Frauke Modugno
PhD student in the “Quantum Control” group
What is your current position at our institute?
I am a PhD student in the “Quantum Control” group. I'm working for DESY as part of my work for the German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA).
How and when did you choose to do physics?
Physics was my favourite subject at school. I studied mechanical engineering because it combines physics with other disciplines. I like solving problems and developing new technologies. After my bachelor thesis on an optical setup in the “Quantum Control” group at the Institute for Gravitational Physics at Leibniz University Hannover, I decided to deepen my knowledge in optics. Therefore I did a Master in Optical Technologies and wrote a master thesis on optical metrology in the “Applied Photonics” group at the Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies. After that, I decided to take the opportunity and start my PhD in Physics to further deepen my knowledge.
What is your academic education?
- B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering: 2016-2022, Leibniz University Hannover
- Scholarship: 2018-2019, University of Oklahoma, USA
- M.Sc. in Optical Technologies: 2021-2024, Leibniz University Hannover
- M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering: 2022-2024, Leibniz University Hannover
- PhD student in Physics: since 2024, Institute for Gravitational Physics, Leibniz University Hannover
Is there someone who acted as a role model or mentor to you in the past, or does so at present?
Yes, I have in fact several role models in the field of science.
What is the most important thing you learned from them?
I have learned that the path I want to take was possible for others, and whenever I have doubts, it gives me strength to share experiences.
What would you recommend to a young woman wanting to start a career in physics?
Physics can be very exciting, believe in yourself and go for it. Find a group that provides a good atmosphere to learn about your topic and the research process. Find people who support you, don't be afraid to ask questions and get help. Take care of yourself to stay strong when challenges arise. Physics is challenging and you may find that you know very little. But exciting experiences come with challenges, and if you can overcome them, you will succeed.
What is your vision for women and girls in science in 20 years?
I would like to see women and girls equally represented in all areas of science, from Bachelor students to researchers on permanent positions. They should be equally recognised and shouldn't have to choose between family and career. I would like to see a society where everyone has equal opportunities to make their own decisions and where family and parenthood are shared responsibilities.
What measures that target women and girls in science would you care about or would you like to see realized in the scientific community?
Workshops, mentoring with role models and networking for young women in science
Can you please describe your research?
My area of research are surfaces and materials for specialised optics to improve detection sensitivity for applications in quantum metrology and gravitational-wave detection.
Why did you chose the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics for your research?
The institute has a productive and friendly working atmosphere, ideally to broaden one’s knowledge and connect with people from different backgrounds. It also offers many workshops in soft skills and personal development.