of science and what they love the most about working in science at NETZSCH.

Alexandra Kauer has a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Since February 2021, Alexandra is one of our Electronics Design Engineers at NETZSCH Analyzing & Testing:

Alexandra, why did you choose to study your field of science?“I was very curious as a child. I wanted to understand how devices work. In addition, I was good in mathematics and physics at school. Therefore, I thought becoming an engineer would be the perfect job for me. My uncle also studied electrical engineering. He is my role model, therefore, I decided to study the same“.

Why did you choose to work at NETZSCH?
“After studying in Munich, I wanted to return to my hometown. I explored the companies in my region that would be suitable for my expertise. NETZSCH is a well-known employer and had an open position, which matched perfectly to my interests. After the first job interview, I was very impressed by the opportunities. Therefore, I knew I wanted to work at NETZSCH and fortunately, I got the job.”

What are you responsible for at NETZSCH?
“I work in the Research and Development department within Electronics Development. I have only been a part of this team for around one year and I am still learning many things. My current responsibilities include the automation of control parameters for our furnaces. In the future, I will support the team in adapting and improving our hardware and firmware in different projects.”

What do you love most about working in science and NETZSCH?
“I love the opportunity to try new things and implement my ideas. Sometimes, they do not work or I make mistakes. That can be frustrating, too. However, there is no better feeling, when one of my solutions is a success resulting in an improvement for the project.”

Dr. Elisabeth Kapsch studied Mineralogy & Crystallography. She has been working at NETZSCH since 1994:

Initially responsible for a sales area in Germany, Elisabeth subsequently moved to the applications laboratory becoming a Product Manager for FT-IR coupling to thermal analyzers. This was followed by over 7 years in Brazil, where the South American market was developed for the Analyzing and Testing business unit. She then moved to sales and sales support in the USA. Today, Elisabeth works as Head of Applications and Services and is responsible for Strategic Customer Engagement with Marketing and Content Services, Applications Laboratories, Customer Training and Learning Management.

Elisabeth, why did you choose your field of science and why did you choose working at NETZSCH?
“The main point to study mineralogy & crystallography was the coverage of a wide range of natural sciences from geology to mineralogy, crystallography, chemistry and physics. NETZSCH is a family-owned and yet internationally operating company with many opportunities – especially if you join the company directly after your studies.

What do you love most about your job?
“Versatility – every day is different from the next. So many exciting applications, customers, and projects that take you on a journey from seemingly simple plastic bottles to spaceship heat shields. In addition, I have the opportunity to gain insights into the most diverse areas of the company, across all group divisions.

Do you have any tips for us?
“When it gets bumpy, don’t get out, buckle up!”

Doreen Rapp joined NETZSCH in June 2008. She studied geology and works as an Application Specialist for our Dilatometer (DIL) and Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) systems, supporting customers and sales from our application laboratory.

Doreen, why did you choose your field of science and why did you choose to work at NETZSCH?
“I was always interested in earthquakes and plate tectonics. That’s why I studied geology. During my studies, I recognized that I would like to work in a lab. After graduating, I worked in the research center in Karlsruhe (now part of the KIT) which had a STA instrument from NETZSCH with MS and FT-IR coupling. We were really satisfied with the device and the support from NETZSCH. One day, I saw a laboratory job opportunity on the NETZSCH website. I applied and was very happy to be offered this job.”

What do you love most about working in science and NETZSCH?
“I love the variety of my job. I work in the lab, I am in contact with customers, I take part in development processes on the devices I am working on (DIL, TMA). I also gave trainings on DIL/TMA at customer site in different countries.”

Thank you ladies for these interesting insights!

Are you interested in being part of the NETZSCH Analyzing & Testing Team. Please find here our job vacancies. We are looking forward to growing our team!

For more information about NETZSCH Analyzing & Testing watch our introduction video on YouTube or have a look at our website. NETZSCH. Proven Excellence.