At MIT, I am surrounded by people who are willing to take risks and think in new ways about the big scientific challenges of our times. My colleagues keep challenging my thinking, forcing me to reconsider my understandings and exposing beliefs formed from dogma. This attitude naturally leads to unique research questions which, in my opinion, allow for truly new insight into how nature works. Despite working in the chemistry department, I am interacting and collaborating with friends from various branches of science and engineering, thus constantly enlarging my scientific horizons. For me, MIT is unique because everyone contributes to an environment which fosters mutual intellectual growth in a way that I would not want to trade for anything else. My postdoctoral experience at MIT allows me to get in touch not only with the present but also with the future leaders in my field of research. The faculty, whom I find easy to approach, are throughout highly accomplished in their field of research and uniquely connected around the world. At the same time the Ph.D. students and postdocs are highly ambitious and will take on leading roles in science in the future. I find it great to get in touch with these amazing people as equals and friends. These bonds will remain and continue to provide highly stimulating scientific and enjoyable personal interactions.
