Thanks to Prof. Markus Garst, we are pleased to have Laura and Tobias to our upcoming alumni event, where they will share their career insights and advice with KSQM members.

Laura Köhler: From theoretical solid state physics to experimental atmospheric physics

Laura studied physics in Cologne with a focus on theoretical physics. After completing her Master's thesis in the field of chiral magnets, she moved to Dresden to do her PhD under the supervision of Prof. Markus Garst, completing it in 2019. Her PhD focused on helimagnetic excitations and (topological) defects in helimagnets, using mainly analytical methods. After her PhD, she decided to move into a new field where she could experience her research topic more directly and first-hand. Her first postdoc was at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, where she continued to work primarily on the theoretical side, studying atmospheric waves. During this time, she joined her first ship campaign on the research vessel Maria S. Merian and started working with shipborne observations. In 2024, she began a postdoc position at the Alfred Wegener Institute. Her first project was to develop an automated monitoring box for commercial ships to improve atmospheric data coverage over the oceans, a task that also involved technical hands-on work. She tested it during several ship campaigns and also joined her first aircraft campaign with the polar research aircraft Polar 6 during that time. Her recent work focuses on ship- and airborne observations in the polar regions, with particular attention to aerosol particles and turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer.

Tobias Meng: What quantum science taught me about universal skills and navigating an unpredictable career

Tobias is a quantum scientist whose career has taken him from academia to „the industry". Along the way, he experienced the highest highs of academic life, like tackling fascinating scientific questions together with brilliant people, or receiving recognition through a prestigious Emmy Noether grant and awards. But he also faced its distinct lows: the relentless "publish or perish" pressure, the imposter syndrome of "fake it till you make it," and the overwhelming uncertainty of a hyper-competitive job market.

Through leading research groups, developing tech products, and managing complex projects, Tobias saw that some of the central skills for navigating these different worlds are surprisingly universal, including heartfelt and authentic leadership, taking responsibility, and building adaptable skills. Navigating all of this while raising two children, he also knows firsthand the challenge of combining a career with family life. Ultimately, Tobias’s journey taught him just how unpredictable professional paths can be. He would love to share his very personal perspective on career transitions, the value of transferable skills, and what thus far made him happy in the end.