Gulden Othman

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT GULDEN OTHMAN

I am a passionate researcher, leader, and project manager. In my career I have demonstrated flexibility in my research endeavors, enabled by having a strong background in experimental physics, passion for knowledge, and strong organizational and leadership skills.Currently, I lead a research project at Helmut-Schmidt University, in collaboration with the University of Hamburg, investigating noise from scattered light in next-generation ground-based gravitational wave detectors. Through a tabletop experiment and machine learning analysis, I aim to uncover correlations that help identify and remove unwanted signals in interferometric systems. Continuing from my previous role as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hamburg, I am also the PI of a project in Quantum Sensing (tinyurl.com/quantum-gothman) using superconducting Transition Edge Sensor (TESs). Previously, I was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hamburg, specializing in superconducting Transition Edge Sensor (TES) detectors for photon-counting applications within the ALPS II experiment at DESY, in collaboration with NIST and PTB. My work involved reducing detector noise through hardware and software solutions, and I gained technical expertise in superconducting detectors, dilution refrigerators, and SQUID electronics. I was in a strong leadership role in this position, won several grants, and published several papers through collaboration and mentorship of PhD students. Additionally, as laboratory manager, I ensured our lab operated efficiently, with well-documented, reproducible processes. During my PhD, I designed and built a test stand to study surface radiation backgrounds in High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) semiconductor detectors. Through this role, I developed expertise in ultra-high-vacuum and cryogenic systems, cleanroom protocols, GEANT4 simulations, CAD design, and Python-based data analysis. The system remains in use today.Beyond research, I’m passionate about fostering a supportive environment for women and underrepresented groups in Physics. I’ve actively mentored undergraduate and graduate students and completed the dynaMENT Advanced mentoring program for women in academia. I also completed the prestigious \"Learn to Lead\" program through the University of Hamburg, where I developed a personal leadership style that I continue to develop in my role as a leader in various capacities.