Berlin native or repotted here?

I’m originally from Ukraine, but I spent years traveling and living in different countries before landing in Berlin 11 years ago. It’s funny that Berlin has now become the place I’ve lived the longest in my life, so in a way, I do consider it my hometown.

What did you want to do as a child?

As a young child, I was endlessly excited and curious about the world, and I wanted to try everything. My dream job changed almost weekly – from princess to astronaut. But by middle school, I already knew that my true passion was science.

What do you really do today (career, training/studies and current position)?

It took me a while to discover what kind of science I wanted to pursue. In Ukraine, I earned a bachelor’s degree in medical physics and a master’s degree in the physics of liquid matter. Through a rather unexpected turn of events, I got my first job in the high-tech industry and quickly realized that applied physics was my calling. I spent 10 years working as an R&D researcher in industrial companies, developing crystals for semiconductor and photovoltaic applications. This gave me the wonderful chance to travel the world and gain experience working in different countries, environments, and cultures. Eventually, I settled in Berlin, where I completed my PhD in experimental physics at Humboldt University and joined the Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung as a research scientist. Today, I develop technologies for silicon crystal growth for both industrial applications and fundamental research.

What do you particularly like about your job?

Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the remarkable evolution of high-tech technologies. I’ve seen ideas grow from »crazy concept« to custom lab experiment and eventually into mature, full-scale industrial processes. For me, the greatest joy is seeing how a theoretical formula or a simple sketch becomes something tangible, something that becomes a part of people’s daily lives, whether it’s a great smartphone camera, a battery in an electric car, or a solar plant powering an entire city. Knowing that I was a part of this progress and that it wouldn’t be possible without my input is truly priceless.

The sea or the mountains?

Both. There’s nothing more beautiful than a sunrise in the mountains and a sunset by the sea.

As a balance to work, I spend my time …

… wandering. Whether it’s trekking in the wilderness or urban hiking, I love both – rural trails with their natural landscapes and long city strolls filled with architecture, history, culture, and vibrant neighbourhoods.

After falling into a magic potion, you are granted a superpower – which one would it be?

The ability to function perfectly without sleep. There are so many things to learn, build, experience, and enjoy. Having extra time for all of that instead of spending hours sleeping would be amazing.

If you could implement one measure for the advancement of women – what would it be?

There’s a lot that needs to be done on many levels, but if I had to choose just one starting point, I would introduce Women’s Studies into the school curriculum from an early age. Too many people still believe that women are not equally represented in distinguished positions because they somehow lack talent, intelligence, or whatever is needed to make a difference, that only exceptional women can leave a mark. I think it’s vital for young girls to learn about the many brilliant women throughout history – scientists, inventors, artists, writers, philosophers – whose contributions shaped our civilization but were often forgotten or erased. Knowing that you stand on the shoulders of so many great women is truly empowering.

I am looking for/offering …

I am looking for professional challenges and I am offering non-trivial thoughtful solutions.

Vielen Dank!

Die Fragen stellte Sanela Schlößer (LaNA)