Irina rules over future driver assistance systems.
As part of the Model-based Systems Engineering (MbSE) competence field, I focus on the model-based development of applications for cyber-physical systems. Currently, I'm working in the Mobility Lab, which aims to reduce the development time and costs of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADASs) and Automated Driving (AD) functions by using MbSE. We showcase this through the fortissimo rovers, which are customized scale 1:10 model cars equipped with redundant sensors and a distributed electrical/electronic (E/E) platform architecture. I'm mainly involved in enhancing the functionality of these rovers, improving their performance, validating their behavior through simulation, and supporting the MbSE team in their trainings.
Over the past few months, I've been fortunate enough to work on a project in collaboration with another university on the topic of functional safety due to the help and guidance of many competent colleagues in my team and the knowledge I've gained during my time at fortiss. It has been a challenging but rewarding experience, and I'm excited about the progress we've made so far. In addition to this project, I also co-authored a paper with my colleague last summer. It was a great learning experience, and I'm proud of our work.
I started programming when I was 17, as I was preparing for my Abitur. Initially, I was drawn to it because of its potential usefulness and power. But as I got more into it, I found that programming could be incredibly creative. As someone who is naturally inclined towards a creative career, I was pleasantly surprised to find that programming allowed me to tackle challenges in unique and creative ways. It equipped me with the ability to solve problems effectively and nurtured a distinct mode of thinking that has proven invaluable in my day-to-day life.
I got to know fortiss through different ways. First, I attended lectures and courses given by several fortiss researchers at the Technical University Munich and was impressed by the work they do. Second, a good friend of mine who worked at fortiss as a student assistant recommended the institute to me and suggested that I check it out. As a result, I decided to explore fortiss further and eventually joined as an employee. It's been a very enjoyable experience so far, and I've learned a lot technically and in terms of teamwork. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to write both my Bachelor’s Thesis and guided research paper here.
I feel extremely positive about the working environment at fortiss. The people I work with are not only intelligent but also very friendly and inspiring. Being surrounded by such open-minded individuals dedicated to developing innovative solutions and conducting exciting research is incredibly empowering and motivates me to improve. One aspect of the working environment that I appreciate is the freedom I am given to come up with creative solutions for various challenges. This encourages me to think outside the box and to find new and innovative ways to approach problems. Additionally, the willingness of my team to collaborate and share their expertise has been invaluable in helping me tackle these challenges and in furthering my personal and professional development. Overall, I am very grateful for the working environment that fortiss has provided me with.
My biggest challenge is to make a lasting, meaningful contribution to my field of expertise. Specifically, I am motivated to develop tools and approaches for functional safety for cyber-physical systems that can be applied in the industry. I would like to see these tools become the foundation for validating cyber-physical systems, ultimately contributing to the development of safer systems that are used in safety-critical fields such as automotive, medicine, and aviation. This vision drives me to keep pushing forward and finding new and innovative solutions to these complex challenges.
I believe one of the biggest advantages of working at fortiss is the dynamic and energetic working atmosphere that encourages innovative thinking and collaboration. The friendly colleagues and flexibility in research topics are also great perks. Additionally, fortiss offers opportunities for theses and practical courses, as well as connections to the research community, which can be very valuable for personal and professional growth. For those considering applying to fortiss, my advice would be to thoroughly research the institute and its ongoing projects to gain a better understanding of its focus areas and research topics. When applying, be sure to highlight your technical skills and experience, as well as be willing to work in a team and adapt to new challenges. Finally, I encourage applicants to submit an unsolicited application if there are no available positions at the moment, as opportunities often arise quickly in the field of research.
