Why did you choose TU Darmstadt and how would you describe your experience?

I did my master's and doctorate at the TU. It was a time that shaped me and changed my view of the world. I chose the university because it has an excellent reputation in my field and offered me the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in science. The strong emphasis on research and innovation aligned perfectly with my academic goals. TU was the ideal place to continue my studies and pursue pure research. I was inspired by my doctoral supervisor, Professor Hongbin Zhang. He said that you can't earn more money with a doctorate, but it can educate you to think rationally and deal with every little thing in life. TU Darmstadt helped me to achieve this.

How were the first few weeks?

Settling into a new environment can always be a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. My first time in Darmstadt was no exception. However, the welcoming atmosphere at the university and in the city made the transition easier. I met a lot of friendly people. The lively culture and new friendships helped me to feel at home quickly. I have fond memories of the live bands in the Krone or the Hefeweizen in the Ratskeller. But I could never get used to the food in the canteen.

What did you particularly like?

I spent eight years in Darmstadt. When I look back, many things still make me happy. The summer outings with friends are unforgettable. As far as the working atmosphere is concerned, I was particularly struck by the collegial spirit. There was a real sense of camaraderie within the academic community, where ideas were freely exchanged and collaboration flourished. This working atmosphere encouraged innovation and creativity, greatly enriching my research experience.

How has TU influenced your professional career?

My time at TU has significantly impacted my career. The rigorous academic environment and mentorship from my PhD supervisor equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in my field. The opportunity to work on innovative research projects has broadened my expertise and opened up exciting career opportunities.

You are now doing research at the University of Wisconsin. A completely new experience?

Yes, the cultures in the USA and Germany are completely different, and it took me a while to get used to them. My move to the University of Wisconsin-Madison stemmed from a desire to explore new academic horizons and contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives. I am currently involved in a Molten Saltz Design project focused on using machine learning to improve our understanding and use of molten salts.

These salts are important for clean energy technologies such as molten salt reactors and concentrated solar power. They store and transfer heat that can be converted into other forms of energy. To make sure these salts work safely and effectively, we need to know a lot about their properties, such as how hot they can get before they melt, how much heat they can store or how well they can conduct it. We also need to make sure that they can cope with difficult conditions and impurities.

But you are still working on a project at TU Darmstadt? What is it about?

It's a program that combines advanced computer technology and materials science knowledge to accelerate the discovery, research, and development of new materials. The aim is to develop new materials that meet various industrial and scientific requirements. Specifically for energy applications, for example, we work with researchers in the Materials Science department to help them develop new functional materials and improve the performance of existing materials. More advanced materials such as thermoelectric materials, new types of magnets, or optoelectronics can help us save energy.

As a young researcher, you have been invited to the Lindau Meeting with Nobel Laureates. What does this invitation mean to you?

I am grateful to Prof. Reinhold Walser and Prof. Hongbin Zhang for nominating me. The invitation to the Lindau Meeting is an incredible honor, recognition, and acknowledgment of my contribution to the scientific community. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with some of the brightest minds in science, exchange ideas, and gain insights that will undoubtedly influence my future research endeavors. This invitation is an incentive to push the boundaries of knowledge in my field.

What do you hope to gain from the meeting?

The Lindau Meeting is a unique opportunity for leading young scientists to educate, inspire, and connect across cultural and political boundaries. I want to share my ideas about science and society with other young researchers. Even as a teenager, I wanted to contribute to society and make the world a better place.

The interview was conducted by Astrid Ludwig