Interview with our Field Application Specialist: Dr. Katharina Hohenwallner
Welcome to our latest edition of our series Employee Interviews, where we dive into the personal experiences, challenges, and insights of our team members. Meet Katharina, our Field Application Specialist, and learn more about her insights and experiences in her field of expertise.
Which unexpected customer request or use case surprised you the most?
I’m continually surprised by how creatively customers use SICRIT®: from honey authentication to combat food fraud, to asthma research using the Breath Module in the context of urban air pollution, to rapid synthesis control with the GC-SPME module, or real-time aroma profiling during the roasting of coffee beans … or even marshmallows! It really shows that new technologies often create the greatest value in areas where they weren’t originally intended to be used.
What is the most common mistake when using your product?
In terms of day-to-day operation, there are surprisingly few issues, SICRIT® is very straightforward to use. The most common “mistakes” are fairly trivial (the source not being switched on, or not mounted gas-tight). The bigger challenge is technical understanding: SICRIT® is extremely versatile, which is a huge advantage once users fully grasp its capabilities. When used correctly, it enables some very exciting and successful projects.
How often do you have to mediate between technical feasibility and customer requirements?
Very often. Many customers initially only see a small part of what’s possible. My role is to listen carefully and then suggest the right setup. Especially in the LC-MS environment, the focus is often on increasing sensitivity. However, the real added value of SICRIT® frequently lies in expanding the analytical panel, for example enabling non-target screening. And when something isn’t (yet) possible, our R&D team often manages to make the impossible possible.
Which soft skills are just as important as technical expertise in your job?
Listening, developing a genuine understanding of the problem, and having strong interpersonal sensitivity. Trust and reliability are just as important as technical know-how. And yes, having a bit of structure helps too (I’m still working on that 😉).
What has been your most valuable “aha” moment in the field?
Realizing that what customers say they want isn’t always what they actually need. The best ideas often emerge only after asking the right follow-up questions.
What a great reminder that analytics and innovation start with listenting and good questions, and of course a person who knows how to ask them!
Thank you for sharing your valuable insights and experiences with us. We’re excited to continue our journey of #Rethinking mass spectrometry together.