Why did you decide to do your doctorate in Bonn?
I searched for universities in Germany where I could do my PhD and that also suit my research interests. I found the University of Bonn to be one of the best universities in Germany, not to mention that Bonn is a very comfortable city to live and work in. I also like that Bonn is not as crowded as its neighboring big cities in NRW.
Do you have a recommendation for a good lunch break?
I enjoyed some of the meal options at the Mensa, and I also really like the pie menu at the restaurant near my office in Frongasse.
Where is your favorite place to work on your dissertation? Where are you most effective?
Office! But I also enjoy my time doing field campaigns for in-situ data measurement and collection, such as the last field campaign I had in a tropical peat forest in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
What do you especially like about the University of Bonn?
I like the Doctorate plus programme, as the courses are designed by experts to help improve leadership, management, and networking abilities. Besides that, I also like the In-Semester German Language Courses, as it could improve my German.
Do you have a tip on how to overcome the lack of motivation during difficult phases of the dissertation?
I always remember that I have my family (especially my wife and my child), and that gives me more motivation even when I am in a down situation. Besides that, I also try to reflect on myself – there are also many people (PhD students) experiencing the same thing, not only me, and they are also trying their best to accomplish their PhD. This also gives me motivation.
What advice would you give new doctoral researchers at the University of Bonn?
Please also register for some capacity building programs offered by the University of Bonn, especially for those coming from abroad – learn German. It will make your life easier!
Sonia McCall-Labelle, doctoral student featured in our March issue, asked: Is there a particular individual or piece of work who/which particularly inspires you in your academic activities?
Recently, I have been inspired by a climatologist professor named Prof. Dr. Ana Bastos, not only by her outstanding work related to land-atmosphere interactions, but also by her life story of how she reached her potential despite the many challenges she had to deal with. Besides that, I am also inspired by my wife, who does so many things for the family – she was amazing during her pregnancy, and now with our child, she has been doing an incredible job as a parent. I am truly inspired by both of these amazing women.
Thank you for the interview. We wish you all the best and every success for the future!