Profiling Dutch Biophysicists - Agathe Chaigne

Jointly with the NWO Physics of Life Research Community Program Officer Dr. Naomi Chrispijn-Steenbeck, we have been profiling biophysicists in the Dutch research community.

Our second profilee is Dr. Agathe Chaigne from the University of Utrecht (UU), we hope you enjoy reading the profile!

1. What is your job title?

Assistant Professor

2. What about your subject area?

I study the diversity of cell division mechanisms, with a particular focus on cytokinesis, during development.

3. How did you get into science?:

I liked science so that was my main focus in high school. When I was a kid, I read a series of books about doctors without borders, but at that some point I realized that I was not sure I could emotionally handle being a doctor so I went towards fundamental scientific training instead.

4. Where else have you worked/studied?

I did my PhD in Paris and my postdoc in London. Throughout my studies I wanted to explore various aspects of science, so I have a journalism degree and a teaching degree on top of my PhD. Because I like languages, I got a bachelor in Chinese language and literature during my second year of PhD (I studied mandarin in high school).

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

I play ice hockey! I started that during my postdoc in London, so I am fairly terrible at it but it’s extremely fun and it’s a great way to exercise and disconnect from work. I have two young kids so the rest of my free time is very much around them.

6. Could you share some tips and tricks for someone thinking about pursuing a career in science in academia?

I don’t think there is one path to science or academia, so I tend to cater my advice to specific situations. In my experience, people tend to project their individual success as the ultimate tip to success. But if I had to give general advice, it would be to surround yourself with people you are excited to work with, scientifically and personally.

7. Who are your scientific role models?

I’m not a huge fan of the concept of role models. I don’t think science is made by one smarter individual; I think science is made by the sum of the hard works of thousands of people. So, I think my role models are all my colleagues that work hard every day in the face of failed PCRs and dead cells.

8. What does your working area (desk, office) look like and what does it say about you?

I think my office reflects that I think personal connections are important in and out of the lab. It is full of presents, jokes and memories from various people (from the big fluffy croissant with a beret that my lab got me for my birthday to tea and plants offered by friends).