Everything is in flux
Dean Caren Tischendorf uses complex calculations to predict flow processes – and supports other women in finding their path into the natural sciences
Caren Tischendorf of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) makes sure everything stays in perfect flux – both women in the natural sciences and electrons, gases, and chemical substances in materials, supply networks, and chemical reactions. “Modelling and simulating flow processes using differential equations are the focus of my professional life,” she explains. One reason why the mathematician does this is to forecast where and when certain tensions or pressures arise in a system. This can help build reaction processes, networks, or components in the best possible way.
The areas of application of Tischendorf’s calculations are manifold: In large-scale chemical processes, for example, the concentration of the reacting substances must be clear to ensure an optimal reaction at all times. Operators of energy grids, too, must be able to know how much electricity or gas is available in which location during what time. At the HU’s location in Adlershof, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Tischendorf’s expertise is used to design electronic components. The key here is to forecast the voltages that are built up when operating the components and to identify where the risk of overheating may produce energy losses.
For example: in novel semiconductors. These are being designed in Adlershof’s new “Center for the Science of Materials Berlin” (CSMB). “Here, one of the things I’m looking at is the effects of new structures in microchips,” explains Tischendorf. “Miniaturisation can lead to undesirable effects on such a microchip.” The mathematician develops tools that help forecast and quantify such side effects. “This enables us to test the functionality of the elements on the chip and to assemble the elements in such a way that makes sure unwanted effects are as rare as possible.”
Since April 2022, Tischendorf’s energies have increasingly been invested into leadership, coordination, and the support of research and teaching – it was then that she became the dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of HU. One of her tasks is to help young researchers from STEM subjects get together with on-site employers to further the connection between the university and non-university institutions. To do so, Tischendorf and her fellow HU staff are currently working on plans for a new science hub – in the form of a physical building for people from Adlershof to meet and mingle.
The construction of a new post-doc centre has already been completed. “The centre helps people to connect and to highlight career opportunities at the non-university research facilities on the site as early as possible.” Additionally, the centre boasts an adjacent fellowship programme that welcomes international researchers in Adlershof in cooperation with WINS Adlershof (Women in Natural Sciences). For one to two months, they can get to know the local scientific landscape.
The equality of women in STEM subjects is another important topic for Tischendorf. Until late 2022, she was the chair of the university’s Commission for the Promotion of Women, of which she is still a member. “I am quite happy that we managed to push the share of female professors in mathematics to 25%, for example, and are now among the top performers in Germany.”
In the years to come, Caren Tischendorf wants to explore research ideas to open up new areas of application. With her mathematical work, she now wants to contribute to better understanding and controlling the way proteins work in human cells.
Nora Lessing for Adlershof Journal