Let's take a quick step back to 2022: Where were you, and what was the topic of your master's thesis?
Julia Dölling: In 2022, I presented my master's thesis on the flowability o of aluminum-silicon die casting alloys at the Talent Award. I conducted this research during my studies in aerospace engineering at the University of Stuttgart while working with AUDI AG in Neckarsulm. At that time, I was a research assistant at the Center for High-Performance Materials at DHBW Stuttgart and a PhD candidate at the Institute for Metal Forming at TU Bergakademie Freiberg.
How did you find out about the Talent Award?
Dölling: Unfortunately, the Talent Award doesn’t yet have the visibility it deserves. I didn't have much contact with EUROGUSS before my thesis either. My supervisor at the time, who had participated in the Talent Award in 2020, brought it to my attention.
Are there any moments from that time that particularly stand out for you?
Dölling: The preparation phases and the first online pitch are especially memorable for me. I mean, how do you sum up six months of work in just a few minutes? It was a real challenge, but it also taught me a lot for future professional and personal conversations. Additionally, there were over 20 participants, each with three minutes – it was an exciting insight into current research topics.
How did you prepare?
Dölling: The Talent Award final at EUROGUSS was my first English-language presentation in front of an international audience. I had a lot of respect for the big stage and completely underestimated the noise level of the exhibition. For preparation, I practiced the first and last sentences of my presentation frequently to ensure I could start and finish confidently. A creative and unique introduction helped me capture the audience's attention – a trick I've kept using to this day.
