Hi Everyone, my name is Melanie. I am originally from Germany, but now I live and work as an assistant professor in the U.S. I’m writing this blog to share my experiences in the sometimes harsh world of academia so you can navigate this journey just as I have.
Growing up, my dad always said, “Geht nicht, gibt’s nicht,” which roughly means, “There’s no such thing as impossible.” This phrase has been my guiding principle since childhood. Life has thrown many challenges my way, but I’ve always believed that anything is achievable with determination and hard work. I’ve also learned that the path to our goals doesn’t have to be linear—the twists and turns make life enjoyable, revealing new opportunities and challenges along the way.
My parents, who didn’t finish high school, often joke that I can’t possibly be their daughter and must have been swapped at the hospital. As the only child of parents without higher education, they continually nurtured my curiosity and encouraged me to pursue my passions. After middle school, I chose to attend the German Gymnasium, a high school that prepares students for university. Despite my grades not being stellar, I was determined to immerse myself in STEM. I even had to convince the principal to let me enroll. Fortunately, I succeeded, graduated with my “Abitur,” and became eligible for college.
Navigating higher education was uncharted territory for me as a first-generation college student. My fascination with chemistry led me to pursue a degree in the field, and I wanted to understand the world around us. It wasn’t always easy, and it took me a bit longer to earn my diploma (the German equivalent of a master’s degree), but I made it through by believing in myself and working tirelessly.
My thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. I decided to pursue a doctoral degree, which posed its own set of challenges. In Germany, the process requires finding a principal investigator to sponsor you before you can enroll in a doctoral program. This took over a year, during which I worked at a grocery store to pay my bills. But the wait was worth it. My research in polymers became a true passion, and I found immense satisfaction in mentoring younger students. I completed my doctorate cum laude, with multiple publications, in just three and a half years.
Eager to continue my academic journey, I moved from Berlin to Texas for a postdoc position in a new field: biomedical engineering. This transition was challenging, both personally and professionally. Adapting to a new country and a different research focus required perseverance. As a postdoc, guidance was scarce, but I found my footing, embracing the independence and the joy of working closely with students.
Applying for faculty positions felt like the natural next step. I wanted to keep researching, share my passion with students, and continue growing. Becoming an assistant professor has allowed me to do just that. I wear many hats daily—teaching in a foreign language, securing research funding, and guiding students. It’s challenging, but I’ve learned that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself.
I’m excited about the future, eager to continue learning and contributing to my field, and passionate about mentoring the next generation of scholars. I take great pride in being a role model for female, first-generation, and international students. The journey ahead will surely have its challenges, but I’m ready to face them head-on, confident in my ability to succeed.
I’m drawing on all the lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey—whether it’s overcoming challenges, navigating the complexities of academia, or balancing multiple roles—to inspire and share with you on this blog. My goal is to provide insights, advice, and encouragement so that you can excel in your own path. I believe that the experiences I’ve gathered, from finding my footing as a first-generation college student to becoming an assistant professor in a foreign country, have equipped me with valuable perspectives. I’m eager to pass these on, helping you navigate your own academic and professional challenges with confidence and determination.