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engineering - photography - design

About me:

Photo of Zuzanna Stachlewska

Hi, my name is Zuzanna but you can call me Zuza (or Suzanne).

Engineer:

I’m a materials engineer specialising in surface engineering, thermochemical processing, heat treatment, thin-film deposition, ceramic materials (synthesis) and materials characterisation, with over 3 years of experience as a materials researcher in a Danish work environment and with a Master’s degree in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet - DTU). I am driven by the belief that a sustainable society requires sustainable solutions — from designing novel cost- or energy-efficient materials, to introducing surface solutions aimed at extending component lifetimes, and optimizing every step of the manufacturing process. Whether that is through implementing hardware-based innovations in processes, rethinking quality systems, or through minimizing manufacturing waste, my personal goal is always to provide a solution that is environmentally conscious and sustainable.

Throughout my professional journey, I have worked extensively with surface engineering – from developing diffusion-based (thermochemical conversion type) surface hardening solutions at Expanite (EU-based provider of diffusion hardening of stainless steels) to two large physical vapour deposition (PVD) projects during my studies. My biggest achievements at Expanite were developing a novel surface hardening solution aimed at closing the gap between existing products and market expectations, adjusting process parameters and implementing innovative solutions into existing processes to meet the requirements of an automotive customer. I also improved process energy efficiency by reducing process times by 5% through optimization of process parameters.

Even though surface engineering has become my area of expertise, and I proudly call myself a metallurgist with extensive experience in thermochemical processing and heat treatment, I have throughout my career shown a similar level of passion for other areas of the materials domain, with ceramic materials holding a special place in my heart. My Master's thesis in lead-free piezoelectric materials scoped the entire process chain from powder synthesis, slurry formulation to 3D printing (direct ink writing / robocasting) and involved an extensive materials characterisation study of both initial components and final products, involving microscopy, phase identification and measurements of piezoelectric response.

Materials investigation is my forte. I thrive at the intersection of laboratory investigation using materials characterization techniques and technical writing. I have hands-on experience with scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), glow-discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES), light optical microscopy (LOM) with hardness testing, and mechanical testing (tensile strength, cyclic loading). Being responsible for materials investigation, analysis and communication of results for multiple internal and external projects during my time at Expanite, I have developed my skills in data analysis and scientific reporting.

As a transgender woman, I value sensitivity, inclusivity and equality and I bring those values to every collaborative environment I am part of. I excel in science communication, whether to external stakeholders or within the organization. As many engineering positions often require communicating complex ideas to customers and suppliers as well as conducting employee trainings, I often tailor the level of complexity to my audience. Having an analytical approach to problem-solving and being detail-oriented are a must in this line of work. I am always tweaking and improving my work organization processes, which allows me to deliver results that are comprehensive and trustworthy.

I am open to work in Denmark, currently located in Aarhus area, but willing to relocate to the Greater Copenhagen Area.

Artist:

I am also an "amateur" photographer. Although perhaps it would be better to use a word "self-taught". I started my journey with photography in late 2022 as a way to help reduce anxiety related to my gender identity. Through frequent photography walks I was able to process my emotions while simultaneously hidden behind camera lens. In 2024 I was awarded Honorable Mention at Monovisions Awards in the landscape photography category, which provided me with the push needed to start taking photography more seriously. In 2025 I have joined Dark Gallery in Copenhagen as a rookie partner. Working together with the team there, I have decided to shift my artistic focus into more Queer-aligned photography, which lets me create a dialog with the viewer about gender and queerness. My work spans artistic imagery, street photography, landscape, architectural detail and portrait.

Since high school times I have also called myself a graphic designer. I have been using vector based programs (Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, Affinity) to design logotypes, posters, leaflets and other marketing materials for various events and businesses. My strong side is creating visual identification for companies.