Science, music, and a passion for people

Science

My deep passion for physics and understanding the secrets of the universe and the world around us drove my relentless questioning as a child. Empowered by a local reverend whose passion for astrophysics was contagious, I decided to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Physics at the University of Göttingen. It was a lecture on optics which swayed me to join the lab of Professor Claus Ropers, and soon I had found great pleasure in the field of nonlinear optics. From measuring optical nonlinearities in lithium niobate over improving high-harmonic generation using nonlinear pulse compression schemes, I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of research and pushing the frontiers of technology.

A Fulbright scholarship enabled me to study at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where I decided to pursue a PhD in Professor Steve Cundiff's lab. Together with a local startup, we are exploring the intersections of imaging and spectroscopy, always at the verge between fundamental science and future technological applications. Want to find out more about my research? Check out the Research tab!

Music

While working in the high-frequency regime in the lab, lower, audible frequencies are my passion outside of it. From founding my first band, the mind the gap Jazzquartet, at age 17 in Nordhorn, to concerts in Ann Arbor and New York, music has always been my passion. I started learning piano at age 7 and have not stopped since. I am ardent about sharing my passion for music and use it for the greater good. During my time in Göttingen I founded a project choir and orchestra for charity concerts supporting a local refugee camp. I have also taken active roles in event organization for the mind the gap Jazzquartet and my Ann Arbor based band Local Optimist Club. Check out the Music tab for more information and recordings.

A passion for people

A voluntary social year in a local kindergarten showed me the positive impact our actions and enthusiasm can have. Whether through extensive tutoring, outreach programs with the American Physical Society Chapter at the University of Michigan, theYoung German Physical Society and Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes or the Meet-a-German initiative of the German-American Fulbright commission, I have always made a point of sharing my experiences and insights. Furthermore, I have taught various courses at the University of Göttingen and University of Michigan to a wide variety of students. Check out the Teaching & Outreach tab for more information. I recently co-founded the local University of Michigan chapter of the American Physical Society and am excited for the future outreach, science advocacy, and mentoring we will be able to provide for young professionals in the Physics field.