Many children and young people from non-academic families face particular challenges: a lack of role models, limited networks and little support in the education system. But how can they overcome these hurdles and find their own way?
Dr. Ana Hanic is a lead researcher at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, at the Department of Electric Machines, Drives, and Automation. Her research is focused on developing advanced analytical and numerical modeling techniques for electric machine simulation and optimization, as well as designing electric machines for traction and power generation applications. Her current projects include research on harnessing low-energy heat from renewable sources using a high-speed microgenerator and developing a proof-of-concept for a low-speed permanent magnet synchronous machine for direct grid connection.
Talk and Workshop by Prof. Robyn Clay-Williams
This event is organised by CRC/TRR 361 in cooperation with TRR 270, CRC 1487, SFB/TRR 150 and CRC 1548 at TU Darmstadt.
We are excited to announce that Professor Robyn Clay-Williams from Macquarie University will be visiting RWTH Aachen University, TU Darmstadt, and TU Wien to deliver a talk on diversity in design followed by a snack with opportunity for exchange. In the afternoon, there will be a hands-on workshop where some examples of problems in product design are discussed in more detail and possible solutions are developed together. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for inclusive design!
Abstract: Did you know that women involved in car crashes face a significantly higher risk of fatal injuries than men? Or that some touchless soap dispensers fail to recognize people of color? These are just two striking examples of how neglecting diversity in design can have harmful, even life-threatening, consequences.
Despite these serious implications, many groups in our society remain an afterthought in product design—if they are considered at all. As current and future designers, we must recognize this issue and equip ourselves with the tools to address it. And who better to learn from than an expert in the field?
Professor Robyn Clay-Williams leads a research program at the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, in the field of human factors in healthcare. Over a career spanning 40 years in aviation and healthcare, Robyn has worked extensively to develop and evaluate systems to make them fit for purpose and easier to use. Currently Robyn is developing new models of care to improve Emergency Department performance, and patient experience and outcomes for five vulnerable patient cohorts. Her 2019 TEDx talk on human factors is available on the global TED.com platform. Prior to her academic career, Robyn was a Royal Australian Air Force test pilot.
Experiment: Thermal imaging camera
The children were shown how a thermal imaging camera works. The thermal imaging camera was used to take pictures of various objects. Among other things, the difference in heat between a conventional light bulb and an LED was demonstrated.
Two workshops were organized in 2024, addressing different target groups. The first focused on the leadership level and was conducted in German. The second targeted WiQs – researchers in qualification phases – and was held in English, embedded in a longer retreat. Both workshops
combined short inputs, facilitated discussions, and reflective exercises. Their design emphasized active participation and competence development rather than one-way instruction.
What was life like for the three outstanding female researchers Marie Curie, Lise Meitner and Hedy Lamarr in a male-dominated world at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century? What open rejection and doubt did they face and how did they manage to stand up to it? Answers were provided by a play performed on 30 October 2024 at the Technical University of Darmstadt.
Doing research can be exhilarating but also challenging, especially when done in an unfamiliar cultural setting or among colleagues with vastly different personal experiences. Compounded by a lacking representation of women in the field, this can lead to complications, negative experiences and a decline in well-being for international female researchers. Experience shows that forming a strong network of peers can help to find solutions and best practices, improve motivation and establish a lasting support system for a more successful career.
In this event, we will bring together advanced female researchers and international female PhD Students at TUDa to share experiences, give guidance and support networking.
The Vice President for Academic Careers, Prof. Franziska Lang, takes on the patronage of this event, which is organised by CRC/TRR 361 in cooperation with TRR 270, CRC 1487 and CRC 1548 at TU Darmstadt.
We’ve all heard the news, “Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is pushing the boundaries; realizing lightweight, customized parts with intricate designs that were impossible with traditional technologies.” It has been said that these technologies will be a main contributor to the anticipated Fourth Industrial Revolution. Technological advancements in additive manufacturing enabled a wider range of materials and expanded usage in medical, aerospace and automotive applications. Are we truly on the cusp of a shift in the engineering bottleneck: moving from “what can be manufactured” to “what can be imagined and validated?”
In this talk, we will review the benefits and challenges of various additive manufacturing technologies. The diversity of materials used in manufacturing electrical machines provides a viable platform to understand the current state of additive manufacturing for widespread adoption. Critical applications requiring magnetic and conductive material require an understanding beyond pure microstructural properties. We will explore why it is critical, as engineers, to study the capabilities enabled by 3D printing now, such that these technologies are developed to facilitate societal benefits of the future. This talk includes results of past and ongoing research in the Michigan State University Electrical Machines and Power Electronics Research (EMPowER) Laboratory.
Shanelle N. Foster (Senior Member, IEEE) received B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA, in 1996, 1998 and 2013, respectively. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at her alma mater, where she co-directs the Electrical Machines and Power Electronics Research (EMPowER) Laboratory. Her research interests include analysis, control, reliability, and manufacturability of rotating and linear electrical machines and drives.
Experiment: Thermal imaging camera
The children were shown how a thermal imaging camera works. The thermal imaging camera was used to take pictures of various objects. Among other things, the difference in heat between a conventional light bulb and an LED was demonstrated.
