LHS师说 · 第四期 | 我走过的升学就业之路

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LHS

师说

生命与健康科学学院为帮助同学更好的了解专业及做好未来规划，升学&就业组计划将推出师说系列推文，学院的教授们将被特别邀请为同学分享他们曾经走过的升学与就业之路。

本期嘉宾

Goran STJEPANOVIC

助理教授

研究领域

膜生物化学、生物物理学和结构生物学。

Q & A

1. Why did you finally choose Heidelberg University for your Ph.D.?

After visiting several Universities in Europe, I knew that Heidelberg was the one. I was offered a position to work in Prof. Irmgard Sinning laboratory at BZH (Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center). I was immensely impressed by Prof Sinning scientific achievements, experience in scientific mentorship, and interdisciplinary approach to science. I got the opportunity to embark in an exciting project in the field of Membrane Structural Biology. I stayed in this field for the reminder of my scientific career. Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university and one of the world's oldest universities. Heidelberg University together with EMBL (The European Molecular Biology Laboratory) are one of the world's leading research institutions, with a very high density of research activities in institutes and research facilities. There is strong emphasizes on international cooperation and many excellent research opportunities for students and scholars from all over the world.

1. 您为什么最终选择海德堡大学攻读博士学位？

我参观欧洲几所大学后选择了海德堡大学，获得在生物化学中心Irmgard Sinning教授实验室工作的机会。Sinning教授的科学成就、科研经验及跨学科研究方法都给我留下了非常深刻的印象，并有机会参与膜结构生物学领域中一个令人兴奋的项目。海德堡大学是德国最古老的大学，也是世界上最古老的大学之一。海德堡大学和EMBL（欧洲分子生物学实验室）都是世界领先的研究机构，对我来说，从事科研领域是为了继续研究方面的工作。在那里，研究活动密度很高，着重强调国际合作和为世界各地的学生和学者提供更多更好的研究机会。

2. Why you went to Germany after obtaining your master's degree and what was your experience?

After I completed my master's thesis at University of Zagreb, I was awarded a fellowship that enabled me to earn my doctoral degree in Germany. Familiarity with language and German culture had strong impact on my choice. Like any new beginning in one’s life – first few months were challenging. However, my lab colleagues helped me to find an accommodation in the city of Eppelheim – where I stayed for almost 6 years. I lived in a residential community “Wohngemeinschaft” and met many wonderful people.  I was impressed by the international nature, vibrant social life, and the beauty of Heidelberg. Heidelberg University gave me excellent education, research training and generous financial support. If is a fantastic place for any stage of scientific career， I would absolutely recommend PhD studies in Heidelberg University to CUHKSZ graduates.

2. 您为什么在获得硕士学位后去德国? 您的经验是？

由于我对德语和德国文化比较熟悉，在萨格勒布大学完成硕士论文后，获得了一笔奖学金，使我能在德国继续进修博士学位。最初的几个月充满了挑战，如同生命中任何新的开始。在实验室同事的帮助下，我在埃珀尔海姆市“Wohngemeinschaft”住下，在那里居住了将近6年时间，也遇到了很多优秀的人。海德堡的国际化氛围、充满活力的社会生活和美丽的风景都给我留下了深刻的印象。海德堡大学为我提供了优质的教育、科研环境和经费支持。如果要选择发展科学事业的理想之地，我非常推荐港中深的毕业生去海德堡大学攻读博士学位。

3. Share your life or something interesting when you were studying for a M.Sc. and Ph.D. degree in Europe?

Beside my scientific work, I remember so many things: Picnics on the Neckarwiese, Christmas Market, hiking to Heidelberg Castle and Philosophenweg, annual Karlsruhe kastenlauf, the Unterstrasse with the iconic “Destille”, the Marstall parties, the Neckar Valley boat trips … and so much more. Heidelberg holds a special place in my heart, and I often try to visit it when I am in Europe.

3. 请您分享一些在欧洲攻读硕士和博士学位时的生活或有趣的事情?

除科学工作外，在内卡威斯野餐、圣诞市场、徒步到海德堡城堡和哲学家小径、一年一度的Karlsruhe kastenlauf（一种酒令游戏）、带有标志性“小酒店”的地下街、马斯托尔派对、在内卡山谷泛舟……等等都十分有趣。海德堡在我心中有着特殊的地位，每当我去欧洲的时候，我都会找机会去那里。

4. How far in advance do you think it is appropriate for students to start preparing materials for further study application? And what material do you think is the most critical?

I think first and foremost for PhD studies at German universities, one needs to identify research interest and reach out to potential doctoral advisors. I would recommend to do this during the final year of undergraduate studies. For places that have centralized PhD programs one needs to follow the respective deadlines – however always try to reach out to potential advisors directly. Besides formal documents (degree, transcript and language certificate), one should try to think about future short- and long-term research goals, and attempt to align this with the target laboratory research directions. As well prepare recommendation letters in advance – professors can get busy with many letters to write and submit during the application season. Finally, if possible obtain a tourist Schengen visa – so you can travel to Europe to visit labs or for onsite interview.     

4. 您认为学生应该提前多久开始准备申请进修的材料? 什么材料是最重要?

对于有意向去德国大学攻读博士学位的同学，我建议在本科学习的最后一年，确定研究兴趣并联系博士导师。博士项目申请，需要注意申请学校的截止日期，或者尝试直接咨询有经验的顾问。除了正式的文件(学位、成绩单、语言证书)，还应该考虑未来的短期和长期研究目标，并尝试将其与目标实验室研究方向相结合，同时也要在申请之前提前准备好教授的推荐信。最后，如果可能的话，办一个旅游申根签证，这样就可以去欧洲参观实验室或到现场面试。

5. Anything you would like to say to our graduates?

Follow your interest and let passion for science guide you wherever this may be.

5. 您想对我们的毕业生有什么意见和建议呢？

跟着你的兴趣走，无论在哪里，让科学的热情指引你。

福利来袭

如果大家对Goran STJEPANOVIC教授的升学经历感兴趣，还有其他需要咨询的内容，欢迎发送邮件（名字+专业+学号）至[e-mail]邮箱，学院会根据先到先得的报名情况Pick前三位幸运儿与Goran教授一同用餐哦！

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