Five questions to Antje Heese

1. What fascinates you most about natural sciences?

As a plant biologist, I am fascinated by the incredible beauty, diversity, and aesthetic qualities that plants offer us. As a cellular biochemist, I am particularly amazed by how plants can sense changes in their environment and coordinate appropriate cellular responses to cope with adverse conditions. More specifically, I am intrigued by how a cell manages the highly dynamic and complex process of protein trafficking. In other words, I wonder how a cell "knows" when to send a specific protein to its correct subcellular location at the right time and in the right abundance, allowing it to fulfill its function during environmental stress.

2. Why did you continue your academic career abroad after graduating? What advice would you give to young scientists who want to go abroad?

„My advice for students interested in studying or conducting research abroad is to "go for it."

I love adventures, experiencing different cultures, and thriving on challenges. After passing my Vordiplom (qualifying exam) in Biology at Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB, Germany), I received a Fulbright fellowship to study for nine months at the Plant Research Laboratory (PRL) at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Nine months turned into sixteen, and the research at PRL formed the basis for my Diplom thesis, which I completed at RUB. I truly enjoyed my time in the U.S. and appreciated the PRL’s supportive training environment and research opportunities, so when I was offered the chance to pursue my PhD at PRL, I did not hesitate. I also had a personal reason for staying— I met my future husband, who was a PhD student at the institute.

My advice for students interested in studying or conducting research abroad is to "go for it." As an early-career scientist, this is the time in your life when you have fewer commitments at home and are free to live and work in another country.

3. Which decision from your life as a researcher was the most important?

The most important decision for me was accepting the Fulbright Fellowship and studying abroad in the U.S. It changed my life both scientifically and personally. It opened many career opportunities that would not have been possible in Germany, at least at that time, and I met my husband, a U.S. citizen, which led me to live most of my adult life outside of Germany.

4. You are engaged in Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Why is this topic so important for you and what should be achieved in the near future?

“I strive to promote diversity and inclusion so that every student can reach their full potential.”

When I studied Biology at RUB in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was not a single female professor or female scientist in a leadership position in the Biology faculty (I am thrilled to see that this has changed). As a first-generation student, I had never considered a career in academia while living in Germany. My perspective changed when I joined the PRL at Michigan State University. I chose to pursue my PhD thesis in the lab of Natasha Raikhel, a highly successful plant biologist who was married with two children. Natasha continues to serve as my role model and mentor throughout both my scientific and personal journey.

My husband of more than 30 years is also a plant biochemistry professor, and we have one son. As a professor, my goal is to "pay it forward" by mentoring the next generation of underrepresented scientists. I strive to promote diversity and inclusion so that every student can reach their full potential.

I am also passionate about expanding support and opportunities for dual-career scientists at all career stages. As dual-career scientists, my husband and I were thrilled with the excellent research opportunities and support for each of us in the Plant and Microbial Biology groups at HHU. I am excited to be hosted by Petra Bauer, Professor and head of the Institute of Botany at HHU.

5. What's your favorite thing to do after work?

I love to paint, as it helps me relax and refresh my mind. As a cellular plant biochemist, I particularly enjoy exploring acrylic pouring and watercolor techniques, which allow me to break free from the constraints of scientific methods and create free-flowing cellular structures inspired by nature.