Young talents in the spotlight

Interns, Graduate-Students, Fellows about their experience

Sandra Atzmüller: iSPACE Master’s students 2024

“Solar potential analysis offers the opportunity to make an important contribution to the energy transition”

Our researchers regularly supervise Master’s students in the studios. The students benefit from the insight into research practice, the integration into a research team and the practice-oriented topics.

Short Bio

Name: Sandra Atzmüller

Major: Geographical Information Science & Systems, Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg

Role: Master-Studentin bei Markus Biberacher, Key Researcher im iSPACE

Thesis: “Solarpotenzialanalyse zur Koordinierung der Bedarfslast für Erneuerbare-Energie-Gemeinschaften (EEG) in komplexen Siedlungsräumen – Untersuchung am Beispiel einer EEG im Zentrum der Stadtgemeinde Gallneukirchen im Jahr 2023”

Why did you choose this topic? What did the work look like?
The topic of solar potential analysis particularly appealed to me as it offers the opportunity to make an important contribution to the energy transition. Using remote sensing methods and detailed topographical analyses, I used Python to automatically calculate the solar potential, taking into account solar radiation, shadows and roof orientation. The aim was to obtain the most accurate possible evaluation of suitable roof areas and their energy potential in order to determine the share of solar energy in the demand load distribution for EEG.
What do you take away from this research?
What surprised me most was how important the targeted use or distribution of solar potential is. The findings of the analysis underline the advantages of careful planning and offer valuable suggestions for the effective use of the existing solar potential of an EEG.
Thanks to Dr. Markus Biberacher’s input, the intensive examination of the topic of energy planning was an exciting process in which I learned to successfully combine theory and practice.
What are your next steps?
After completing my studies, an exciting opportunity has arisen for me: A job change will take me to Lower Austria, where I will be working on further geoinformation projects at the Office of the Lower Austrian Provincial Government, particularly in the area of WebGIS.
I am looking forward to working in this dynamic environment and contributing to forward-looking projects.

Sandra Atzmüller: iSPACE Master’s students 2024

“Solar potential analysis offers the opportunity to make an important contribution to the energy transition”

Short Bio

Name: Sandra Atzmüller

Major: Geographical Information Science & Systems, Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg

Role: Master-Studentin bei Markus Biberacher, Key Researcher im iSPACE

Why did you choose this topic? What did the work look like?
The topic of solar potential analysis particularly appealed to me as it offers the opportunity to make an important contribution to the energy transition. Using remote sensing methods and detailed topographical analyses, I used Python to automatically calculate the solar potential, taking into account solar radiation, shadows and roof orientation. The aim was to obtain the most accurate possible evaluation of suitable roof areas and their energy potential in order to determine the share of solar energy in the demand load distribution for EEG.
What do you take away from this research?
What surprised me most was how important the targeted use or distribution of solar potential is. The findings of the analysis underline the advantages of careful planning and offer valuable suggestions for the effective use of the existing solar potential of an EEG.
Thanks to Dr. Markus Biberacher’s input, the intensive examination of the topic of energy planning was an exciting process in which I learned to successfully combine theory and practice.
What are your next steps?
After completing my studies, an exciting opportunity has arisen for me: A job change will take me to Lower Austria, where I will be working on further geoinformation projects at the Office of the Lower Austrian Provincial Government, particularly in the area of WebGIS.
I am looking forward to working in this dynamic environment and contributing to forward-looking projects.

Laura Hommelsheim: iSPACE-Master’s student 2024

“Renewable energies a very current and forward-looking issue”

iSPACE-Key Researcher Markus Biberacher supervised Laura Hommelsheim. She celebrated her graduation in October 2024.

Short Bio

Name: Laura Hommelsheim

Major: UNIGIS (Geographical Information Science & Systems) at PLUS (Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg)

Role: Master-Studentin bei Markus Biberacher, Key Researcher im iSPACE

Thesis: “Erarbeiten einer vereinfachten Heuristik um Selbstversorgungsgrade durch Solarpotenziale auf Dachflächen in definierten regionalen Abgrenzungen ausweisen zu können”

What was your role at RSA FG?
As part of my Master’s thesis, I worked with the RSA FG on the topic of renewable energies. During this time, I developed a simplified heuristic with the help of which it is possible to determine regional self-sufficiency levels through solar potential on roof surfaces.

What exactly did you do?
To determine the degree of self-sufficiency, I first created the demand and yield profiles and developed a model based on these. Particular attention was paid to the use of open geodata and the use of free software. What I did not expect in advance was that with this simplified approach, the degree of self-sufficiency is also very high in spring and fall and that relatively precise trend analyses are possible with little data.
How will you further benefit from your research?
I continue to find developments in the field of renewable energies very exciting as a very topical and forward-looking subject and take this with me personally for the future. In my work environment, as a project manager, I deal with the standardization and digitalization of development plans. This will result in future analysis opportunities with great potential for urban development. Renewable energies are also very important in urban planning, which is why there are many funding measures.

Sara Steiner: SDIS-Intern 2024

“Opens up not only technological, but also ecological perspectives”

In order to attract more women to applied research in scientific and technical research, technology and innovation fields, the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology and the FFG offer so-called “FemTech” internships. Sara Steiner has received one of the coveted grants and has therefore been supporting the St. Pölten studio SDIS for several months beginning in July 2024. We briefly introduce her below:

Short Bio

Name: Sara Stefani Steiner

Major: Artificial Intelligence at JKU in Linz; Psychology at PLUS in Salzburg

Role: FemTech-Intern/Fellow in the sector of Green Artificial Intelligence

Personal motto: No one queues for a flat roller coaster.

What exactly is your role at the RSA FG?
I am working as a FemTech intern in the EU-funded AIMS 5.0 project in the field of Green Artificial Intelligence. My main task is to extend the knowledge base of the MAPE-K framework by developing a Natural Language Processing (NLP) pipeline based on a Large Language Model (LLM). I use Python and various specialized NLP libraries.

How did you get the FemTech internship?
After an inquiry from me at RSA FG about a possible FemTech cooperation, the company gave me the wonderful opportunity to participate in the important EU-wide AIMS 5.0 project. The aim of the project is to shape Europe’s transition to a sustainable and human-centered Industry 5.0.
What fascinates you about the project topic?
I am particularly fascinated by the possibility of developing a Large Language Model (LLM) that can be used as an integral part of self-adaptive systems. This opens up not only technological but also ecological perspectives.
What do you find most exciting about your work?
For me, it’s the collaboration with experienced colleagues and mentors. The open-minded way in which every idea and suggestion is welcomed here creates an inspiring and supportive working atmosphere. This culture motivates me to overcome challenges and develop my potential.