Student Talents – Beyond Amphiphilicity

Current Student Talents
(Vorländer cohort)

Katharina Schulz

Student Talent since: 08.02.2022
Nominated by: Prof. Dariush Hinderberger
Contact: katharina.schulz@student.uni-halle.de

My interest in chemistry was initially aroused by daily phenonemons like the immiscibility of water and oil. Learning more about interactions of atoms and molecules I realized how important amphiphiles can be for fundamental knowledge about interactions in solution helping to create new materials and technologies based on their unique properties of hydro- and lipophilicity. Being a part of the RTG 2670, I am so happy and grateful to be able to continue research on amphiphiles and get access to amazing workshops and such a smart and kind network.

Melissa Kemesies

Nominated by: Prof. Dariush Hinderberger
Contact: melissa.kemesies@student.uni-halle.de

My fascination with the complex processes underlying everyday phenomena began in my childhood, which motivated me to pursue a degree in chemistry in 2021. For my Bachelor’s thesis, I studied the self-assembly of ultrashort peptides into hydrogels, which provided a deeper introduction to the field of non-covalent interactions and captured my interest for this field of research.
As a student talent in the GRK 2670, I look forward to exploring similar projects and concepts, building meaningful connections, and gaining knowledge for my future academic journey. I am honored to be part of BEAM and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Nico Schreiber

Nominated by: Prof. Dariush Hinderberger
Contact: nico.schreiber@student.uni-halle.de

I am interested in how nature’s complex systems work and how their examples can be used to solve modern-day problems and create and design new systems. For this reason, I applied as a BEAM student talent, to learn more about amphiphilic molecules and systems. The BEAM student talent further provides new perspectives from other people and their projects, which is very interesting and often helpful.

Current Student Talents
(Pockels cohort)

Lena Peipp

Nominated by: Prof. Kirsten Bacia
Contact: lena.peipp@student.uni-halle.de

As a biochemistry student, I am particularly interested in cells and metabolic pathways, and the role of membranes seems especially important to me for biological life on our planet. Therefore, I am very happy to be a student talent at BEAM, to have a network where I can learn so much from others and improve my skills in the workshops. For example, during a two-week internship in Prof. Dr. Bacia’s research group, I was able to learn more about liposomes and conduct my first experiments. I am very grateful to be discovering new perspectives at BEAM and look forward to all the opportunities that the future holds!

Gregory Martinez

Nominated by: Prof. Kay Saalwächter
Contact: gregory.martinez@student.uni-halle.de

I became really interested in polymer science in undergrad, when I took the only polymer class that my university offered. After weeks of lectures, I was hooked on the science behind the molecules which play a role in so many of the things we take for granted every day, whether that be a plastic bottle, a cell phone, clothes, or the keyboard used to type this out. After earning my chemistry degree back in San Diego, I made the move to Halle to dive deeper into the field and attain the knowledge and experience needed to work in the field. Since arriving, I have been drawn towards studying the physics of polymers and how such principles can be used to help tailor the molecules into the desired result. I am thrilled that my efforts have been recognized by becoming a student talent with BEAM, and am excited to have access to the resources and network that BEAM provides.

Franziska Hüttermann

Nominated by: Prof. Dariush Hinderberger
Contact: franziska.huettermann@student.uni-halle.de

I find it interesting to question scientific phenomena and find explanations for them. My studies have taught me that finding such explanations is fraught with many failures and uncertainties. However, this can also be seen as an opportunity, as it means that research on topics like amphiphilicity still have potential and that good ideas and critical questioning can still lead to novel solutions. I particularly hope to gain interesting insights into this topic through the interdisciplinary collaboration on amphiphilicity at BEAM.

Leyla Özkaplan

Nominated by: Prof. Martin Weissenborn
Contact: leyla.oezkaplan@student.uni-halle.de

I have had a keen interest in chemistry ever since my school days. Even back then, I was fascinated by exactly how things happen and what lies behind certain chemical processes. What I find particularly fascinating about the RTG research area is the versatility of amphiphilic molecules. For example, their ability to embed hydrophobic substances and increase the water solubility through their hydrophilic part. I am very grateful to be part of BEAM and to be able to continuously expand my knowledge through workshops, lectures and similar events, thereby also gaining access to further excellent opportunities.