Andrea Marten: «I like not knowing what tomorrow will bring - most of the time»

If I wasn't working in research, my dream job would be...
any creative profession - painter, writer, designer - but without the pressure of having to sell something!

I became...
Research Lab Technician / Dipl. Ing. Biotechnologie (FH) / Girl for everything in the lab (except making coffee).

What fascinates me about research...
that it always remains exciting and never gets boring.

«There's never a dull moment in research.»

I gained my first research experience as a...
Diploma student at a small bioprocess engineering company on the topic: "Immobilisation/encapsulation of cell cultures in a new gel matrix (almost 25 years ago) using the example of hFSH-producing CHO cells".

I would like to solve the following research question...
Utopian, but: I would like to invent "beaming" so that people with a fear of flying can go on holiday to Australia.

In research, I particularly appreciate...
the great variety - constantly coming across new challenges and finding ways to solve them.

Have you already carried out projects with the PFZ or are you currently planning a project with the PFZ...
When it comes to technical laboratory issues, I am always happy to help and advise the PFZ.

My current project is...
ADEQUATE, KIDS-STEP, ALARUM, KidneyCheck...

What I particularly like about my current job...
that I don't yet know exactly what tomorrow may bring. 😉

«I don't know today what tomorrow will bring - that's a good thing.»

I don't like my current job that much...
that I don't yet know exactly what tomorrow may bring. 😞

Who/what inspires me and why...
I can't think of anything suitable.

What advice would I give even my 18-year-old self...
Go abroad for a few months, save your PowerPoint presentation for the defence not only on disc and buy Apple shares!

If I could work with a famous scientist for a day, it would be... and why?
A physicist like Isaac Newton, for example - perhaps he could bring me closer to physics.

What is my favourite type of music to listen to when I want to concentrate on my research work?
Pop and rock music on the oldies station Berliner Rundfunk.

What is important to me...
good co-operation.

On Sunday mornings I like to do...
an extended breakfast + watch the press club afterwards.

What's surprising about me is that...
I was often the last one on the dance floor at parties (and sometimes still am).

The best thing that has happened to me so far in 2024...
that I completed a job that takes at least 6 months in 4 months, because I should have been finished after 2 months & that I was able to leave my comfort zone and go to the F2F meeting in Kilifi (Kenya) together with Malte Kohns and Linda Stamm from the PFZ for ALARUM.

My current wish is...
that I won't have to stumble over too many obstacles in the coming months.

The last book I read to children...
Stories from the Brothers Grimm's book of fairy tales.

I would take the following 3 things with me to a desert island...
A crate of water and grain food to tide me over for a week until I've finished reading the book „The Island Survival Guide“ and can successfully apply all the tips.