Between Centrifuge and Running Shoes – a Week Full of Routines, Challenges & Sunshine

Hello everyone!

Today I'm writing exceptionally on a Tuesday – because the last few days have been quite packed. But that's what makes it exciting: I was able to continue my own experiments last week and felt once again how much joy working in the lab brings me.

Researching with responsibility – and having fun!

What was particularly cool for me is that I have become so confident in using certain techniques that I can even help others in the lab. It feels great to share knowledge and solve problems together. This naturally leads to conversations – and this exchange on equal footing is something I'm really enjoying right now.

I also notice how much better I understand the backgrounds of my experiments the more often I carry them out myself. Why are we doing this? What does a result tell us? Everything becomes more tangible – and this motivates me immensely.

Running: Between Endorphins and the Inner Couch Potato

Despite all the long lab days, I still try to find a little balance – and have rediscovered running (again) for myself. Well... sort of. It's a real love-hate relationship: I love the feeling afterwards, when you're completely exhausted and your mind is clear. But the journey out the door – that takes a push every time. 😅

If you have any motivational tips for regular jogging – please share! Maybe the exchange with you will help me just as much as in the lab 😉

Hampstead Heath – a Green Break in the Middle of London

The weekend was time for a bit of recovery. I went to Hampstead Heath with a friend – and I can't recommend it enough! It's hard to believe this park is so centrally located in London. It was sunny, peaceful, green – and to be honest, we even got a bit of color on our faces (Vitamin D for the win!).

Sunday: From the Lab Bench to the Washing Machine

Sunday was classic: laundry, shopping, cleaning. That's part of it too – because I certainly don't want my student flat to live up to the typical reputation of a chaos zone. There must be order. 😉

Presentation Plot Twist

And a little surprise at the end: While planning my presentation, I noticed that the originally scheduled date falls on a holiday – so it has been postponed by a week. More time for preparation then. (Or also: More time to procrastinate? We'll see…)

What's Next?

Next week brings new tasks again, maybe a few more experiments – and hopefully new experiences over the weekend. I'll keep you updated!

Until then,

Your Steffi

P.S. If you have good playlists for running – or motivation tricks to get moving after a long day – drop them my way. I'm counting on you! 🙌