Kristie: Hi Ariana! Please introduce yourself and share why you decided to pursue a PhD in Germany?
Ariana: Hi, I'm Ariana Jacobs. I am Canadian, born and raised. I did my Bachelors of Honours at Queen's University in Kingston. I know not many people have heard of it, but it's a decent school. I stayed there (at the university) and did my master's in cardiovascular research. So, a little bit different.
During my Masters, I worked with some spheroid models, and I knew that those are used in cancer research, and so I was interested in going in that direction. I also knew that I had spent two degrees at my current university and that it is better if you go international. Then, I got an internship at Merck, and through that experience, I learned about Thomas.
K: Did you have any role models or scientific role models when you decided to start your PhD? Was there anyone who really inspired you?
A: Um, I think there were probably a couple. My parents are in science…actually, a lot of my family is in science. Not specifically lymphoma research, that would have been crazy. One of my uncles is an MD-PhD, and two of my cousins are also PhDs.
K: And what has been your favourite thing so far about your PhD?
A: Oh, that's a really good question. Well, in Thomas’ lab, there are so many different methods and things that you can do, and you have the freedom to structure how you want to do them, which is nice to have. As long as you got the work done, you're good. And then switching from the biochemical stuff to the proteomics to imaging, which are methods our lab has expertise in. It's really nice to have that. I am now done with the PhD, and my defence is next month.
K: Wow, congrats. So, what are your plans after the PhD?
A: I'm applying for jobs in the industry. I'm looking to change it up because I have spent around 10 to 12 years in the academic world. So, I want to go for something like medical affairs, market access, project management, stuff like that. Just a little bit more of a diverse space.
K: Looking back now, at your journey so far, is there any advice you would give to your younger self, or to aspiring students or scientists?
A: I don't know about my (younger) self. Because I think the different paths that I took kind of helped me grow. But I mean, for anybody interested in a PhD, I would say you should also make sure that you build your support system. Because for me, being an international student, I had to find friendships. You know? Like, I also had to put in effort outside of the lab to flourish.
Obviously, get your work done, do your thing. There are going to be times when there's going to be crazy work periods, and then times that are less. And I also remind myself of a quote from an old professor of mine: ‘‘In science, there are good days and bad months, and you just have to get through those bad months to get those good days’’.
K: Very insightful. No notes. What did you do to find friends in Germany? Did you use any apps or walk around with a sign: "Hey, I need friends?"
A: I sadly moved here right before corona started. Um, so that was a little interesting. So, I have no idea how my life would have turned out had corona not happened. I moved into a WG, so that was the first thing that was super helpful. I met friends through the WG, which was nice. Then I started doing the dating stuff as well. So, I met my partner through the apps.
K: Do you have any routines or rituals that keep you grounded and motivated?
A: That's a pretty good question. I've learned throughout the PhD that you need to have a hobby that helps you get your stress out. 100%. And for me, that was running. So, I've run a couple of half marathons. I also always make sure that I do some kind of physical activity. Especially if work gets stressful. Just one hour to do whatever, shower, and then I’m good.
And I also tried to make sure I balanced a little bit more with life, and so I made sure that, except it was one of those super stressful periods where I just had to keep going, my laptop was always off and closed at 8:00 PM. Shut down, all of that.
K: So, if you're not in the lab, where can we find you outside of running? Do you have secret talents?
A: Um, I would probably be in a restaurant.
K: Are you a foodie? You like to try new stuff?
A: Oh, I love it. And I love all kinds of different international foods, and Frankfurt has a good restaurant scene. I'm going to a Latino fusion restaurant tonight... Secret talents. If I'm going to be completely honest, I can sing, but I don't do it anymore, so I will not be singing for you right now [laughs]. I was in a choir from Grade 6 to 12, and we competed internationally.
K: Really? So, in another life, would you have been a singer?
A: In my other life, I might have been a translator. I took French in high school, half of my courses were completely in French, and I have a bilingual certificate. But French has since gone to the side since learning German. But ideally, in another lifetime, I would be a translator for these three languages.
K: That’s awesome! Totally unexpected answer. Finally, can you share how you like your coffee?
A: Well, I used to drink a lot of coffee…I am working on it…. now I’m down to two a day. And I drink it black, no sugar. But today, I am drinking tea…. peppermint tea.
K: Haha! Thanks for chatting with me, Ariana and good luck with your defence!
A: Thank you! And good luck with your research.
