Our researchers are unique. Here they introduce themselves and show their very personal side behind the scientific work.
Keno Pape:
"I studied industrial engineering at Paderborn University, specialising in mechanical engineering. A lot of things were still abstract back then. When I switched to the Master's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering, things became more concrete: more freedom in terms of specialisation, clear applications - and therefore also a lot more focus.
Working as a student assistant and writing my thesis in the “Control Engineering and Mechatronics” workgroup gave me my first insights into research and teaching. The young, friendly and collegial environment at the Heinz Nixdorf Institute motivated me to take the next step: a doctorate. I have been a research assistant at the workgroup since 2023. I find it exciting to delve particularly deeply into a topic, and at the same time I really enjoy teaching.
My research focuses on driving behaviour prediction and autonomous driving. The aim is to predict the driver's wishes and the resulting vehicle movements over a defined time horizon. Methodologically, I rely on hybrid approaches from physically motivated modelling as well as machine learning and deep learning. The methods are used in interactive driving simulation and in test vehicles. Special emphasis is placed on the interpretability, safety and adaptability of the models.
I find balance in sport: running and cycling clear my head, in basketball it's the team spirit that counts - leading a young team as an "old hand" and achieving goals together. I also enjoy making things: small craft projects and 3D printing. But sometimes it can also be quite relaxed: sofa, new series and films."
