Can you explain your topic in a sentence?
I am exploring soil bacteria (rare actinomycetes in particular) to discover new molecules with potential antimicrobial applications.
What sparked your interest in this specific research topic or group?
Did you know that over 70% of clinically used antibiotics are derived from natural products produced by microorganisms, especially actinomycetes? Microbes are truly tiny treasure troves!
Which part of your work do you enjoy the most (or least!) and why?
Exploring different microbial strains is always exciting; seeing how they grow and what natural products they produce is fascinating. But they can be surprisingly picky! Sometimes, even a tiny pH shift can make all the difference!
What makes being a part of the MAGic-MOLFUN network special for you?
The chance to learn, travel, and connect with so many amazing people has been a total game-changer. Plus, I’ve made some great friends along the way!
If you could give one tip to someone starting their PhD, what would it be?
Take your time at the beginning to truly understand the project and stay organized. The PhD journey can feel overwhelming at times, but that’s all part of the experience!
If you were a natural product, what would you be and why?
Definitely caffeine, you really need it to get through a PhD!
