Alumni

Ketura Yaje Gwei – 2025 intern

I had an unforgettable three-month experience at the Zychlinsky Lab. My brain was a little crowded at first, and everything seemed complex because I had just defended my master’s dissertation a day before leaving Cameroon for Berlin. But with the support of the research coordinator, Ole, my supervisor, Dr. Alf Herzig, and the PhD students and postdocs, things started to make sense, and I gradually became more confident. The working environment was very friendly, everyone was always ready to help, which made the experience truly enjoyable.

The sessions on preparing for a PhD and learning how to do a doctorate, as well as the visit to Munich, helped me understand what to look for in PhD programs and also gave me a glimpse of what happens in industry. I’ve also grown a lot professionally. My view of science communication has completely changed, and I now feel more confident sharing science in an intuitive, clear, and engaging way.

Aside from academics, life at the institute was just as great. The buddies were very supportive, and we shared many fun moments together. Thanks to the institute’s generous support, I also got to visit nearby towns in Germany and even traveled to Nice, France, which gave me the chance to experience more of Europe. Honestly, I was treated so kindly throughout the three months — it truly felt like a “princess treatment.” I’m still so grateful for the warm welcome and support I received from institute and the Zychlinsky Lab. If I ever get the chance, I would love to return to the institute again.

Nathaniel Boateng  – 2025 intern

I had a very wonderful time during my time at the Reber Lab. Being selected for the MPIIB-ISI has been a great experience for me. I was privileged to work with everyone in my lab and was exposed to multiple projects and techniques. I also learnt a lot from the workshops and courses that were organised as part of the program. The Voices in Infection Biology seminar series and the institute retreat had a profound impact on my decision to pursue graduate studies.

The program provided a very holistic training, and I want to thank my lab for their support throughout the program. I am leaving this program better prepared to pursue graduate studies.

Patience Niwamanya – 2025 intern

My time at the institute has been nothing short of what I expected. My confidence as a scientist has grown tremendously. I leave with so much inspiration, not only scientifically, but also in terms of soft skills. I truly appreciate everyone at the institute for their support and patience throughout my stay. A special thank you to the Cronan Lab and my supervisor, who have been incredibly supportive and patient with me.

Thank you to the Max Planck Institute for this wonderful opportunity. It has been a life-changing experience for me. I have seen and come to deeply appreciate how hardworking and dedicated scientists truly are. My experience here has given me the confidence and motivation to keep working hard, and I have come to truly value and admire the principles and dedication that define the scientific community.

Mora Sanchez – 2024 intern

„My stay at the MPIIB in Berlin as an intern in the Portugal lab was a life-changing experience, both academically and personally. I worked on a project aimed at understanding how intra-host clonal dynamics of malaria parasites affect asymptomatic persistence during dry seasons. I learned how to analyze data, how to systematically approach a question, and how to design and apply different methodologies. Throughout this journey, I felt the support and guidance of my PI and supervisors, who allowed me to learn from my mistakes. This had a profound impact on how I understand and do science, and made me reflect on my goals in research. I also gained relevant experience in presenting and communicating my ideas, and I can say that my biggest takeaway from the seminars is that I am now sure I can make informed decisions about my future PhD.“

Andres-Santiago Martinez-Hernandez – 2024 intern

"My time at the MPIIB ISI gave me a good grasp of how to be ready for a PhD application and student life, from the perks of getting everything ready to have a competitive profile, to be a more effective scientist, and most importantly to truly understand the importance of autonomy and mental well-being as the key to a successful student life.  

I leave the Summer Internship experience as a happy young scientist who is excited to face the endeavors of graduate programs with an amazing set of skills thanks to the program."