Anh Thu: Hi Kristie, could you introduce yourself and share some details about your scientific background?
Kristie: Hi, my name's Kristie. I am an international student from Nigeria. I came here to Germany a few years ago to study biochemistry, and I studied my bachelor's in Düsseldorf. I did my master's in biochemistry with a focus in molecular medicine in Bochum, and then I came to Cologne for my PhD.
AT: Wow, it has been a long journey! Were you driven by a fascination for biology and biochemistry, or was coming to Germany a specific goal?
K: Well, it was Germany, actually. When I was about 16, I really wanted to learn a new language, and I felt the best way was to immerse myself in the country rather than just taking classes. I convinced my parents to send me to Germany, and it worked out. At first, I wanted to study medicine and become a surgeon. But then I met a teacher who had studied biology, and she introduced me to biochemistry—I didn’t know these subjects could be mixed. She made it sound so fascinating, and learning about cellular processes and how things work on a much smaller scale completely fascinated me.
AT: What specific area of biochemistry fascinated you the most or sparked this interest?
K: Oh, good question. Signalling pathways. I realised this during my master’s because I studied signalling pathways in cardiomyocytes. I'm always curious about the underlying mechanisms driving a disease or biological process. I believe that when we understand this, we can intervene at the root and make a real difference, if that makes sense. So that's why I'm obsessed with signalling pathways, and that's what I really like about biochemistry.
AT: That sounds incredibly complex, to me as a layperson anyway. Was that complexity part of the thrill?
K: Oh, absolutely [laughs]. There are a lot of molecules, and pathways involved. They all have insane names, making it very hard to keep up. But when you finally understand how a specific molecule functions and how its disruption leads to a disease, it’s really satisfying.
AT: Could you elaborate on how this is connected to your PhD project?
K: My PhD project was on cell death mechanisms in DLBCL (Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma). We looked at signalling pathways downstream of death receptors to understand why B cells evade cell death. While intrinsic apoptosis is known to be defective in DLBCL, the extrinsic pathway remained relatively unexplored. Our research focused on understanding what prevents these B cells from undergoing apoptosis and ultimately developing into malignancy. cFLIP (cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein) was as a key player in this process. As a master regulator of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, we investigated whether cFLIP was completely redundant in this disease or if it had a specific role. We discovered that cFLIP is actually upregulated and protects cells from death signals mediated through death receptors. This finding was truly fascinating.
AT: Prior to the interview, you already told me that you’re aiming for a scientific coordinator role after your PhD. Are you seriously thinking about leaving bench research behind?
K: Oh, I’ve asked myself that question, especially considering options like becoming a senior scientist in R&D in industry. But I don't think that's for me. I enjoy lab work, but I’m ready to explore new challenges. I think I’m capable of doing a lot of things. I love being versatile and want to test my capabilities across different areas, so that's why I wouldn't just chase pure lab work. I’m ready for another journey and another challenge.
AT: I completely understand. What draws you to scientific coordination in particular?
K: From what I've seen and understood, scientific coordination is about bringing ideas together—not just to build, but to create a platform and a community. I really like to be in the center of bringing people together. If someone has an idea, I want to be the person who says, "Hey, I know who can help you—talk to this person," or connect them with the right knowledge, tools, or writing support. I hope this is what scientific coordination can also be about.
AT: Ideally, yes—alongside a pile of administrative work and budgeting.
K: Yes, I know those are necessary [laughs]. I also had a conversation with Deborah Grosskopf [scientific coordinator of the Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne] about her work coordinating the IPMM [Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Molecular Medicine] graduate school. It made me realise how much I’d enjoy structuring programs, refining modules, and organising workshops.
AT: Echoing what you said about your fascination with biochemistry, signalling pathways and their complexity, I wonder whether there might be a connection with your interest in bringing people and ideas together. Do you see a parallel between the two?
K: Yes, there’s definitely a pattern! Every time I complete a project in the end, the feeling afterwards is much more amazing than the stress I went through before. In high school, for example, I organised a huge multi-culti day for the whole school of about 1,000 students. Coordinating all the presentations, activities, food, and deadlines was so stressful, but the final event was so vibrant and successful. Seeing everyone have fun made all the hard work pay off. I haven’t made that connection to signalling pathways [laughs]!
AT: Well, I’m always interested in finding patterns [laughs]. A change of subject now, as I’d like to revisit your journey to Germany and touch on the representation aspect. As a woman in science and Person of Colour (PoC), I’m curious about how you navigated moving to a European country and your academic environment.
K: As a woman, I haven't experienced any negative stereotypes because I found research here has a lot of representation of strong female scientists. Ever since my bachelor's, master's, and PhD, I’ve had peers and in the CRC we have brilliant female leaders and PIs, like Nieves Peltzer and Barbara Eichhorst. I think having those peers and role models made a big difference, and I’ve been lucky to work with conscious, respectful people. As a PoC, while I haven't faced direct hostility, I’ve felt subtle biases, like people not taking me as seriously due to my African background. If I hadn't studied in Germany or had my degrees here, I think I would have been taken even less seriously.
AT: Have you encountered stereotypes or discrimination? How have you navigated this?
K: Sometimes you can sense it in the way you interact with people or even through their expression. There were assumptions that educational standards back home weren't up to par. For instance, my high school qualification from Nigeria was initially evaluated in Germany as equivalent to a Realschulabschluss rather than an Abitur, despite covering comparable academic material. I navigate this by focusing on showing my competency. I try not to take it personally, and I make sure my work speaks for itself and be confident about it. I'm proud of myself for sticking through it because there were many moments I could have given up, and I am grateful to be at the point of completing my PhD.
AT: I also got the impression that you are very confident in your work. Did you move to Germany on your own? How was your transition settling into Germany?
Kristie: Yes, I came here when I was 18. My mom came with me for two weeks to help me settle, but since then, I've been on my own. My mom is my all-time role model because she made all of this happen. She is very strong, supportive, sacrificed a lot, and believed in me. I'm just happy to make her proud. I was very lucky because I came to Germany through a language school package deal with a host family, which made it easy to settle down. I made international friends at the language school. When I moved to Düsseldorf for my bachelor's, it was more challenging because I was in the midst of Germans and really had to speak German. But I made really good friends at the university who I'm still friends with today.
AT: Speaking of role models, who has inspired you in science?
K: My main science role model was my supervisor during my master's. She was a postdoc, almost junior PI, who was very confident, competent, and present in her science. It was so inspiring and I basically wanted to be like her. She and the PhD student supervising my master's thesis both were exceptionally confident, competent, and patient. They would take the time to explain complex concepts and engage in long scientific discussions with me, which inspired me to pursue a PhD myself. They embodied the whole package of being an academic to me.
AT: I think your case is a good example of how being surrounded by immediate role models can be really impactful. What advice would you give to younger researchers?
K: Absolutely! My advice would be to take full advantage of mentors, workshops, and development opportunities. When you go to conferences, don't stand in the corner—network, be present, learn practical skills like Python or so, and constantly reflect on where you are and where you want your career to go.
AT: What daily or regular routines keep you grounded during stressful times?
K: It’s not regular, but I love journaling. I try to do it at least once a month. I take the time to reflect: Where am I right now? What have I achieved? What challenges am I facing, and where do I want to be next? What critique did I get, and how can I accept or dump it? It helps me stay present, so I don't quickly become a zombie in this line of work [laughs].
AT: You are definitely not operating like one now [laughs]. And when you are not in the lab, where can we find you?
K: In dance class! I train in jazz funk and hip hop. Dancing has always been a passion. About a year into my PhD, I realised I needed something outside the lab to reconnect with myself, so I signed up. Lab work tends to get me tense and tight, but when I dance, I can just release that energy and put my mind on something else. Besides that, I also go to the gym for strength training to stay strong.
AT: That’s so relatable! To finish off, what are your immediate plans after your PhD?
K: My immediate plans are to travel and visit my family, as I haven't seen them in a long time. Afterwards, I want to start building my career in scientific coordination. I would love to stay in Cologne, but if there's a good opportunity outside, I will take it. I am also looking at industry roles, such as becoming a product manager in life sciences, which involves strategising and moving a product from idea to market.
AT: Last question, how do you like your coffee?
K: I’m a big fan of Latte Macchiato, but not the heavy frothy kind. I like it when the foam is extra smooth!
AT: Thanks Kristie, it was wonderful getting to know you and learning about your journey. Best of luck for your PhD defense!
K: Thank you, it was so fun chatting with you!
