Soapbox Science 2023

Soapbox: Did you choose a scientific career or did the scientific career choose you?

SDK: I think both. I have always been very curious and I loved learning how things work. When I was a child, I think “why” was one of my most-used words! I was very lucky to have parents who encouraged me to ask questions and keep learning. In high school, I really enjoyed all my subjects, but I especially loved the sciences. And once I got started on that track, I never considered doing anything else! 

Soapbox: What was the key moment that brought you to the place where you are today?

SDK: I decided to pursue research after attending a really inspiring research talk during my bachelor’s degree. The speaker was so excited about her work and about the process of scientific discovery. I had never really considered research for myself, but at that talk, I suddenly realized what possibilities research holds – that there is still so much to be discovered and so many questions still to be answered. And so I changed my plans and applied to PhD programs!

Soapbox: What is your scientific superhero power? Or what superhero would you be?

SDK: The fact that I enjoy writing and editing. I love thinking about words and sentences, and whether they mean what I want them to. A lot of scientists find writing a chore, but I am glad I don’t, because it such a key part of the job!

Soapbox: What is the most exciting aspect of your research?

SDK: We still don’t understand some of the physics behind our technology. Knowing that there is so much to still be discovered is very exciting!  

Soapbox: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what scientific equipment would you bring with you?

SDK: Magnifying glass to make fire. With fire I can distill or melt water, depending on the climate of the island, cook, warm myself, and potentially signal to passing ships.

Soapbox: What challenges do you encounter in science?

SDK: I think the imposter syndrome is my biggest enemy.

Soapbox: What motivates you to give a talk in Soapbox Science?

SDK: Communicating science to the general public is really important but I have not done much outreach myself, so I thought this would be a great opportunity! And it just sounds like it will be really fun! 

Soapbox: Do you have a few words to inspire other female or young scientists?

SDK: Being a researcher gives you a lot of freedom. It can be tough but is very rewarding!

Soapbox: In these pandemic days, what funny/interesting experiments, books, talks or podcasts can you recommend to our audience?

SDK: I have been really focused on learning German in my free time. Easy German is a really fun podcast for both German learners and native speakers!