Jorge Eduardo Tapia Cabrera
Why did you choose the University of Chemnitz?I used to work in my home country as a leader in a specific manufacturing process. Sadly, the information about this process was scarce. So, I decided to look for learning opportunities outside my country. With the help of my company's international manufacturing consultants, I sent my application to the University of Chemnitz. This university has an outstanding reputation in thermal spraying and industrially oriented research, which encouraged me to go and learn.
Which aspects of your stay in Chemnitz do you think have been most beneficial to your career development?Regarding staff, the University of Chemnitz is not as big as other universities. However, the staff is highly qualified and country-relevant, and the academic production is of high end. Moreover, the research staff is close to the students. I got the opportunity as a student research assistant to get in touch with the Head of Department and Professors, who gave me great insight into my research topic, formed me culturally to work in Germany, and had the patience with me to learn and explore the German language.
Please describe your current role.I am working as a research associate at the Department of Additive Manufacturing in the Institute of Machine Tool and Industrial Management (iwb) of the Technical University of Munich (TUM). In addition, I am working in WAAM technology for the project EREP in cooperation with Siemens, roeren GmbH, König Metall, and other companies to remanufacture damaged parts of the automotive industry.
What is your favourite memory of Chemnitz?Two months after arriving in Chemnitz, I got a job in the department where I wanted to work. After that, they taught me to investigate, think academically, and speak German. Without these, I would not have found my current job. Every time I look back in time, I remember that I progressed in my career because some people believed in me and had the patience to teach me all they knew. For that, I am always grateful and happy to remember the University of Chemnitz.
What are your future plans and ambitions?I want to end my PhD in the Institute of Machine Tool and Industrial Management (iwb) of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and continue working in research and development for the manufacturing industry of Germany. And maybe after some years, I will return to my home country to live and relax.
