Current employment and workplace

AAU Energy, Aalborg University

How did I become interested in my field of research?

During my bachelor’s and master’s studies at AAU Energy, I worked on several projects related to renewable energy processes, which sparked my interest in pathways toward net zero carbon emissions.

A recurring theme in this work was the challenge posed by hard to abate sectors, particularly heavy transport. This led me to focus my master’s thesis on integrating direct air capture of CO₂ with jet fuel production as a route to carbon neutral fuels.
Through this work, my interest in direct air capture and its potential applications was established and later developed further during my PhD.

What am I most passionate about in my work?

I am most passionate about teaching and supervising students. Sharing my knowledge and supporting students as they work through complex concepts is highly rewarding, particularly when their understanding develops, and they gain confidence in their work.

I also value to do research that addresses concrete challenges facing our climate and thus society. By developing economically sustainable CO₂-neutral and CO₂-negative solutions, my work addresses topics with clear relevance to future energy systems, which makes my work meaningful to me.

In the long term, what impact can my research have on society?

In the long term, my research can support the development of economically sustainable CO₂ neutral and CO₂ negative energy systems, particularly for sectors that are difficult to decarbonize.
By providing quantitative insight into the performance, resource demands, and limitations of direct air capture based solutions, my work can inform both technology development and decision making.
This contributes to more realistic pathways toward emission reductions and climate targets, which can benefit society by enabling more effective and responsible use of resources.

What made the strongest impression on you during my PhD defense?

Figure out what you want to learn and what you enjoy, and pursue it intentionally. If you want to teach, ask for teaching opportunities.
If you want to network, attend events and connect with others.
If you want to communicate your research to the public, write articles or engage in outreach.

Focus on the experiences that matter most to you and actively seek them out.

What piece of advice would you offer current PhD fellows who want a career outside academia?

Don’t hesitate to involve your supervisor or other people in academia, and be open about your ambitions, even if they go beyond the university.

Seek opportunities to learn from professionals in your target field, as this can provide valuable insight and open doors.

Stay curious and adaptable; your ability to learn and tackle complex challenges is your greatest asset outside of academia.

A little bit about the person behind the researcher?

Behind the research, I am a very people-driven person, motivated by collaboration and interaction with others.
I enjoy working in teams and value the exchange of ideas, both professionally and socially.

I particularly love playing team sports, such as football, where cooperation and shared goals are key. I also like to stay active through cycling with friends, running, and going to the gym, which helps me maintain balance in my life.

Beyond physical activity, I enjoy being creative in the kitchen through cooking and baking, and I have a curiosity for learning new skills, whether practical or simply for fun.

Connect with Maria Maigaard Paulsen