Christine Horbaschek (Germany)
| Hi,
my name is Christine.
I studied biology at the University of Würzburg and chose cellular biology, microbiology and physiological chemistry as main subjects of my diploma examinations. Currently I'm a PhD student at the Rudolf-Virchow-Centre for Experimental Biomedicine in Würzburg. |
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The passion for natural sciences enthralled me rather early in childhood, whereas biology was most fascinating for me in terms of variety and coherence with every day observations. During school days I discovered that I found the little details in the explanations from our teachers most interesting. Therefore I decided both to study biology and to improve my knowledge in the most accepted language in science (English).
So I went to London for half a year and attended a language school. During that time I stayed as an Au Pair with a nice family, and with this salary I was able to pay the fees of my language school. For me this was a very good experience as it allowed me to be independent and to pay for my studies.
Back at my university in Germany, I had a few years to find out what was the best job for me. Soon it became clear to me that I wanted to work in the biomedical research area to combat diseases. In the course of the studies during a practical training at a Max-Plank-Institute I had the great opportunity to meet the Nobel prize winner Prof. Christiane Nüsslein-Vollhard and was fascinated by one of her model organisms - the zebra fish. That inspired me to do my diploma thesis on bone and cartilage development in zebra fish.
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Christine Horbaschek |
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Currently I'm doing my PhD in the field of cancer diagnosis and therapy. It is one of my dreams that with our system humans can much easier be cured from this disease. This time I'm working with mice as they are much closer related to humans than fish and therefore allow a much more significant comparison.
I think a PhD work is comparable with an expedition. When you have found the answer to one question this often is the fundament of new questions and there hardly is a day when you feel bored. On the way to find answers to my questions I meet many interesting people who can help me. And I also help other people finding solutions to their problems. So, at a university you are part of a big community. Most people work in very different areas of research but have fun together and help each other.
Of course, there is enough time left for my hobbies. In my spare time I enjoy to play badminton with friends and play the piano.
School:
Johann-Michael-Sailer Gymnasium Dillingen an der Donau