About Me
Hello! I'm Janina Branke, an engineer with a Master's in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford, where I specialized in predictive maintenance, structural engineering, and renewable energy. I currently work in nuclear fusion, working with Proxima Fusion and the Max Planck Institute to help make fusion energy a practical reality. My work focuses on thermal analysis, structural simulation, and CAD design.
I'm always happy to discuss my work—feel free to reach out!
Research
Virtual Sensing of Offshore Wind Structures through Field Monitoring
Developed an augmented Kalman filter using a finite element model to identify the system dynamics and fatigue of offshore wind turbines to extend their operational lifecycles.
Finite Elements for Coupled Thermo-elastic Problems
Developed and validated a MATLAB-based Finite Element Model for coupled thermo-elastic problems, applied to a flange and pipe system under temperature and pressure loads, identifying critical stress points and potential failure modes, while reducing the computational time using optimized mesh sizes.
Work Experience
Mechanical Engineer – Proxima Fusion & Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics
Working to make fusion energy possible through detailed engineering design and analysis. Responsibilities include performing thermal and structural simulations, and developing CAD models for complex assemblies.
Strategy Consulting – Accenture
Part of the Chemicals & Natural Resources team, collaborating with clients on projects such as designing new IT infrastructure and identifying offshoring opportunities.
Analyst – Chartwell Consulting
Drove a >30% increase in factory output in 4 months by working closely with client executives and operators to improve operational workflow at a catalytic converter factory.
Digital Technology Intern – BP
- Developed simulation and assessed logistics of a robotic arm for EV charging.
- Worked across the organization to kickstart a centralised website for robotics projects.
Engineer – Etude
- Analyzed data for improving energy efficiency of new buildings.
- Led API integration for internal scheduling functions.
Awards and Leadership Experience
- President of the Oxford University Engineering Society, 2021–22
- Rokos Award for Scientific Internships, 2022
- Hedges Prize for college corporate life contributions, Pembroke College, 2023
- Best Chemical Engineering Project, Oxford Engineering Department, 2022
- Pembroke College, Oxford Excellent Performance Prize, 2020, 2021 and 2022
- Leader at a weekly junior youth group, 2017–20
- Silver Medal in the Alan Turing Cryptography Competition, 2017
- Gold Award in UKMT Mathematics Challenges, 2017, 2018