Tell us about your research – what is your PhD about? What did you study before becoming a doctoral student?
I am doing a PhD in computational chemistry, where I study intermolecular interactions between proteins using simulations and scattering calculations that I largely develop myself. My background is mainly in mathematics and programming. I completed my bachelor’s degree in mathematics here in Lund and my master’s degree in Scientific Computing in Heidelberg, Germany.
What made you want to become Chair of NDR?
NDR has had relatively few active doctoral students in recent years, and that is something I would like to change. I saw a need for a new and proactive leadership team and wanted to help strengthen NDR’s presence, both in representation and as a network for doctoral students at the Faculty.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am looking forward to working to provide doctoral students with an active network they can turn to for support in matters relating to their education, as well as for a sense of social community.
Which issues are particularly important to you?
I think doctoral students’ mental health is very important and something that needs to be taken seriously. Doing a PhD can be demanding, and I hope that by working on issues that improve doctoral students’ study conditions, we can also help more doctoral students feel better during their doctoral studies.
What role do you think NDR plays for doctoral students at the Faculty?
Representation is NDR’s most important role. NDR has great potential to give doctoral students the opportunity to influence their education and working environment. I also hope to develop NDR into more of a social network that can create a sense of community for doctoral students across departmental boundaries.
What do you hope doctoral students will feel they can turn to NDR about?
Any problems they encounter during their doctoral studies where they feel they are not being heard or getting the support they need from their division or department. We may not have solutions to everything, but the only way we can raise issues and bring about change is if we are made aware of the problems.