Prof. Oana Cojocaru-Mirédin in interview

Prof. Oana Cojocaru-Mirédin in interview

TF uncovered – Part 4

In our series "Technische Fakultät Uncovered", we introduce a professor of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Freiburg every week. The professors provide exciting insights into their work as scientists and teachers and even reveal one or two secrets about themselves.

Prof. Oana Cojocaru-Mirédin is professor at the Department of Sustainable Systems Engineering and Full Professor of “Cross-scale Material Characterization”.

 

  1. What do you associate with sustainable systems engineering?

I associate with that the responsibility as a researcher to provide effective and innovative solutions that address the challenges of sustainability, starting with materials up to systems.

  1. What is your main field of research and why is it so exciting for you?

My main field of research is the Re-Design of sustainable energy materials by employing a unique concept called correlative microscopy and techniques. The improvement and re-design of material’s properties have been very often done by employing a “cook and look” procedure. This is mainly due to the impossibility to characterize the materials down to the atomic level in a correlative manner and, hence, to determine synthesis-property interrelationship.

  1. What do the students learn from you and which aspects are particularly important to you?

The students learn how to characterize materials down to the atomic level and to determine materials properties in a correlative manner. Based on these understandings they are able to provide innovative solution in terms of material Re-Design with the goal to meet the sustainability criteria.

  1. What advice would you give to students at the beginning of their studies?

I advise the students to open up their curiosity and to explore different existing fields in science. For sure, they will find the career path which makes them motivated and happy.

  1. What are the career prospects for graduates?

There are so many possibilities when studying engineering! They range from research to industry in many different applications: automotive, energy, health, communication, biology, etc.

  1. What is your motto for teaching and research?

My favorite motto for research is the quotation of Neil Armstrong “Research is creating new knowledge.”, while for teaching is “Explore and fly!”.

  1. What do you like best about the Faculty of Engineering?

I like a lot the degree programs available. They are not only providing a good basic understanding of the theoretical aspects, but also provide to the students a certain direction in terms of job possibilities. Also, the research in the campus is internationally top level with many various world-wide well-known groups.

  1. What you think students should know about you?

That I am enthusiastic and really enjoying my research activities at technical faculty. Also, I love putting theory and praxis together so that different concepts are very well understood and mastered.



Contact:

Prof. Dr. Oana Cojocaru-Mirédin
Eva-Mayr-Stihl Chair for Multi-Scale Characterization of Materials Systems
Department of Sustainble Systems Engineering - INATECH
E-Mail: oana.cojocaru-miredin@mail.inatech.uni-freiburg.de

Kerstin Steiger-Merx
Representative PR/Marketing
Faculty of Engineering
University of Freiburg
Tel.: 0761/203-8056
E-Mail: steiger-merx@tf.uni-freiburg.de