Lena Scholtz
Quelle: Lena Scholtz
My name is Lena Scholtz and I’m a PhD student in Biophotonics division at BAM. I studied chemistry and am now working on the synthesis and characterization of luminescent polymer micro- and nanoparticles. My expertise mainly relates to fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence being a phenomenon that always fascinated and intrigued me. I love doing basic research by developing and optimizing new syntheses that later can be used for designated applications.
I got my current position despite not being finished with my M.Sc. at the time of application and having mediocre grades. This is something I want to tell every woman doubting herself while considering or pursuing a career in science: You can and you will do it if your heart is in it, even if it is hard sometimes. If your expertise and personality fit with the job, things like grades and the number of semesters you needed to finish your degree don’t matter much. When you see the opportunity to apply for your dream job – just do it!
Working in a scientific environment for me is really different from university, but it is so much fun if you find the right position and topic for you. This might take a few attempts to figure out but is so worth it in the end. Also, you will and you are allowed to fail at some point, but this doesn’t define your worth or what you can achieve in the scientific world. Don’t set your expectations too high, even small achievements are something to celebrate!
As for being a woman, I have luckily not experienced any big challenges until now because of just that in my university and work environment. Especially in chemistry, there are lots of female scientists in most environments. I can’t speak for leading positions or other fields of science, but if you feel that this would work for you, go for it. Little girls still need role models to look up to, and that does not only include job positions in fields such as science, but also how we handle difficulties and manage our own resources. This includes taking care of ourselves in and outside of the job, which can be quite hard for women to do. This is also something I wish for in the future – women being kind to themselves and others while still pursuing their dreams, in science and all other fields of life.
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