ED: What did you study and what fascinated you about it?
Anne Pape: I studied civil engineering at TUM for my bachelor's and master's degrees. During my bachelor's program, I discovered which subjects I found interesting and, based on that, compiled my four specializations for my master's program: I chose timber structures, building construction, concrete structures, and a cross-sectional specialization in which I took several courses on climate-responsive design, as sustainability was fundamental to me.
ED: How did you decide to study civil engineering?
Anne Pape: My father is a civil engineer, and on principle, I never really wanted to follow my parents' professions. A year before graduating from high school, the question arose: What should I study? I enjoyed sports, and I was also interested in mathematics and physics. I knew quite well from my father how diverse civil engineering is. And I thought: If I study this, I'll still be open to many directions and not too tied down.
From the very beginning, I had a great time studying at TUM. Everything went perfectly – except for one slump during the coronavirus pandemic, when I was alone at home in front of my computer. I enjoyed my bachelor's thesis because it was very practical, with experiments in the Meyer-Jens hall of the Testing Institute. The internship at an engineering office motivated me to pursue my master's degree as well.
ED: What advice would you give to students interested in studying civil engineering at TUM ED?
Anne Pape: Generally speaking, every student should have a good degree of self-discipline. Sure, you can put your feet up during the semester, but then you might not have enough knowledge for the exams. I never neglected studying, and yet I enjoyed the freedom and flexibility.
I especially advise young women who want to study civil engineering to go for it and not let themselves be deterred from their path. I still vividly remember the career and academic advisor who tried to talk me out of studying civil engineering, saying it was male-dominated. At some point, I ended the conversation, left - and studied civil engineering.
ED: Since when have you been working at the Testing Institute for Construction Engineering?
Anne Pape: I first became acquainted with the Timber Testing Facility, which is part of the Testing Institute for Construction Engineering, through my bachelor's thesis on timber-concrete composite ceilings. There were new ideas in this area that I researched and tested. To this end, I began conducting bending tests here in the hall in 2021, using ceiling elements as test specimens.
Since mid-October 2024, I have been working as a research assistant at the Chair of Timber Structures and Building Construction, where I mainly work in the testing hall of the lab. We test structural timber elements from private companies that have developed or further developed a product. We also test innovative construction products that are created as part of research projects at various chairs. I plan the test setups, conduct the experiments, and prepare the reports.
ED: What does your daily work look like? What topics do you deal with?
Anne Pape: My tasks are different every day, which makes my job very diverse. I spend 50 percent of my working time at the computer, planning experiments, or overseeing organizational matters. We then discuss a customized test concept for individual requirements as a team, sharing experiences and expertise. The other 50 percent of my working time is spent in the workshop implementing the experiments, screwing, sawing, and tinkering. Here, too, I work closely with colleagues.
Last but not least, I find working with timber fascinating. Watching a test specimen bend under a very high load and burst with a loud crash - that's simply thrilling.
ED: What would you like to do professionally in the future?
Anne Pape: I'm planning a doctorate and am currently looking for an exciting topic. The Testing Institute for construction engineering will give me a good insight into various current research projects. It definitely has to be a doctoral thesis where I can also conduct experiments.
Links:
Profile of Anne Pape, M. Sc.
Timber Testing Facility, Material Testing Office for Construction Engineering
Civil Engineering B. Sc
Civil Engineering M. Sc.