Germany, MSc Bioanalytics, FHNW School of Life Sciences

What made you decide to go abroad?
After my Double Degree semester at Linköping University in Sweden, I had experienced how much you gain from going abroad, not just academically but also personally. That made me want to do it again and complete my Master’s thesis in an international environment, working alongside researchers from all over the world.

Why did you choose your host institution/country?
The field of neuro-immunology and cell therapy, especially in the context of paediatric brain cancer, has always been of great interest to me. When I came across the Research Institute Children’s Cancer Center Hamburg and the work of AG Mader, I knew this was the right place to conduct my Master’s thesis.

What does a typical day at the host institution look like?
My days usually started with biking to work, which was a nice way to ease into the morning. In the lab, I worked independently, feeding my cells, planning further experiments, and analysing data. At 12, we always had lunch together as a team, and when the weather was good, we enjoyed a coffee on the rooftop terrace afterwards. In the evenings, I biked home, meal prepped, played soccer, or met up with friends.

Tell us about your research during your residency.
I worked in the Neuro-Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy working group (AG Mader), which focuses on myeloid cells in paediatric brain tumours and the development of novel cell therapies. Over 8 months, I worked on gene editing of hematopoietic stem cells as a donor cell source. Using CRISPR-Cas9, I evaluated minicircle DNA as a newly developed tool for donor template delivery, as well as different integration mechanisms for gene editing.

What surprised you the most about your stay abroad?
What surprised me most was how quickly I felt at home. The team was incredibly welcoming, and my colleagues became real friends in no time, which made a huge difference to the whole experience.

What tip would you like to give to future exchange students?
Do not hesitate. You will learn more than you expect, both in the lab and about yourself. Be confident, take on responsibility, and stay open to new people. The friendships and professional connections you build along the way are just as valuable as the research experience itself.

Are there any special experiences or memorable moments you would like to share?
What I will remember most is the openness of the whole team, always happy to discuss, help, and share their knowledge. And of course, the spontaneous after-work get-togethers with the group – those moments are what made the whole stay truly special.