ITFMW: Interview with Prof. Christina Scheffler

As part of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (ITFMW) on February 11, the FUN* interviewed 5 female scientists from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

INTERVIEW WITH PROF. CHRISTINA SCHEFFLER

Who are you?

My name is Christina Scheffler, I am a professor at the university and head a department at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden. I am also the mother of three daughters and we live in the beautiful Striesen district of Dresden. I originally come from Upper Lusatia, where I grew up on a farm.

What do you do?

© IPF, Uhlig

I have dedicated my professional life to researching materials that are used for very different applications . I head the Fiber Engineering department with currently 14 scientists, doctoral students, technicians and laboratory technicians at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V. At the same time, I have been a Young Investigator at the university since 2016 and have now been Professor of Polymers in Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering since 2024.

What did you study / learn?

I originally studied mechanical engineering at undergraduate level and graduated with a specialization in textile and clothing technology. However, since I was 16 years old, I have also tried to gain experience and earn some extra money through various jobs. This has helped me to recognize what I enjoy doing and what I would rather not do.

What topic are you currently researching and what are your main interests?

My diploma thesis was already about glass fibers, which are used as reinforcement for concrete. I have therefore remained true to the subject of textiles in relation to fibers and this is still the case today. My research is about the production and further development of fiber materials and boundary layers for particularly lightweight, durable, bio-based and multifunctional applications in lightweight construction and building, but also for the School of Medicine.

What motivates you in particular to research this topic?

Through my research, I can make a contribution to future sustainable materials and recycling. The practical relevance of my work and direct contact with companies, as well as small, regional firms, is particularly important to me. I also like the interdisciplinarity. In my team, doctoral students and students from the fields of Chemistry, Materials Science and Plastics and Textile Technology work together with scientists from the Institutes of Construction Materials or Concrete Structures. It's really fun and you always learn something new.

What do you wish you had known when you were 16?

I would have liked to have known at an early age how varied many professions are and how they cover a lot of different interests. For many girls in particular, interpersonal skills are important in a job. Being part of a team or leading a team also means doing "something with people", no matter what profession you pursue. It takes empathy and knowledge of human nature to work successfully with different colleagues. Good school grades are also less important than personal motivation, commitment and reliability.

What was your biggest eureka moment?

You grow with the tasks - that's not just a phrase, it's actually the case. Many new tasks sound unsolvable and far too big at first, but are often easier to cope with than expected. If someone had told me at the beginning of my studies that I would do a doctorate, take up a management position or even a Chair, I simply couldn't have imagined it at the time.

What advice would you give young female students?

To be courageous when choosing a field of study and simply try things out. Internships and SHK positions in particular are a really good way to get in touch with people and form your own impression. If it doesn't work out, then a change is usually less dramatic than expected. Offers for personal development, of which the university offers many in the Graduate Academy, for example, are also great. Build up a network!

Thank you very much for the interview, Prof. Scheffler!