Yvonne de Laval and Sabine Busweiler

Yvonne de Laval and Sabine Busweiler preparing a wood preservative test

Source: BAM

""We are the experts in worm pest control."

Interview with Sabine Busweiler, Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms Division

How long have you been working for BAM and what are your responsibilities?

I have been working at BAM since 1985. I cultivate insects that damage materials such as wood or textiles and use them to carry out scientific experiments and tests.

BAM’s mission statement says: "We are working for a strong safety culture in Germany and safety standards that meet our future’s highest requirements." What contribution do you make to safety in technology and chemistry with your work?

Regarding safety: We research biological methods for controlling material pests and carry out tests according to standards for industrial customers and other research institutions.

What has been your most exciting task or most exciting project?

The electron microscopic (REM/TEM) studies on the morphology of the antennae of Hylotrupes bajulus (house longhorn beetle) and the subsequent electrophysiological recordings of sensory cells was an exciting task I was entrusted with in the past.

What do you love about your work? What inspires you?

I like to work reliably and precisely. My work environment and the tasks at hand are what inspire me. I like to be able to assume responsibility and think at work. Being able to identify well with my work is important to me.

What are the three most important conditions for knowledge transfer and cooperation within BAM for you?

The fact that cooperation is intended and approved; sincerity regarding the achievement of results; unity: jointly working towards a goal.

What would you answer to an applicant’s question: "Why is it worthwhile working for BAM?"

It is interesting because one can cooperate and assist in the latest research and help put the research results into practice.

Interview with Yvonne de Laval, division Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms

How long have you been working for BAM and what are your responsibilities?

I have been working for BAM since 2007 and my responsibilities cover two areas. Firstly, I am responsible for termite breeding and carry out scientific experiments and tests on them. Secondly, I have been involved with biocide analysis where I perform leaching tests and various other experiments.

BAM’s mission statement says: "We are working for a strong safety culture in Germany and safety standards that meet our future’s highest requirements." What contribution do you make to safety in technology and chemistry with your work?

Many materials are attacked by various organisms. I contribute to our safety culture by conducting standard tests for combatting material pests.

What has been your most exciting task or most exciting project?

My project work on the theme: "Inter-specific competition behaviour of lower termites using the example of different Coptotermes species". This gave me the opportunity to research an interesting problem.

What do you love about your work? What inspires you?

The versatile work areas that include both biological and chemical work, inspire me. My work requires reliability and accuracy.

What are the three most important conditions for knowledge transfer and cooperation within BAM for you?

Scientific presentations and internal further education are basic conditions to enhance knowledge transfer in my view. Publications in the Intranet offer great opportunities for cooperation.

What would you answer to an applicant’s question: "Why is it worthwhile working for BAM?"

BAM is an attractive employer because it offers a variety of work areas. In addition, BAM enables flexible working hours to reconcile career and family commitments.

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