Moving to Tübingen for my PhD was a huge jump, but it has been well worth it. The MPI for Biology was fantastic at helping me settle in, understand the German system, and has even supported me in learning the language. The city itself is a lovely, quiet, and comfortable place to live, with a vibrant young population. Being located by the Black Forest and Schwabian Alb, there is also a wealth of hiking, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities close-by. Within the department of Microbiome Science, I have been free to design a fully self-driven, independent project. The ready access I have had to both materials and state-of-the-art equipment has allowed me to be highly productive, and remain creative and exploratory in the types of experiment that I can perform. I have also had the benefit of working closely and seamlessly with other labs within the institute, learning from their different expertise.
My colleagues at the institute come from a wide range of backgrounds, from all over the world, each bringing their unique experiences and perspectives. This has led to a truly welcoming, and supportive community. There are few places in the world where I would have been able to carry out a similar type of project, and I believe it’s allowed me to become a far better scientist as a result.

I started my PhD at the end of 2019. Looking back, I would say I’ve enjoyed my PhD experience so far. Structurally, it was important for me that I had yearly obligations to present my work to an external audience through the PhD symposiums and thesis advisory committee (TAC) meetings. This was important for me, especially in my second year, when I really didn’t want to present anything as I felt like my project was going no where. I had to present anyway, and through that, received support and feedback. Pursuing a doctorate is difficult, and often whether you succeed or not is dependent on the availability of support. As for me, I’m glad to have done my PhD here in Tübingen, where I’ve always felt supported and encouraged by friends, colleagues, and IMPRS coordinators.

I am grateful to be a part of the Max Planck Institute of Biology Tübingen “IMPRS” program and University of Tübingen, where I am currently pursuing my PhD. The program continues to provide me with a diverse and international academic environment, allowing me to collaborate with esteemed scientists in my field. I am fortunate to have a highly supportive supervisor, who provides invaluable mentorship throughout my ongoing PhD. Additionally, I am grateful for the support and guidance I receive from my TAC members. They play a pivotal role in shaping my research journey and have greatly contributed to my personal development as well. 
The interdisciplinary nature of the program enables me to engage with scientists from various backgrounds, fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning experience. I remain grateful for the opportunities and resources offered by IMPRS, which continue to contribute significantly to my growth as a researcher. Additionally, being a part of this program has allowed me to build meaningful connections with my colleagues, who have become more than just fellow researchers—they have become friends. The supportive and collaborative atmosphere within the program has fostered strong relationships, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences.