Detail

What I offer

A PhD is one of the most rewarding, but also one of the most challenging periods of a scientific career. Beyond conducting research, it is a time of personal growth, learning, uncertainty, setbacks, and exciting discoveries. As a mentor, I offer a confidential and supportive environment where we can openly discuss any topics that matter to you.

Together, we can reflect on scientific questions, experimental design, data interpretation, and career planning. Equally important, I enjoy discussing the challenges that are often left unspoken: failed experiments, maintaining motivation, navigating challenging situations with supervisors or colleagues, dealing with self-doubt, and finding a healthy balance between ambition and well-being.

Having completed my PhD at the Medical University of Vienna, followed by four years as a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School, and now leading my own research group at the Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology at the Medical University of Vienna, I have experienced many of the different stages of an academic career. Together, we can discuss topics such as finding the right postdoctoral position, career opportunities within and beyond academia, applying for fellowships and grants, building scientific networks, establishing an independent research profile, and balancing research with family life.

Most importantly, I'm open to discussing and working on any topics that matter to you. My goal is not to provide ready-made answers, but to help you develop confidence, independence, and your own path in science.

I offer also the topic "Studying with a child".

What I expect from the students

I encourage mentees to actively participate in our discussions, share their experiences and perspectives, and support one another throughout the mentoring process.

I hope to create an atmosphere built on mutual respect, trust, curiosity, and openness. Different opinions, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our conversations, and I encourage everyone to approach discussions with an open mind and a genuine interest in learning from each other. There are no stupid questions or ideas—every contribution is valuable and can inspire new ways of thinking.

Confidentiality is essential: what is shared within the mentoring group should remain within the group, allowing everyone to speak honestly and comfortably. Above all, I hope our meetings will be enjoyable, inspiring, and a place where everyone feels welcome, respected, and supported.

Time constraints for meetings

I propose to meet approximately every six weeks for around 90 minutes. If the group feels that additional meetings would be helpful, we can of course meet more frequently.

Our first meeting (November 2026) will be a kick-off session where we get to know each other, introduce ourselves, discuss our expectations for the mentoring programme, and agree on what we expect from one another.

The exact dates and times of subsequent meetings will be arranged together to accommodate the schedules of all participants as best as possible.

What else I would like to say

I hope our mentoring group will become a place where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, exchanging ideas, and learning from one another. I believe that the best ideas often emerge from open discussions between people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

I look forward to meeting curious, motivated, and open-minded PhD students, sharing inspiring discussions, and hopefully enjoying a good cup of coffee together along the way.