Mini-profiles of STEM Role models 4

Given the popularity of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at the University of Groningen mini-profiles, I have decided to extend the series to continue to provide as many role models in STEM as I can publish.

If you’re interested in taking part, please e-mail me your answers to the questions below and a fun picture of yourself at: k.m.tych@rug.nl with the title ‘STEM Role Models mini-profile’. Thank you!

This mini-profile is of another wonderful PhD candidate in my lab, Laura Silbermann. I hope you enjoy it and the rest of the series!

Job title:

PhD researcher

Subject area:

PhD student at the University of Groningen focusing on studying structure-function-dynamics relationships in proteins using single molecules techniques in the Tych lab.

How did you get into science?:

I have always been interested in science related topics and often tortured my parents with dozens of questions about scientific subjects. This is why I selected natural science courses at school and later decided to pursue the interdisciplinary studies of Biotechnology.

Where else have you worked/studied?

I completed my Master’s thesis at Roche in Penzberg in the fields of protein purification and characterization. I also did my bachelor`s thesis in the field of protein purification at Merck Millipore in Darmstadt. There, I investigated the ability of weak cation exchangers to remove antibody aggregates and host cell proteins. I am fascinated by protein based pharmaceuticals, which have revolutionized the treatment of various diseases. After having completed my studies, I therefore decided to work in biopharmaceutical industry. During my 4.5 years of working experience in industry, I have been mainly responsible for developing and optimizing biochemical protein characterization methods and project related activities. An urge for more intellectual input made me pursue a PhD, during which I will study the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) chaperone machinery using optical tweezers in the laboratory of Katarzyna (Kasia) Tych.

What are your hobbies/what do you do for fun?

In my free time I love spending time with my family and friends, to be outside and go jogging, hiking, biking, skiing. Also, I like traveling and good food a lot.