Julia has been working as a project assistant at the Institute since 2023 and is part of the Turnout Lab. Her research focuses on turnouts, specially on sensor-based turnout monitoring supporting Life Cycle Management. Following her master’s thesis on rail wear in tight curves, she is also involved in different aspects of data-based evalusations.
Why civil engineering?
My interest in civil engineering began in childhood when I first became fascinated by designing structures while building houses with LEGO. This curiosity grew when I accompanied my father, a building contractor, to construction sites, where I would spend hours studying the large, detailed plans he worked with. I was captivated by the combination of technical precision and creativity, as well as the energy of construction sites with their machinery and activity. These experiences shaped my passion for the built environment, making it clear from an early age that I wanted to pursue a career in civil engineering.
And why railway engineering then?
Having known from an early age that I wanted to pursue a career in engineering, it felt natural to choose to attend a technical high school (HTL) after leaving regular school. I specialised in structural engineering, but after graduating, I wanted to expand my knowledge of civil engineering in a wider scope, which led me to study at TU Graz. From the outset, I was fascinated by the economic and infrastructure-related subjects. Ultimately, this guided my decision to choose the Infrastructure Engineering master’s programme, which combined both areas. Although I initially focused more on road engineering, the inspiring teaching and enthusiasm of the railway engineering professors opened my eyes to the true multifaceted nature of the railway sector. Gradually, my interest shifted from roads to railways, and I completed my master’s thesis at the railway institute. I enjoyed the field so much that I decided to pursue my PhD in this area.
What do you like about university life?
Even as a student, I have always appreciated the strong sense of community within the civil engineering faculty at university. Whenever someone had a question or needed support, there was always someone willing to help. In my new role, I especially value being able to pass on my own knowledge and seeing how eager the students are to learn. The university is a vibrant place with constant activity, and there is always something happening, making it an inspiring environment that never gets boring.
And how do you define your job?
I would describe my job as one that offers a high degree of independence and responsibility. I have the freedom to decide which topics to focus on, how to approach them and how deeply to engage with each subject. Although my work as a project assistant involves more collaboration with project partners than with students, the exchange is still very diverse and I learn an incredible amount while building strong professional networks. Much of the work at the institute involves preparing and analysing data, generating new, meaningful insights, interpreting results and, ultimately, sharing these findings with the broader scientific community.
What do you consider your most interesting or challenging research project?
As I have not worked on many projects yet, though I have contributed to several major ones, I cannot make a broad comparison. However, I consider my PhD project on sensor-based turnout monitoring to be both the most interesting and the most challenging. I dedicate most of my focus to it, and the depth and complexity of the research make it especially rewarding.
How do you manage your work-life balance?
I maintain my work-life balance by spending quality time with my family and friends, which helps me to recharge outside of work. Spending time in nature allows me to relax and fully enjoy the present moment.
