CAROLINA VON ESSEN

SENIOR DATA SCIENTIST - GRUNDFOS

POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHER - DTU Space
RESEARCH GUEST - AARHUS UNIVERSITY and VILNIUS UNIVERSITY

ABOUT ME


Greetings! I am a passionate Argentinian woman with a formal education in astronomy, and I am thrilled to share my journey with you.


Currently, I hold the position of Senior Data Scientist at Grundfos, a remarkable Danish company renowned for its massive contributions to the world of water pumps. Within this dynamic organization, I harness the power of artificial intelligence to devise ingenious solutions to some of the company's most pressing challenges. In addition to my primary role, I also serve as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at DTU Space, where I continue to indulge my passion for astronomy.


My career has taken me on a fascinating trajectory. Previously, I served as an Assistant Professor and, before that, as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Stellar Astrophysics Centre (SAC) at Aarhus University, Denmark, as well as at the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University, Lithuania. My enduring connection with SAC remains a testament to my dedication to the field, as I am still a research guest there. My specialized expertise lies within the captivating realm of exoplanetary sciences. My journey began in 2013 when I embarked as post-doctoral researcher at the Institute for Astrophysics Goettingen, under the invaluable mentorship of Professor Stefan Dreizler, who played a pivotal role in shaping my professional growth.


In October 2013, I proudly earned my PhD in Natural Sciences from the Hamburger Sternwarte at Hamburg University, Germany. During my PhD, I explored various facets of transiting exoplanets under the supervision of Professor Juergen Schmitt.


My educational foundation was laid earlier when, in August 2010, I achieved a Master's degree in astrophysics from the Faculty of Astronomical and Geophysical Sciences at La Plata, National University of La Plata, Argentina. I am profoundly grateful for the quality of public education that nurtured my intellectual growth and enabled me to reach the heights I stand upon today.


Throughout my career as an astronomer and data scientist, I have been an active advocate for the enhancement and betterment of my work environment. My commitment to this cause is unwavering. During my undergraduate studies, I served on the board of advisors for the Faculty's dean and assumed the role of Vice President of the Office of Student Activities. Throughout my three-year doctoral journey, I was chosen by my peers to be the student representative, where I fostered connections between students and supervisors. I also played a crucial role in coordinating collaboration between the University of Hamburg and the University of Goettingen, both of which were part of my PhD funding entity, the German Graduiertenkolleg 1351.


As an Assistant Professor, I actively participated in various initiatives, such as being a board member of Kvinder i fisik, a member of the equality committee at SAC, and later, a member of the Equality Committee at the Physics and Astronomy Department. Additionally, I organized SAC's seminars for several years. My persistent advocacy for gender equality led to a meeting with the rector and vice-rector of Aarhus University, and even though the results were not as transformative as I had hoped, I take pride in my efforts. I can confidently say that I have given my utmost to advance these vital causes.


Fortunately, at Grundfos I have the privilege of continuing these important activities. Among my responsibilities, I passionately endeavor to inspire and empower young women to explore the realms of science and technology. My aim is to encourage them to consider the rewarding path of a STEM career, just as I have done.


Thank you for taking the time to get to know me better, and I look forward to sharing more of my experiences and insights with you in the future! 😊🌌🚀