Minerva’s daughters will never let anybody discourage them
Ana Mateos Calbet works as a PhD student at the institute
After her studies in Munich, the young woman had planned to continue her research in the United States. But the Corona Pandemic came, and everything changed. Ana Mateos Calbet endet up in Mülheim - where she feels very comfortable in her research group. She is doing her PhD with Dr. Josep Cornellà.
Ana Mateos Calbet works as a PhD student in the group of Dr. Josep Cornellà. In this interview the young woman from Catalonia tells us about her journey to Mülheim and why she is fascinated by Chemistry.
What brought you here? Tell us about your way to the Kohlenforschung!
Ana: I did my Bachelor and Master in Munich. I then originally planned to go to the United States for my Master thesis, but the Corona Pandemic prevented me from such travel activities. I then heard from collegues I had met at a research stay in the ICIQ in Spain about the research done by the group of Pep Cornellà, and I was interested. I applied and, luckily, I was accepted. After my Master thesis, I decided to stay for a PhD. The reason for this is that I love the chemistry we are doing, as well as the positive atmosphere of the group.
What do you like about your work?
Ana: I think chemistry is the most fun one of all the sciences, because you are not only thinking about problems, but you also get to work with your hands. We get to test our ideas every day! And every time we set up an experiment there is this excitement, of stepping onto uncharted territory. We get to study the way nature works, as well as being imaginative and creative designing new chemistry.
What are your career goals?
Ana: I simply would like to have an interesting job and I want to be good at it. Honestly speaking, there are a lot of options that interest me, be it designing new drugs in pharmaceutical companies or industrial processess for more basic chemicals. And I love to work in foreign countries, but a dream would be to find a cool job in my hometown Barcelona one day.
What has been your most difficult step so far?
Ana: I would say going to Germany was a big step. There was, of course, the language barrier, but I managed, and now speaking and writing in German is no problem for me. Also the PhD has its tough moments. Supposedly trivial problems in the lab are constantly testing our endurance (laughs).
Do you have a role model?
Ana: The postdocs in our group are definitely role models for me. They are amazing chemists and great people, and I try to learn from them every day. Then I would also love to say how inspiring I find the breadth of knowledge of our group leader Pep Cornellà. I hope that one day I can even begin to think as visionary as he does.
What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in working in a scientific institution?
Ana: I can simply encourage every woman to join! Chemistry is difficult, yes, but it is very interesting. The world is full of challenges, and we tackle the most exciting ones. Never let anyone discourage you. And if you ever feel badly about comments being made about you as a woman, always speak up for yourself. Do never let these comments stand uncommented. If someone tries to diminish you or your hard work, that is not okay!
If you had one wish: What would it be?
Ana: If I could make a wish I would ask our five male directors to use their connections and influence to bring more female students and future female directors to the institute, and mentor them to be the best. They are all fantastic scientists, and they have great networks. We do need more female scientists here at the Kohlenforschung. And if I could make an extra wish, I would love to see more of the directors and group leaders giving lectures in the institute on the fields of chemistry they work in, like they do on Day of Catalysis! That was awesome!
