Ann-Cathrin Volz studied Nutritional Science in Hohenheim and subsequently did her doctorate. As a researcher at the Reutlingen Research Institute, she is investigating the structure of tissue models from cell cultures - for example in order to be able to produce tissue implants from them.
Her Tips
Talk to students and graduates. Who could give you a better idea of what it's like?
Find out what skills are needed in the job - and attend additional courses and seminars if necessary.
Don't be afraid of statistics!
Research Associate Reutlingen Research Institute, Reutlingen
Studies at the University of Hohenheim 2008-2014
Nutritional Science B.Sc.
Molecular Nutritional Science M.Sc.
Job
What are typical activities for you in your job?
In my work, I deal with tissue engineering, i.e. the structure and construction of tissue. We isolate and cultivate cells and combine them with different materials in order to obtain the most natural possible image of human tissue. These models could be used in the future to design tissue implants or to test the effect of drugs on tissue. In addition to my work in the laboratory, I write scientific papers or present our results at conferences. And not to forget: teaching for our students. I give lectures and supervise lab courses. All in all a highly varied working day!
When did you decide on your career?
Nutritional science is a broad field - at the end of the studies there is no "one" profession. That's why I tried a lot during my studies, gained experience, and was able to exclude some professions for myself. During my Master's thesis, I realized how much fun research was for me - and decided to do a doctorate and work in science.
"Nutritional science is a broad field; at the end of the studies there is no "one" profession."
Studies
Why the University of Hohenheim? And why Nutritional Science?
The natural sciences have always interested me. At a job fair, I became aware of the University of Hohenheim - and of the nutritional science program. The nutritional science degree program in Hohenheim imparts a broad spectrum of scientific basics, which I really liked.
What were your studies like?
I tried my hand at electives in my Bachelor's degree. However, I didn’t discover my real specialization until the Master's program, in which we dealt with molecular biological methods and cell cultures, among other things.
What about experiences outside of the classroom?
I wanted to get to know as many professional fields as possible and therefore did many internships, both in my Bachelor's and Master's degrees.
For example, I worked for the Schwarzwaldmilch company in quality assurance and at the Max Rubner Institute in Karlsruhe in microbiology. During my Master’s I also went abroad: to Copenhagen.
It was an interesting experience! This was the case in part because topics and contents are often conveyed in a completely different way there.
"In Copenhagen I got to know another completely different teaching system - that was very exciting!"
What competences from your studies are important in your job today?
During lectures and seminars you often ask yourself: When will I need THIS later? But in fact, today I benefit greatly from the basic knowledge I was taught in Hohenheim. Also helpful are professional skills such as presentation techniques, time management, and - in my field - scientific work.
When I think back on my studies in Hohenheim, I think of...
...the many picnics together with fellow students in front of Hohenheim Palace. We still meet regularly today.
