New faces at MFP

New faces at Modellfabrik Papier – we welcome Laura Beust, Miguel Estrada, Jan-Lukas Schäfer and Nathalie Jouwa

Following the BMBF’s funding approval for the FOMOP project, new research assistants have been hired at Modellfabrik Papier to work on various research topics. We asked our new research assistants about their interest in MFP, what expectations they have of their future work and, finally, what their favourite paper product is.
Laura Beust is a real local hero who has joined us. She comes from Mönchengladbach, trained as a laboratory assistant at FZ Jülich, completed her Master’s degree in biotechnology at RWTH and also trained as a project and process manager and quality officer. Laura will use her diverse qualifications mainly in the area of “Focus One – Customised Raw Materials”.

Laura tells us:
“For me, the Modellfabrik Papier represents a pioneering approach to the future of the paper industry. Through disruptive approaches, it strives to reshape and transform the industry into a sustainable one. It is particularly important to me to work in an environment that actively implements the principles of sustainability and environmental awareness.
I am looking forward to a dynamic and collaborative environment in the future. I am looking forward to exciting projects and the first interesting research results.
My favourite paper product is baking paper, as I am passionate about cooking and baking and its versatility makes it ideal for this.”

Miguel Estrada, actually Luis Miguel Estrada Ospina, allows us to abbreviate his name in everyday life. Miguel graduated as a chemical engineer in his native Colombia before going to TU Darmstadt to do his Master’s in Paper Science and Technology. He is now with us and will be working on the topic of innovative systems in aqueous media, specialising in two areas.

Miguel’s opinion on the questions we asked is:
“I found the MFP very interesting because of its goal of sustainability and the different projects in different areas of papermaking, as well as the close collaboration between industry, universities and research institutes.
My expectations are to learn and apply knowledge that is unheard of in the paper industry. My favourite paper product is kitchen paper because it is very practical in all kinds of situations.”

Jan-Lukas Schäfer also built up his extensive paper expertise at TU Darmstadt: he focused on macromolecular chemistry and paper chemistry for his master’s degree and is currently completing his doctoral thesis on the wet strength of paper with our Scientific Advisory Board Chairman Prof Dr Markus Biesalski. He is team leader for the research team “Focus One – Customised Raw Materials”.

Jan-Luka’s answer is:
“I was most motivated by the opportunity to be involved in the development of a new and more environmentally friendly papermaking process and to develop professionally and personally in the process.
I expect that we will carry out exciting laboratory tests in the coming years, which will not always produce the expected and hoped-for results, but which will significantly change the future of paper production in one way or another.
My favourite paper product is photo paper, as it can be used to immortalise all kinds of moments and experiences.”

Nathalie Jouwa is a laboratory scientist and joined our team at the beginning of November. She has a Master of Science in Chemistry from the University of Düsseldorf and completed her additional qualification in Quality and Process Management, Quality Control and Process Improvement in October.
She will carry out and supervise the laboratory work for all research foci.

Nathalie replies:
“Our energy reserves and natural resources are being depleted a little more every day, leading to serious consequences such as climate change. Solutions need to be found and this is exactly what Modellfabrik Papier gGmbH offers us with innovative goals such as reducing energy and water consumption in paper production. For me, working for Modellfabrik means making a contribution to leaving a world worth living in for future generations and I am convinced that together we can achieve climate neutrality by 2045.
Paper is everywhere these days, especially at Christmas time when people are wrapping presents and writing Christmas cards. For me, Christmas time is the best time of the year because I can send and receive Christmas cards, my favourite paper product”

Nathalie Jouwa, Laura Beust and Miguel Estrada have already moved into their desks at our interim location at the Jülich Research Centre and are starting to work on the operational implementation of the research project. Jan-Lukas Schäfer will initially work from Darmstadt, in close collaboration with our research team at TU Darmstadt.

We look forward to spending time with you!