Feb 13, 2024
February 11, 2024 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to women who play a critical role in science and technology and empowering girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
To celebrate, over the next week we will be highlighting incredible women who are making advancements in science, technology, engineering and math in the water industry - because one day to celebrate women in science just isn’t enough! These impactful water leaders have been nominated for this recognition based on their accomplishments and contributions to the water sector. Join us in celebrating women and girls in science!
Kathrin Starschich is Market Development Manager OEM for TWT Sustaining Partner, Siemens. When she's not at work, Kathrin enjoys hiking, skiing, riding horses, and spending quality time with her family. Learn more about Kathrin and her incredible contributions to the industry below.
Kathrin Starschich, Siemens
What drew you to a career in water/science?
I studied Computational Engineering Science at RWTH Aachen University and spent 8 months at Imperial College in London during an ERASMUS exchange. After getting my diploma, I started as a Trainee at Siemens in the Siemens Graduate Program which took me through 3 assignments, two of them in Germany and one in the US. I then joined Siemens Germany as a product manager. In 2012, I took over responsibility for a product portfolio called SIPLUS extreme. These are ruggedized automation, visualization and drive components that are designed to operate in very harsh environments. One of the main industries is Water & Wastewater where hydrogen sulfides are causing a lot of failures on unprotected devices. I always loved to visit customers and help them to solve problems in their applications and make them feel heard and supported by Siemens.
What is an accomplishment that you are proud of in your career thus far?
I worked with a wastewater authority in Florida to harden their automation against hydrogen sulfide gases. The installed HMIs failed after 3 months due to exposure to the gas and we managed to set them up with a robust portfolio that still works properly after 7 years. I converted an OEM on the West coast from their green board solution to Siemens during the supply chain crisis so they could continue to ship out panels for wastewater treatment in small communities.
What advice would you give to young women looking to start a career in water?
Right from the start, build a good network with your female colleagues to support each other and advance together. And make sure you have the right mentors to help you navigate the next steps in your career. Be curious and have a lot of fun with your job. Stay on top of the ever changing technology. Don’t be afraid to combine family and your job!
How can schools/companies/organizations better support women in the science/water industry?
Companies should make sure that they allow the freedom to combine being a mom and great at your job. Schools should put more emphasis on fostering the engineering curiosity of their female students and offer programs to encourage more girls to go that route. I have seen the industry change from very male dominated to a more supportive environment!
The Water Tower consists of two nonprofit organizations: The Water Tower at Gwinnett, a 501(c)4 – responsible for the development and operations of the campus, and The Water Tower Institute, a 501c3 – responsible for solutions, instruction, and engagement programming. Together, these entities are cultivating an ecosystem of water innovation fueled by imagination, informed by research, and powered by pioneers. The Water Tower brings together public and private sectors of the water industry, side by side with academia and nonprofits, to tackle the industry’s greatest challenges.