Andreas Dürrmann
Current position: master student at the University of Bayreuth (materials chemistry and catalysis, group of Prof. Dr. Birgit Weber)
Internship stay in Dunedin: late August 2018 – early March 2019
Photo: Andreas on Roys Peak.
I joined Sally’s group for a 6 months internship during my master programme. Although I had done all the paperwork months before, it wasn’t until the plane had taken off that I started to realise that I am really going to New Zealand – literally to the other side of the world. I still remember the day when I arrived in Dunedin: despite the fact that the sun was shining, I only felt this cold wind blowing in my face – something you will become used to very quickly here in little Scotland.
Sally picked me up from the airport and drove me to Abbey College where I’ve stayed during my time in Otago. It’s a convenient dorm for post-graduates and it allows you to easily get to know new people while settling in.
My days in the lab and in the office were a pleasure. Since the first day I felt very welcome in Brooker’s Bunch and I had many interesting conversations, both scientifically and non-scientifically, with all the group members, while scrubbing the flasks or waiting for my product to finally appear on the TLC. I have learnt many things, not only did I grow my experience as a chemist, especially in doing synthetic organic chemistry, but there is also a growth of your own personality when you work and live with people from all over the world and you get to know different mind-sets, insights and attitudes. You will start to think outside the box or as we say in German: you will look over the edge of the plate.
As it was my very first research project that I was investigating more or less independently, I obviously stumbled upon many challenges. I could, however, always ask the senior members or Sally for advice when I felt stuck or wasn’t sure if this idea might be worth to try. Another thing that I became aware of is the fact that doing science involves a mixture of several skills – on the one hand it is the knowledge and experience you gather over the years but on the other hand it is the way that you interact with the people surrounding you.
Apart from the chemistry I also seized the opportunity to explore this beautiful and stunning country during the weekends and the Christmas time. Although Dunedin itself offers many nice places and you get to know the city’s charm, I was even more impressed by all the picturesque landscapes, beautiful spots and the diversity of nature whenever I left town for a longer trip. All in all, I had a great time at the Chemistry Department in Otago with the people that I have met and the friends that I have made during my stay.
