Please describe your field of work in a few sentences.
Annette Mütze: In my field, I deal with everything that rotates, moves and has to do with electrical energy. This can be the drive of a refrigerator transporting the heat outside, or a regular or electric car that must drive and also requires additional auxiliary drives, such as electronic windows, headlights or a music system. Or take manufacturing plant: newspapers need to be printed, food packaging filled and clothes woven. All of these processes also require electrical drives.
In your opinion, what makes electrical engineering special?
Annette Mütze: Electrical engineering is a field with a fascinating trade-off between highly challenging theoretical foundations and very interesting fields of application. The great thing about it is that electrical engineering is much less prone to buy into hype than many other fields. What’s more it has always been here and will always be needed.
What excites you in your field of work?
Annette Mütze: I am fascinated by this combination of theory and practice. The theoretical fundamentals are constantly evolving, and with them so do the practical applications. We do not theorise haphazardly but check exactly what we influence with that. There are so many electric drives that make life easier for us – installed in state-of-the-art equipment. And electrical engineering has a finger in the pie everywhere. We can justifiably claim that we are making a difference.
What do you want to convey to your students?
Annette Mütze: Most of all, the enthusiasm for this combination of theory and practice. I want to teach students the tools they need to find answers to specific social questions.
In which specific areas are your former students working today?
Annette Mütze: Many of my graduates today work in industries that deal with drives in the broadest sense. This includes big players like AVL and Magna or specialised companies like KS Engineers, which are highly competitive in testing technology, automation technology and building technology. But there are also smaller companies such as Mechatronik Systems GmbH, which produces highly innovative shift actuator solutions for the automotive industry.
How did you first come into contact with TU Graz?
Annette Mütze: Honestly? A job advertisement. A nice colleague of mine had forwarded it to me some ten years ago and said: That might be something for you. And he was right. Since then, I’ve been here.
What do you like most about TU Graz?
Annette Mütze: What I really appreciate about the TU Graz is that new ideas are welcomed and there is a lot going on. The university management wants to lead TU Graz into a bright future, and together we are looking for the individual strengths of the university. Participating and getting involved is very welcome. And that creates a good atmosphere on all levels: between institutes, service departments and students.
How do you spend your time outside of classes?
Annette Mütze: I now spend most of my free time with my children. We enjoy spending outdoor life and meeting other people. Once the kids are bigger, there will be more time for other interests – like music or ballet. Currently, my sports activity is limited to the many kilometres I cycle through the city with my cargo bike.
