My Motivation

My wish to study chemistry started during my high school career. I was always interested in natural science and I am generally very curious about the many possibilities offered in this area. Already in school I took part in a holiday study “Renewable Energies” at the Free University Berlin and completed my presentation exam in high school with the topic “Solving the Energy Problem”. Therefore I used a superconductor to explain and examine the challenges of modern electricity transport.

After my high school graduation I started studying at the Humboldt University Berlin. This sharpened my awareness of the responsibilities of a chemist, which persuaded me to start studying economics at the Distance Learning University Hagen at the same time. I finished my bachelor degree in chemistry with a thesis about “Biomimetic polymer coatings of gadolinium oxide nanoparticles for surface engineered MRI contrast agents”. It gave the opportunity to work on my own project and to have a greater insight into modern analytical techniques.

My Master program “Industrial Chemistry” at the TUM Asia – a cooperation between TU Munich and National University of Singapore – in Singapore corresponded optimally with my interests and motivations. The program offered me best academic qualification both in chemistry and economics. Furthermore, I gained new experiences and got to know the interesting culture of Asia. A 3-month internship as support for the analytical team at Lanxess Inc. gave me the possibility to test my analytical skills in a professional environment.

During a 6-month stay in London, Canada, I completed my master´s thesis at Lanxess Inc. R&D with the topic “A General Approach to Synthesize Chlorinated Butyl Rubber-graft-Polystyrene via Atomic Transfer Polymerization”. Also here the use of analytical techniques like NMR, FTIR and GPC were important parts of my work.

SALSA offers me not only great supervision, but also the opportunity to concentrate on scientific research and increasing my knowledge. In my opinion modern analytical chemistry is an important interface of chemistry and industry. Already through my study of economics I became aware that pushing forward the development of analytical techniques is necessary to optimize industrial processes and to protect the environment.

My curiosity and my thirst of knowledge drive my scientific research. Working in a laboratory often requires stamina and frustration tolerance. To achieve an optimal result I keep my calm and patience even after many trials. I generally enjoy working with highest precision and care – success in the laboratory are special experiences for me. I possess a highly developed awareness for responsibilities and look for corresponding positions. I attach great importance to social involvement and take my responsibility in society seriously. Early on I voluntarily trained youth groups in my gymnastics club. After completing my training as a gymnastic instructor, I am now responsible for three groups. Being also a member of the board in my sports club additionally offered me the possibility to get hands-on organizational abilities.

I truly believe that these skills enable me to pursue a doctoral position at SALSA.