Half way around the world for a doctorate
For two weeks, Min Ji Lee of South Korea "snooped around", looking at the work at the Chair of Anorganic Chemistry at the University of Siegen. Equipment and atmosphere convinced the 25-year-old to write her doctorate in Siegen.
Min Ji Lee likes the forests and mountains, all the green, and the good air. Otherwise, she did not see much of Siegen and the surrounding area. After all, she undertook the long journey here from the South Korean metropolis Suwon to learn; she spent most of her time in the Chemistry Laboratory. But it was worth the while - by the end of her two-week stay, the South Korean was certain: She will get her doctorate with Siegen chemistry professor Dr. Claudia Wickleder.
Lee was especially impressed by the technical possibilities at the University of Siegen. In the lab, the 25-year-old experimented with ionic liquids. They can be used to create luminous nanoparticles, which are extremely bright and are used, for example, in LED lights. Min Ji Lee thinks the equipment here is outstanding: "At my home university, we are not able to work with ionic liquids. They are just too expensive".
The lab work of the guest scientist was supported by Willis Collins Akeyo Muganda, a doctoral researcher with Prof. Wickleder, who himself came to Germany from Kenya just a few years ago. In the process, they both learned something new - and not just in Chemistry: "Now I know how to say 'hello' and 'yes' in Korean", reports Muganda. In addition, the work methods of his South Korean colleague impressed him greatly: "She is extremely well organized. She knows what she's doing and is very quick to understand". Min Ji Lee, in turn, is impressed especially by the friendly atmosphere among the Siegen scientists: "Everyone is so open and friendly. Even with the professors, things are relaxed and casual".
The University of Siegen came to the attention of the South Korean at an international conference in China. There she attended a presentation by Prof. Wickleder. With support from the Department of "International Student Affairs", the trial visit was organized quickly, says Lee. Now she has returned for the time being to her hometown of Suwon. But she will soon be packing her bags again: At the start of 2017, her work on her doctorate will begin. Min Ji Lee will then be one of more than 200 foreign doctoral researchers at the University of Siegen.