A Day in the Life of Aurora Tjernshaugen: Applied Sciences Engineer at Crux

What does an average day look like for you as an Applied Sciences Engineer at Crux?

My days are a blend of research, problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. I spend a significant portion of my time working on a variety of projects, collaborating with clients to address their challenges.

My primary focus area is simulation, where I develop digital twins of specific devices or scenarios to assist clients in solving real-world problems. Creating a digital twin requires extensive research, and at Crux, we are equipped with advanced tools that allow us to thoroughly characterise material behaviour, and part geometry. I particularly enjoy the hands-on experience I gain from various projects. We also frequently use CT-scan data to ensure precise modelling of geometries.

The range of topics I tackle at Crux is both vast and fascinating. I work on projects that span from replicating failure modes in auto-injectors to more research-focused and explorative projects aiming to understand tissue-response to large volume injections. An interesting aspect of these projects is determining the best methods to verify the accuracy of our digital twin models. For example, in the case of auto-injectors, this might involve comparing real-world insertion and glide forces with simulated data. When modelling drug injections into tissue, the verification process can be more hands-on, such as performing in vitro experiments.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the continuous development of both my own skills and the company’s capabilities across various areas. Often, upon completing a project, a follow-up phase is quickly initiated, allowing me to observe how our work evolves and is further enhanced by myself or colleagues. Seeing how our work can lead to further advancements in drug delivery and patient care is exciting.

What do you enjoy most about your role as an engineer?

Engineering is a dynamic and interesting industry that is constantly evolving, making the industry exciting to be a part of.

I enjoy tackling complex problems and finding solutions. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being presented with a challenge, dedicating time to understand it, and ultimately cracking it. It’s like a puzzle waiting to be solved, and I thrive on that problem-solving aspect of my work.

How has your experience as a woman in the engineering field been?

In my early career, I faced some challenges as a woman in engineering. However, the landscape is changing, particularly with younger generations entering the workforce. It’s getting better, but there’s still room for improvement.

What advice would you give young people, especially women, aspiring to enter engineering?

I recommend remembering that engineering is incredibly broad, with countless opportunities. If you don’t find your niche right away, keep searching. You’re almost guaranteed to find something you love, whether it’s on your first, second, or third attempt. Engineering offers a huge range of possibilities, so don’t be afraid to explore and try new things.

What inspires you about the future of engineering and its potential impact on society?

In most of my work, I get to see how good engineering directly impacts the quality of devices and processes, leading to improved healthcare and patient outcomes.

It’s inspiring to know that the work we do as engineers has the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.