What is your current role? Tell us a bit about your research.
Currently, I am a postdoctoral researcher in the field of biophysics at Leipzig University (Germany). The research I am involved in spans protein (mis-)folding in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (amyloid beta fibrils) and protein−carbohydrate interactions (carbohydrate-binding proteins) addressed by various biophysical techniques with a focus on NMR spectroscopy. Further, I do teaching for medicine students in experimental physics.
Why did you choose to participate in the ASAPbio Fellows program?
There are several reasons, first, I want to participate more actively in the scientific community which engages in science communication and get to know other people with similar interests. Second, I am interested in keeping track of the fast development of the preprint ecosystem and putting to the test the practices in feedback culture of scientific paper revision. And third, I would like to learn tools to further advance the awareness of valuable alternatives to classical publication in journals in my local scientific community.
What are you excited about in science communication?
I find it fascinating how difficult it is to simplify complex matter. During my (PhD) studies in Chemistry, I lived together in a shared apartment with friends studying Communication Sciences. Considering the differences of our professional life at that time, I could have never imagined that both our disciplines would ever meet in one way or another. Nowadays, I find myself thinking that knowing about science communication is an essential skill while working in a research environment. The tools of trade for how to communicate science is not only very useful in the communication to the public but also crucial among scientists from different disciplines in this constantly diversifying science landscape.
Ask me about…
Psychedelic music, especially from the explosive African rock scene of the 60s to 80s.
Fusion cuisine – kitchen experiments in bringing together ingredients from different cultures.
Botany – favourite plant: Camellia sinensis –especially of Indian and Nepalese origin.