What fascinates you most about natural sciences?

I was always interested in how things of the daily life work and why everything around us looks like it is. For example, I always was fascinated by my plants growing in my parent’s hobby garden. Today, I am happy that I actually know some of the answers to my childhood questions and that everything in nature is even cooler than I could imagine.

Tell us something about your journey in science so far?

My interest in natural sciences started already in school. We had a very good and motivated Biology teacher who supported us from fifth grade to the Abitur. Thanks to her our school had a special class “Practical Natural Sciences” where we spend a lot of time in nature and could learn a lot. Afterwards, I decided to study Biochemistry in Düsseldorf and was lucky to be able to join the special Bachelor Plus/International program. Within this program I was able to study for 10 months at the Michigan State University and to have two scientific internships for several month. After my Bachelor thesis I decided that I would like to join the CEPLAS Graduate School. Now I work in Prof. Döhlemann’s group at University of Cologne.

What qualities have been particularly helpful to you on your educational path so far?

I was always open to new methods but also to interesting new topics. Furthermore, I always try to question my results which allowed me to learn much more.

What part of your daily work do you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy trying new methods, but I also like to discuss new results.

Tell us something about your hobbies?

I enjoy a lot to be outside and to doing sports. Often, I do bouldering after work with friends or go for a hike or bike ride. When I need some time to relax, I also like to watch some series or to read a good thriller.