Forscher*innen 2019
Alexandra-Selene Jarvis
Age: 36 | Nationality: Trinidadian (Trinidad & Tobago) | Field of study / work: Fluid Systems Modelling (PhD candidate)
My favorite place in Potsdam/ Berlin / surroundings:
Neuer Garten, Potsdam; KaDeWe and Kurfürstendamm in Berlin
My advice for fellow scholars:
Maybe you are here for a limited time, so take the opportunity to learn as much as you can both inside and outside the academic environment. While Germany offers some of the world’s best educational and professional opportunities, it also affords you a myriad of cultural experiences that is native to Europe. Berlin grants easy access to all other European nations so take advantage to travel especially when you need some away from your project to relax.
My future plans:
Work in the renewable energy storage and recovery field and share my knowledge as often as possible. Travel the world, take photos to immortalize unforgettable moments and share them. I have spent the last 14 years working, studying and travelling abroad. I have been fortunate to have won a series of scholarships and fellowships, enabling my academic achievements. I would like to implement a scholarship program in my native country to assist young people from underprivileged backgrounds, especially young women, to achieve their academic goals.
„I come from a place where people love wearing bright colours so the lack of this in German everyday fashion was surprising to me. The people here seem to prefer dark clothing.“
Prof. Dr. James Tar Tsaaior
Age: 49 | Nationality: Nigeria | Field of study / work: Cultural Studies/Postcolonial Studies; Stand-Up comedy and Nigeria's postcolonial imaginary
My favorite place in Potsdam/ Berlin / surroundings:
Not just one place, actually but a couple of places, for their serenity and peaceful ambience. The Potsdam Garden close to the Hauptbahnhof; the Wannsee River; Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Potsdam.
The most surprising thing about Germany?
That is the widespread bicycling culture despite the efficient public transport system. In my country, bicycles are metaphors of poverty.
My advice for fellow scholars:
The research experience affords an infinite bouquet of opportunities and possibilities for academic work and intellectual networks, cultural understanding and friendships. So while we conduct our research which is our primary concern, scholars should also invest their time and energies in the pursuit of these other legitimate concerns which can enhance our common humanity, promote cultural understanding and build a better world for our generation and posterity.
„I hope to publish my research in a book and to return to my country to impart the knowledge to my students, university community and affect my environment positively. I also hope to establish a private university in Nigeria in the near future. Tall dream but supremely realizable.“
Obed Kambasu
Age: 35 years | Nationality: Uganda | Field of study / work: Political Science
My favorite place in Potsdam/ Berlin / surroundings:
I love the water bodies around Berlin and Potsdam. I have taken boat trips around the Spree, the Havel, Müggelsee, and the River Cruise "Tour of 7 Lakes" from Wannsee to Potsdam. Apart from taking boat tours and canoeing, I also love fishing on these water bodies.
The most surprising thing about Germany?
The friendliness of the people. One of the less talked about traits of German people is that they are humble, kind and always looking to help others. I was for example surprised to see that nearly everyone is happy to offer their seat on public transport to elderly people and children.
My future plans:
To work as an international development consultant, using my research to advise governments and international development partners.
„Keep an open mind. Forget about what you have heard about PhDs, supervisors or the community in which you are doing your research, and give yourself a chance to define and enjoy your own personal experiences.“
Ankit Agarwal
Alter: 28 | Nationalität: Indisch | Forschungsbereich: Dokorand in Hydro-Klimatologie
Mein Lieblingsort in Potsdam/ Berlin/ Umland:
Wannsee und der nahegelegene Wald
Mein Rat an andere internationale Forscher:
Focus on key-skills courses offered by either your respective institute or POGS. They are incredibly important and helpful. Most of the German universities have many key skill courses such as communication, collaboration, networking, slide preparing, scientific writing etc. The integration of these courses in academic (mostly research) curriculum will indeed boost your self-confidence.
Meine Zukunftspläne:
Recently, I have secured an assistant professor position at IIT-Roorkee in Hydrology Department. My joining is due on the 1st of October, 2019. With the growing recognition and need to global actions to tackle the climate crisis, my research team and I will broadly focus on deciphering the complexity in Indian Monsoon, its prediction and technical felicitation mechanism through teleconnections. In achieving the solutions to these research problems, I deeply acknowledge the importance of partnership and international cooperation, partnerships and other collaborative forums. My long-term goal after going back to India is to keep the bi-lateral relationship alive and explore opportunities to send new talent to Germany for study and research.
„Amalgamation of Lernfreiheit (Freedom to learn) and Lehrfreiheit (Freedom to teach) One of the central attributes of the German education system is freedom, provided both to the students and the teachers which enables a great degree of autonomy at both end of the spectrum. Students have the freedom to ask questions, freedom to develop, and to solving problems. This core attribute, in my opinion, is what differentiates the German education system from others thereby making Germany a ‘knowledge-based economy’.“