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The structure of many unsolved problems in stellar astrophysics involving, e.g., black holes and exploding stars is astonishingly similar to current challenges in aerodynamics, combustion and detonation theory, hydrology and geology, and even economics and financial services. The most successful modern solution approaches incorporate large-scale finite-difference/finite-volume simulations for numerically solving the underlying mathematical equations, which can usually be cast into hyperbolic or elliptic form.

During my PhD work at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Garching I have succeeded in developing a novel computer code which utilizes a combination of state-of-the-art methods from computational fluid dynamics (like high-resolution shock-capturing methods) and efficient elliptic solvers (for large grid-based linear equations) in multi-dimensions.

Applying this code to simulations of supernova core collapse, I could obtain the first realistic templates of gravitational radiation waveforms in this scenario. Such templates are of paramount importance for data analysis in the large gravitational wave detector facilities which are currently being built in several countries in an international effort (see GEO 600, LIGO, VIRGO, LISA, or IGEC). As several of these expensive detectors are being finished right now or already taking data, the successful and timely delivery of our results was essential.

By establishing a cooperation with groups from the Laboratoire de l'Univers et de ses Théories at the Observatiore de Paris in France and the Departamento de Astronomía y Astrofísica of the Universidad de Valencia in Spain, I have managed to include spectral methods (known, e.g., in turbulence modeling, weather prediction, and seismic exploration) in the code. This can be considered as a breakthrough in numerical astrophysics, as it facilitates much faster and more accurate solutions of previously computationally very expensive steady-state problems (as also frequently occurring in aerospace industry).

In the course of my postdoctoral research I have particularly extended the range of applications of my code, for instance by introducing improved thermodynamics concepts and implementing a realistic equation of state as well as magnetic fields. I have achieved this not only in the framework of both the European Union Research and Training Network "Sources of Gravitational Waves" and the German research network SFB Transregio 7 "Gravitational Wave Astronomy", but also by establishing direct professional relations to scientists throughout Europe and in the United States. This will enable our working group to maintain its world-wide competitive edge in the future.

I have also worked with developers of the open-source numerical astrophysics tool Cactus, which is the product of a large-scale collaboration of international scientists. This code features adaptive mesh refinement and makes use of an advanced grid computing environment. I have also acquired basic knowledge of modern numerical approaches to radiation transport. Furthermore, if needed I am certain to be able to obtain experience in finite-element based methods in short time.

For my scientific work I have an extensive publication track record in renowned international astrophysics journals. In many publications I am the first author. I have presented my research results to an international audience at more than 20 international meetings and conferences, as well as more than 10 seminar talks at research institutes, universities, and scientific summer schools.

Living Reviews in Relativity is a solely WWW-based, peer reviewed journal offered by the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in Potdam. It publishes reviews of research in the theory of relativity as a free service to the scientific community.

Shortly after the journal launch in 1998, I have become technical editor as a part-time employment. My job profile is preparing incoming articles for publication in HTML, software development for conversion between various input and output formats, defining data formats, and image processing. In general it also includes supporting the managing editor in communicating with authors or in the case of technical problems. Additionally, I am compiling documentations and provide tutorials for other team members.

Recently the concept of Living Reviews has been advanced in cooperation with the Heinz Nixdorf Center for Information Management (ZIM) of the Max Planck Society in order to facilitate the publication of Living Reviews online journals in all areas of science. I have started to cooperate with ZIM staff in the migration to a new converter software and back office structure. I am also assisting in successfully running another newly established Living Reviews journal.

As the headquarters of Living Reviews in Relativity are located in Postdam, I heavily and successfully rely on the Internet as a means of communicating with other team members. We also strongly utilize version control software.

As a part-time member of the system administration team of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics I have taken care of the user helpdesk, software installation on a heterogenous computer workstation network (UNIX and Microsoft Windows), and maintenance of an SGI Origin 2000 supercomputer system. I have also been in charge of servicing the institute webpages and establishing a trouble ticket system.

Additionally, one of my tasks was to assess the user's needs for standard and special scientific software, and to negotiate program license contracts with software vendors.

At various times in the years 1993-1996, I have worked as a voluntary intern in the safety electronics R&D group of Siemens Automotive Division in Regensburg. The side-impact airbag sensor group is looking into new and reliable methods to detect side impacts in car crashes and trigger the airbag release.