1) Why I chose to do my PhD here at the Epigenetics Research School...
"At the end of my Master’s program in Biology I was searching for pioneering research groups focused on epigenetic mechanisms to conduct my PhD studies. When I encountered the interdisciplinary and international epigenetics@HMGU community I was pleased to learn about the Epigenetics Research School they launched at the Helmholtz Zentrum München. Conclusively, I applied for the PhD program in the lab of Dr. Martin Groth, one of the participating host groups within the community. I am very excited and grateful to have this inspiring community framework that gives me the unique opportunity to interact with other researchers and leaders in the field of epigenetic research."
2) What I hope to achieve in the next five years and what is important for me to achieve this...
"My main focus is to strengthen my professional and practical skills in epigenetic research through my PhD studies, especially in plant-based epigenetics, the topic of my work. I am keen to exchange my thoughts and insights with other members of the community, to look for similarities, which might be of mutual interest, but also unique features in plant epigenetics. It’s really interesting to see what resources and approaches my colleagues from other scientific disciplines use for computational analyses or in the lab. Ultimately, it would be great to present my work at an international conference and through a publication in a high ranking journal. Afterwards, my goal is to further deepen my competencies in plant sciences through a Postdoc position to illustrate epigenetic mechanisms by which plants may adapt to changing growth environments which I find very relevant in the light of climate change. The highly focused setting of the Epigenetics Research School certainly promotes my knowledge with the training program that is tailored towards epigenetics and genomics topics."
3) So far my experience with the international environment at the Epigenetics Research School has been...
"Great! Being a member of the research school feels like being part of a multi-national group with very talented colleagues from different scientific backgrounds collectively searching for answers in the field of epigenetics. It’s a laid-back and creative atmosphere."
4) The most valuable things I have learned so far have been...
"Most importantly, don’t be shy and ask questions! Especially when you are surrounded and supervised by internationally renowned experts from different disciplines."