What is your job at TU Dresden? 
I manage the Railway Operation Laboratory, which is a unique replica of a railway network with real and simulated signal boxes reduced to an H0 model scale. All of our traffic and transport science students learn about the interactions between the infrastructure, vehicles and individuals involved in rail operations through practical exercises.

During the last winter semester alone, my team and I organized and ran almost 50 three-hour seminars and exercises. In addition to managing the laboratory, I hold lectures on the organization and operation of public transport. I am particularly pleased that we can show off our lab as the token of our Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences through events and guided tours.

What has been your biggest professional challenge at TU Dresden so far and how did you overcome it? 
This was undoubtedly my assuming the managerial role at the Railway Operation Laboratory at the beginning of 2020. As a research associate, I had mainly dealt with road-based public transport up to that point and therefore had some catching up to do when it came to rail transport. Shortly after starting my work in the lab, I had to get to grips with teaching under pandemic conditions. I was also busy completing my dissertation at the time and, as a mother of three children, I was under pressure from all sides. With the help of my family and the support of my team and colleagues at the Chair, I was able to master these challenges. Today, after five years managing the laboratory, I look back positively and I am really proud of what I have achieved with my team and I’m optimistically looking towards the future.

My favorite place at TUD is... 
... the Railroad Operation Laboratory, of course. It is a special and pretty unique place where I come into direct contact with young people thirsty for knowledge on a daily basis. We receive a lot of support during the courses - both from student tutors and from experienced former Deutsche Bahn employees, most of whom are involved on a voluntary basis. We have a daily, intergenerational exchange of experiences between people who are in the midst of their careers, those who have already completed them and those who are just starting their training.