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.

I started my PhD in September 2021, and looking back at the past years that I have devoted myself to research, I feel grateful and I am glad that I have decided to do my PhD in this IMPRS program in Tübingen. Doing a PhD is challenging, but I appreciate the support I have. For example, I have received great feedback during the annual thesis advisory committee (TAC) meetings, which has guided me through my project and ensured everything is on track. In addition, I have improved in scientific reading, writing, and presentations thanks to the professional development courses provided by the IMPRS. The research environment here is international and diverse. I feel like everyone is welcomed no matter their cultural or scientific background. I always enjoy the discussion with my colleagues and this has helped me brainstorm new ideas. Also, we support and cheer on each other when experiencing frustrations during the development of our projects. I am very fortunate to be pursuing my PhD degree within the IMPRS program and, if I had a time machine to go back in time, I would make the same decision again.

I joined the IMPRS in a special intake in February 2023 but I have felt supported from day one. The International Office, the Researcher Support Team and my Student Buddy made my move to Tübingen straightforward. After arriving, I got inducted into the community quickly through institute-wide events such as the Distinguished Speaker Seminar Series and B.E.E.R. Hour. This support system made it easier to adjust to my current lab, which tackles tough underexplored questions using approaches I am largely a newcomer to. The Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings have been great for new ideas and keeping track of the bigger picture while the Introductory Course opened my mind to the large diversity of labs and cutting-edge technology facilities across Tübingen. I am a year and a half in and it has been a rollercoaster experience. However, the supportive community only keeps me going.

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.