Education
PhD Candidate in Chemistry (expected 2030)
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Focus: computational and analytical chemistry
Combining simulation and analytical chemistry
Advisor & dissertation topic to be finalized upon program start
B.Sc. in Chemistry (2025)
Heidelberg University, Germany
Graduated with GPA 1.2 (=3.9/4.0), with honors
Thesis: “Formal Deoxygenation of 1,2-Diols: A Photocatalyzed Rearrangement of Acetals” (Advisor: Tobias Morack)
Specialized in theoretical and quantum chemistry; additional master's-level coursework
Completed two research internships in synthesis and biochemistry
High School Diploma (2022)
Albert-Schweitzer School, Erfurt, Germany
Graduated with GPA 0.8 (=4.0/4.0), highest honors
STEM-focused curriculum with emphasis on math, sciences, and CS
MINT-EC certified with distinction
Thesis on micropollutant remediation awarded 1st place in “Jugend forscht” (regional) and 2nd statewide
Research Experience
Photoredox Catalysis Internship (May–July 2025)
ESPCI (PSL), Paris, France
Explored iron-catalyzed photoredox transformations under visible light
Optimized a 1,5-HAT reaction and radical cyclization via OFAT design
Conducted mechanistic investigations using radical scavengers and control experiments
Provided initial data set for a planned publication
Bachelor Thesis Project (Mar–May 2025)
Heidelberg University, Germany
Worked on developing a selective, visible-light-induced rearrangement of acetals
Optimized reaction conditions and improved yields from ~50% to near-quantitative
Evaluated substrate scope employing different small molecules and sugar derivatives
Performed mechanistic studies using TEMPO inhibition and stereochemical analysis
Undergraduate Research Internships (2024)
Heidelberg University, Germany
Mastalerz Group (OCI, summer 2024): Conducted exploratory synthesis using Friedländer condensations and Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling reactions
Brügger Group (BZH, spring 2024): Investigated protein function using targeted mutations in Dpm synthetase from Pyrococcus
Performed DNA isolation, sequencing, protein expression, purification, and SDS-PAGE analysis
Gained practical training across organic, synthetic, and biochemical methods
AMBER (proficient), Gaussian (amateur), PyMOL (basic), VMD (basic)
Computational Chemistry
Skills & Languages
Awards & Honors
Programming & Tools
Python (basic), AWK (basic), LaTeX (proficient), ChemDraw (proficient), Microsoft Office (proficient), Adobe & Affinity Design Suite (proficient)
Languages
English (IELTS: 8/9), German (native), Latin (Latinum certified)
Awarded for academic and societal engagement to support undergraduate studies (2022–2025)
Friedrich-Naumann Fellowship
Jugend forscht (Environmental Science)
1st place in Central Thuringia and 2nd place statewide for research on micropollutant remediation (2022)
MINT-EC (STEM) Certificate with highest honors (2022)
GDCh Chemistry Abitur Award (2022)
General Experience
Friedrich-Naumann-Foundation for Freedom
Coordinator & Fellow (2022–2025)
Selected for academic excellence and civic engagement
Served as coordinator of the foundation’s “Innovation & Environment” group, organizing seminars on different topics like energy transition, disaster preparedness, and future innovation across Germany and at the Theodor-Heuss-Academy
Acted as representative & contact person for fellow students at national events
Galilei Consult e.V. – Heidelberg’s Student Consultancy
Member & Deputy Board Member for HR (2023–2024)
Led the “Assessment Center” (Winter Term 2023/24) and received special recognition for exceptional commitment
Served as Deputy Board Member for Human Resources, helping increase recruitment by 70%
Oversaw project execution as Controller for a trainee consulting project
Contributed to internal operations, recruiting, public relations, and design initiatives
Endurance Sports
Finished the Zürich New Year's Marathon 2025 — Time: 4:01:06
Completed the Heidelberg Trail Marathon 2024 (nearly 2,000 m elevation gain) — Time: 5:23:49