From a Biophysicist to a Cosmologist

My Journey from Biophysics to Observational Cosmology

Undergraduate Research at University of Leipzig

I completed my BSc in Physics at University of Leipzig, Germany. Parallel to my studies, I worked as a researcher in Biophysics at the Soft Matter Physics Division. This was a great opportunity for me to gain valuable research skills. I completed my Honours Thesis under the supervision of Prof. Josef Kaes who is a highly respected researcher in Biophysics. I investigated individual and collective migration of different cancer cell lines, as well as cancer cell jamming. My work has contributed to the understanding of the motility of soft cells. In addition to my main project, I also contributed to the imaging of breast cancer tumour samples using immunofluorescence techniques.

I strongly believe that in order to begin a career in experimental physics, there is nothing more important than research experience. That is the reason I started to work in a reputed scientific lab since the early days of my undergraduate studies. Due to this, I am confident to say that I have a decent amount of maturity and sophistication in a lab environment. I can conduct experiments independently using my skills in cell culture, apply various microscopy techniques, data analysis and critical thinking skills.

MITACS Research Internship at McGill University

My committed work in Biophysics resulted in multiple research posters during my undergraduate research. Aditionally, I was a successful candidate for a fully funded internship at McGill university at the end of my BSc. I completed a 3 month MITACS Globalink Research Internship under the supervision of Prof. Adam Hendricks at McGill’s Bioengineering department. I acquired experience in immunofluorescence, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). Furthermore, I learned to perform experiments with an optical trap, which I found absolutely exciting! Towards the end of my internship, I was accepted for the fully funded Master’s program in Physics at McGill University. This has been a great honour for me, since McGill is one of the best universities in the world (currently ranked as number 27). After successfully completing my MITACS internship, I was awarded a fellowship of $15,000 for the first year of my MSc in Physics in Canada.

Graduate Research at McGill University

I began my Master’s in Physics by working in collaboration with Wiseman Lab (Biophysics, Prof. Paul Wiseman) and Hendricks Lab (Bioengineering, Prof. Adam Hendricks). I performed analysis of microscopy image series using spatiotemporal image correlation spectroscopy (STICS). My research focused on analysis of the role of tau phosphorylation in regulating lysosome transport using STICS. I mastered my cell culture and microscopy skills and I was independently performing optical trap experiments in vitro. I had the incredible opportunity to present my work in the form of a research poster at the 65th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting.

My journey in Biophysics resulted in the development of a unique skillset. I loved every part of it! In science the paths are infinite and you never know what could grab your curiosity. I entered the world of physics thinking I would be working at an astrophysics group but the circumstances led me to the world of bio. I still remember staying up late nights at the spinning disk microscope doing measurements with cancer cells. I truly enjoyed the first part of my Master’s at McGill, where I learned so much and met incredible people! I have always had genuine interest in the development and application of advanced microscopic techniques for measurements on different cellular properties.

My decision to change research directions from Biophysics to Observational Cosmology was dictated by my strong passion for the field. In addition, I believe that this would enable me to be well prepared for pursuing a PhD in the future.

A Leap to Follow My Dreams

My curiosity and passion for astrophysics began in the summer of 2012 when I participated in Space Camp. A week which changed my life. I fell in love with the cosmos and I knew I wanted to work in this field (when I grow up). My strong passion is also the reason why I decided to pursue BSc. Physics at University of Leipzig, Germany. I wanted to finish my degree with a BSc thesis in Astrophysics but unfortunately, Leipzig did not have an Astrophysics department. I started working in a Biophysics lab to get hands on experience with physics, and requested to work in image analysis as I knew that these skills would be transferable to image analysis in Astro. Subsequently, I successfully finished a few Masters level courses during my Bachelors in Astrophysics and Cosmology.

For one of my courses at McGill, I decided to take Astrophysics. After finishing this amazing course, I realized I had deviated from my original dream, and that there is nothing else I would rather work on. Therefore, I told my supervisors that I wish to change my research group and work in a field that truly excites me - astrophysics or cosmology experiment and observation. Both of them were very supportive of my decision, for which I am truly grateful. Interestignly, I was almost halfway done with my MSc degree - it would have been easier to just stay and complete the degree. However, my mind was set and I had no doubt in my decision. I had decided that if I do not find a supervisor at McGill, I would apply elsewhere, and if necessary start my MSc from the beginning. The stakes were high but this is how much it meant to me to pursue my dream! It was an easy and difficult decision at th same time. I did not want to disappoint professors and colleagues. But I had to do what I had to do. As difficult as some of the meetings were to make the change happen, I am so glad that I did it! Prof. Cumming was extremely helpful and offered to send my resume to potential supervisors at McGill. Soon after, I received an email from my current supervisor, Prof. Cynthia Chiang, asking for a meeting to chat about potential research opportunities. I remember watching her colloquium and my mind was totally blown! I knew I wanted to join the group! And it worked out, I was successfully adopted! Now, looking back, it was the best thing that could have ever happend to me!