Studies
I completed my bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Regensburg in 2021 with a focus on physical and theoretical chemistry. In my bachelor’s thesis, I investigated and implemented the “Brusselator” as a two-dimensional reaction-diffusion system. I followed up my bachelor’s studies with a master of science, also in Chemistry.
During my master’s studies, I had the opportunity to learn about theoretical chemistry, physics, and physical chemistry. Within that, I explored complex interfaces, gained insights into the world of ultra-fast electron dynamics in molecules and surfaces as well as various spectroscopic methods – with a particular emphasis on femtosecond laser spectroscopy. In addition to that, I also had the chance to get to know more about the theoretical side of chemistry, covering nonlinear systems and the dynamics of those, classical molecular dynamics, and quantum chemistry. The latter field, quantum chemistry, is where my interest has stuck.
In pursuit of my master’s thesis, I relocated to Bonn at the end of 2022, where I joined Prof. Stefan Grimme’s Group at the Mulliken Center for Theoretical Chemistry, situated at the University of Bonn. Here, my research focused on the development of quantum chemical methods – especially, the development of r²SCAN-based double-hybrid functionals.
Since October of 2023, I have been a PhD student in Prof. Stefan Grimme’s Group, developing quantum chemical methods.
Experience
Besides my studies, I have already pursued several working student activities. These were mainly in the fields of semiconductors, engineering and automotive, where I was mostly active in research & development, pre-development and innovation management. Throughout these engagements, I found much joy in building and developing theoretical models to address and simulate practical issues, contributing significantly to the success of our projects.
The aspect of elegantly tackling challenges related to efficiency increase, optimization, and sustainability through scientific approaches has always been both gratifying and enjoyable for me.
Hobbies
I like exploring, analyzing, and simulating the physical and chemical phenomena that surround us in everyday life. I try to share some of these projects on this website or my GitHub. Some of these are the programming and the didactic preparation of a molecular-dynamics simulator or the algorithm to solve the one-dimensional Schrodinger’s equation of a particle in a box with an external potential.
Additionally, I have an affinity for books that involve topics like self-improvement and self-reflection, philosophy of science and life, and science that is unrelated to my work, especially the nature of non-linear and complex systems, as I was fascinated by it after my bachelor’s thesis.
Since early 2020, I actively immersed myself in exploring the dynamics of commodity markets and options, alongside investment strategies – all of which complemented my entrepreneurial interests. However, in mid-2022, I decided to shift my focus back to my studies and work.
To maintain balance in my life, I found that doing sports works really well for me. Weight training, road cycling, and athletics have been integral parts of my life. Recently, I have taken up Olympic weightlifting as a new challenge.