STEM subject were favourites already in high school. Then during various internships during my biomedical science studies I got interested in tumour immunology in which I found the plasticity of the system and the potential to manipulate immune cells was fascinating.
No, I don't think many people start a STEM study thinking about this.
To find answers to scientific questions only to realise that there is so much still unclear and being able to help close some tiny gap of the lack of knowledge.
Discussing research with collegues, keeping up with developments in the field, and trying to communicate the fascinating aspects of the field to students and young researchers.
The never-ending paperwork...
Organ- and tumour-specific immune regulation.
Probably yes.
Doable. There are periods of time where one or the other suffers. It is important to organise supporting surroundings.
In general I am very thankful to have always worked in supportive environments during my PhD and Post-doc stages. Being granted supporting post-doc funding (EMBO scholarship) and financial help during my habilitation period (Lise-Meitner Programm of the University in Bonn) supported my scientific career.
Continue to contribute to expanding scientific knowledge and encourage students to engage in this process as well.
Follow your interests and develop tenacity.
2002
PhD, University of Leiden, the Netherlands
2012
Habilitation at University of Bonn
2014
First nomination as a professor, University of Hamburg