Behind the Test Tube: Q&A
Johanna Koelbel—Postdoctoral Scholar
Where is home/Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Jena, Germany. That’s where all the Zeiss microscopes come from originally!
Why did you choose chemistry as a career?
I started out in physics and kind of stumbled into chemistry along the way. I never really felt like I understood it, and that bothered me. I’m still hoping for a lot of things to make sense eventually.
What is your proudest accomplishment while at the URochester?
I’m especially proud of the collaborative research I’ve been part of here at Rochester. The group and department are so friendly and welcoming, which makes sharing ideas and working together really enjoyable. It’s been rewarding to see what we can figure out together.
What do you like to do when not in the department?
I like hiking, traveling, and baking. I especially enjoy exploring new places.
A Rochester must?
Garbage plates! Surprisingly nice, despite the name.
Feast/meal of the times? Details, please!
Potato dumplings. I’m much better at eating them than making them, though. Mine tend to either turn green or fall apart (or both!), but I haven’t given up yet.
A holiday that rocks? Care to tell us why?
Christmas! It’s cozy, the whole family comes together, and there is SO MUCH good food, every year I wish it would last for longer.
Care to share about a special tradition in your family/town/country?
“Schrottwichteln” (i.e., “junk secret santa”) is a Christmas gift exchange where everyone brings something unwanted or ridiculous from home. You finally get rid of something you don’t need, only to go home with someone else’s questionable possessions instead.
Fun fact:
Amazon and I have an ongoing argument about whether or not I’m a robot; I simply cannot solve their CAPTCHA challenges.
The goal of this initiative is to highlight the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in the Department of Chemistry and help our community develop stronger connections and synergies. You can think of these spotlights as the beginning of a conversation that we very much hope you will continue in the corridors of Hutch and beyond.
If you wish to contribute to this initiative, please complete our questionnaire.