Meet the team behind the AlpGE-project:
Dr. Simon Wüest is an expert in microgravity and space biology research. He has conducted life science experiments on all suborbital microgravity platforms, including drop tower, several parabolic flight campaigns and a sounding rocket mission. Recently he also used the short-arm human centrifuge at DLR in Cologne. As a frequent user of the various microgravity platforms and facilities, he has a very clear perspective and understanding of the user’s needs.
After completing his apprenticeship as a mechanic at ETH Zürich, Simon Wüest studied Systems Engineering (bachelor) at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland. Subsequently, he joined the University of Bern for his master in Biomedical Engineering. As a part-time master student, he also developed so-called Random Positioning Machines (RPMs), which are used to expose biological samples to simulated microgravity. Finally, in collaboration with the Lucerne School of Engineering and Architecture, he completed the PhD program in Biomedical Engineering of the University of Bern
List of publications and projects: www.simonwuest.ch
Dr. Seraina Braun is working in the geological field for more than 20 years. She gained her first experience in scientific work with her PhD in an interdisciplinary field of geology and climate sciences. Subsequently she worked a few years in industry until she moved to the authorities of the canton of the Grisons, where she set up the drinking water inspectorate. Her profound background in geology helped her to understand the water flows and the localization of the sources to give valuable hints to the companies carrying out the work.
Seven years ago, she was drawn back to scientific work, this time with a practical background. She currently works hand in hand with civil engineers and geomechanics at the Institute for Construction in Alpine Regions at the University for Applied Sciences of the Grisons. The focus lies on constructions in the alpine regions with hints to natural hazards and their geological conditions.
Publication list: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6759-685X
Prof. Kilian Schuster has almost 20 years of experience in the design and development of innovative transport systems as a chief engineer in the advanced-development/technology management department of one of the world’s largest elevator manufacturers. In this role, he played a key role in the establishment of new products and systems, the success of which was consistently due to the skillful implementation of the latest technologies from research into commercial products. For example, the AI based control algorithm developed together with Jana Köhler more than 20 years ago, is still considered as the ‘gold standard’ in the industry. Other pioneering concepts include new control and communication algorithms, safety features or transport systems with multiple vehicles sharing the same shaft. As author/co-author of more than 40 patents, he has made a significant contribution to the technological development of the entire elevator industry.
After changing to the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Kilian Schuster successfully managed further innovation projects, also in the field of elevator systems, such as an Innosuisse project concerning a multi-vehicle system. He benefits above all from his technological breadth, which is backed up by more than 30 years of teaching experience in the fields of signal processing, programming, control engineering, AI and safety.
Publication list: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5938-6692
Dr. Andreas Gierse started developing microvibration decoupling systems for experiments under microgravity during his studies at the University of Applied Sciences Aachen in the frame of the DLR / SSC REXUS program making it his profession as PM (Project Manager) of the DLR funded VibraMIK project in which he invented and developed a novel Release-Caging-Mechanism (RCM) specifically for drop towers. As PM and Lead System Engineer of the GraviTower Bremen Pro project at ZARM Andreas led the development of the Systemarchitecture including Safetyarchitecture, Stucture and Design of the GTB-Pro which is now one of only two fully active droptowers in the world and is leading in the number of flights and scientific exploitation.
Since 2023 Andreas is working in Space industry. As Subproject Manager for the ESA Mission RAMSES, which is aiming on the scientific exploration of the asteroid Apophis at its close encounter to Earth in 2029, Andreas is responsible for the Structure, Design and Populsion of the RAMSES satellite.
Through the engineering firm “Gierse Ingenieurdienstleistungen”, Andreas will contribute to the development of the critical and complex parts of the AlpGe system with his experience from the development of the GTB-Pro, as well as with further developments that he has been driving for drop towers since 2023.
Dr. Mauro Gotsch is a researcher and lecturer at the Institute for Tourism and Leisure (ITF) at the University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons. The ITF stands as the leading Swiss institution for education, continuous training, and research in tourism and leisure management at the tertiary level, with both national and international recognition. Dr. Gotsch’s research and service endeavours are concentrated on areas such as “Service Innovation,” “Tourism 4.0,” “Management of Tourist Properties and Infrastructures,” and “Sustainable Development.” He has established a network of partners, including destinations, service providers, associations, as well as political and administrative bodies, with whom he collaborates to develop solutions to entrepreneurial, societal, and political issues related to tourism and leisure. Through initiatives like the Tourism Trend Forum (TTF), student projects, and publications, he and the ITF actively promote knowledge sharing and the exchange of knowledge among academia, industry, government, and society. Additionally, Dr. Gotsch teaches courses on consumer research, general management and project management in both the bachelor’s and master’s programs at the University of Applied Sciences.
Publication list: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5319-2347