The next person to be presented is the amazing Muriel, who is an old and new member of the group at the same time. She just recently started her PhD but has been part of the group for almost all years of her studies. We just didn’t let her go. For reasons!
Who is your favourite scientist and why?
Questions about „favourites“ always are very difficult for me. But I try. And in the case of the specific question, the fact that I only know a few keywords from many scientists adds to the difficulty. That’s why it’s hard for me to decide on this “thin” basis.
For this reason, I like movies about scientists. For example Imitation Game (Alan Turing), A beautiful mind (John Nash), The Theory of Everything (Stephen Hawking), Hidden Figures (Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson) and Gorillas in the Mist (Dian Fossey). Just to mention a few. Of course, you have to read the biographies after the movies. Hollywood often brings in additional facts, so that the actual life is only a basis for the film.
If I had to choose, I would choose Dian Fossey, because her research was her life, her passion, her love and in the end tragically her death. Of course, this can be said about many others, but in this case, I find it particularly remarkable. (Even if there were questionable aspects in her life.)
At school, I especially liked Darwin. It was funny to me that he was a bean counter. (How did he come up with such a crazy idea?)
What was the most naive thing you thought about science?
As a small child, I believed that science is only done in the wet lab and everyone wore a white coat.
On what topic could you give a 30-minute presentation without any preparation?
Skat (a German card game) and the difficulty of detecting EVEs (endogenous viral elements).
For the presentation, I would like to have either skat cards or a whiteboard.
What is your favourite way to spend a day off?
Sleep in; delicious breakfast (for example, warm rolls AND pancakes); hiking on a mountain; break with a book in the hammock; eating out at a restaurant on the way home; cocktail evening with friends.
All this together with my most favourite person.
What should never be missing from your fridge?
Cheeeeeese and fruits.
Is your glass half full or half empty?
Definitely half full.
How old would you like to become?
As long as I can live without pain and especially in a self-determined way.
When was the last time you climbed on a tree?
In autumn to make my hammock tight.
What are you currently learning?
Skat: The beauty of the game is that you can learn it for a whole lifetime.
What do you think everyone should try at least once?
Swimming with the water flow in a river.
If you could create a new invention, what would it be?
Difficult question, which I would probably answer differently each time.
My answer now: The climate-friendly solution to the energy problem.
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
(Attention morning grumpy)