Robin Wagner develops new methods to communicate safety aspects of advanced materials
Robin Wagner develops new methods to communicate safety aspects of advanced materials
In his project, Robin will exploit new methods of knowledge transfer utilising aspects of the research of all case studies of the research alliance. Here, Robin tells us about his approach for working with the different research fields.
Robin, please tell us about your professional background.
I completed my Bachelor and Master of Education with the major subjects Biology, Chemistry and Educational Sciences at the University of Konstanz. After finishing my Bachelor, I gained teaching experience during my practical semester in Tübingen and spent a semester abroad at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
What will be your job in the project?
My aim will be to investigate innovative digital formats of science communication. The content to be conveyed in these formats will be about the safety of advanced materials and they will be used in different learning contexts, such as student laboratories or exhibitions.
What made you decide to contribute to this particular project?
I am very excited about being able to combine different disciplines, such as natural sciences and educational sciences, in this project. Especially the use of innovative digital methods, such as 360° videos, to impart knowledge on this important topic appealed to me.
Where do you see the biggest challenge?
Due to the interdisciplinary approach of the project, effective planning, organisation, and communication among each other will be an important aspect.
I also believe that breaking down complex content and findings from many different research areas to their essentials, without neglecting crucial elements, will be another key element in the field of science communication.
How do you deal with the fact that you will be working at several institutes and that several research institutes are involved in your project?
I see this collaboration as a great opportunity, as it will give me many insights into different areas of research. I look forward to meeting people from this field and learning from them and their work.
Thank you Robin! Welcome to the team, we are looking forward for testing the methods you are going to come up with in your project.
Olga Kuharenko – PhD at the interplay of chemistry and biology
Olga Kuharenko – PhD at the interplay of chemistry and biology
Olga Kuharenko moved 1000 km to start her PhD project Cluster Tox at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden. Halfway through her project, she will move another 500 km to Saarbrücken to finalize her work at Leibniz Institute for New Materials. Read here why she chose this path:
Dear Olga, tell us about your professional background.
I completed my bachelor’s and master’s in chemistry at the Belarusian State University (BSU) in Minsk. During my studies I worked for four years at the Research Institute for Physical Chemical Problems of the BSU in the field of polymer chemistry. The projects I was involved in were mainly devoted to the synthesis of well-defined macromolecular structures, their characterization and application.
What will be your job in the project?
I will synthesize nano-sized hybrid polymer/inorganic advanced materials and investigate how their architecture and macromolecular functionalization influence their cellular uptake and intracellular targeting, stability, as well as toxicity. Understanding the behavior of these nanoclusters in living cells in the future could for instance be used to develop targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment.
What made you decide to work in this particular project?
I see the interdisciplinary nature of the research as a great possibility for my professional development. For instance, I will be gaining knowledge and hands-on experience in cell biology – a totally different research field with new investigation approaches, analysis techniques and so on.
Where do you see the biggest challenge?
For me personally working as a chemist and as a biologist in a highly interdisciplinary environment will be a main challenge and also the greatest benefit.
How do you deal with the fact that you will be working at several institutes and that several research institutes are involved in your project?
I see this as a unique opportunity that will broaden my horizon and give me new knowledge, skills and contacts useful for my future scientific career.
Thank you Olga and welcome to the research alliance!. We are looking forward to working with you.
Meet Arianna Borgers – PhD at IfADo in case study B1: dissolution control
Meet Arianna Borgers – PhD at IfADo in case study B1: dissolution control
As the first PhD student of the research alliance, biologist Arianna Borgers already started her work at IfADo in July. Here she introduces herself briefly:
Dear Arianna, tell us about your professional background.
I completed my bachelor’s degree in biology at the Westfälische Wilhelms University in Münster. As I was particularly enthusiastic about biomedical issues during my studies, I subsequently decided to do my master’s degree in medical biology at the University of Duisburg-Essen. During internships and my master’s thesis, I was mainly involved in cancer research at Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum (translates to “West German Tumor Center”) in Essen.
What will be your job in the project?
The topic of my dissertation belongs to project area B, so I will deal with the influence of advanced materials, more precisely metal oxide nanoparticles, on human health. In this context, I am planning to investigate how these nanoparticles dissolve inside cells, which cell responses they cause and to what extent they have a toxic effect on cancer, nerve or liver cells. Controlling the release of metal ions and the associated toxicity could possibly in the future be of great benefit in cancer treatment therapies, for example.
What made you decide to work in this particular project?
The project appealed to me immediately because, on the one hand, it involves a biomedical context related to cancer research and, on the other hand, it provides new, exciting topics and methodologies for me. I also really liked the fact that the doctoral program includes workshops on science communication, among other things.
Where do you see the biggest challenge?
I think the biggest challenge could generally be in the organization. Especially in such a current field of research, it is important to keep track of current developments while always keeping your goal clearly in mind.
How do you deal with the fact that you will be working at several institutes and that several research institutes are involved in your project?
I actually really like the fact that several research institutes are involved in my project. I am looking forward to the interdisciplinary exchange with the participating institutes and hope that this will provide me with some new food for thought and perspectives for my project.
Thank you Arianna! Welcome to the research alliance, we are looking forward to working with you.