When I was young, my family often played the card game Skat. This involved logical thinking, which I enjoyed (well, most of the time). I think playing Skat is the ‘root cause’ for my deep interest in MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, and Technology). Already in highschool I explored Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Math, and Computer Science beyond schedule in Olympiads and alike.
Ultimately, I studied Mathematics at the FSU Jena – not for the sake of theory (definitely not!), but to obtain a strong background and the ability to quickly grasp new ideas, even when they go deep.
I have never stopped trying to be a “generalist” open to all kinds of ideas. Applied machine learning and AI became my medium, leading me to a PhD in this field. I now view AI as an interdisciplinary bridge for applications, connecting people, perspectives, and disciplines.
During my PhD, I also joined the machine-learning group at the DLR Institute of Data-Science in Jena (Germany). My research revolved around uncertainty modeling and explainable AI. Human-first AI and principles of sustainable AI became important for me. For example, our NeurIPS paper structures image segmentation uncertainty in a meaningful way and keeps humans in the loop.
Since 2022, I have been working in the industry for the global photonics & semiconductors company Jenoptik. I helped building a new central AI team. We currently focus on (1) industrial AI: applying AI to process optimization and solving engineering challenges like predictive maintenance or scaling inspection, and (2) hosting generative AI services like a chatbot.
For AI solutions to be sustainable, they need to be trustworthy. They must be understood and accepted by the people they affect, and these people must be able to influence them. Therefore, educating and supporting people is a key aspect of my work. I firmly believe in respecting the needs of people, our planet and, in fact, every living being. For me, AI is not just work: It is a passion.
I am grateful for all the fantastic mentors I have had so far, especially Joachim Giesen from whom I learned a lot.
Finally and besides, I have a small side hustle as a magician. It’s a curious coincident that AI is often considered magic. So there is a confluence in the things I do. Through my work, I aim to foster a culture of connection and compassion in the age of AI, and create opportunities for human wonder. Explainable AI, unexplainable magic.
Thanks for visiting my website, happy exploring, and take care! – Frank