Loves: Food, my two cats and dog, coffee
Not a fan of: Being on stage, big crowds and waking up at 4am
Describes themself as: Always trying to be positive, caring about other people, sometimes very hard on myself
Interest and hobbies: I like to spend time with my cats and cooking is my passion – especially Asian cuisine.
Proudest moment so far: I was able to finish my bachelor studies even though I was on antidepressants at that time and was diagnosed with autoimmune disease.
What are you working on: Cancer research – studying cfDNA (cell free DNA) in colorectal cancer
Social media: @ellisse13
Dr. Christian Scharun Germany
Loves: Science and communication, family and friends, good humor
Not a fan of: Disinformation, hate speech and unfairness
Describes themself as: Friendly, enthusiastic and honest Interest and hobbies: I like learning new things about everything that is related to science. That’s why one of my hobbies is participating in science slams, which is a great format to do so. I also like meeting friends and family, doing sports, listening to music and watching movies. My newest hobby is doing YouTube videos and tweeting about climate change-related topics.
Proudest moment so far: In 2021 my work was awarded “Science Breakthrough of the Year” at Berlin Science Week. This was of course a big achievement for me as a scientist, but also an amazing opportunity to meet so many great people from all fields of science and from all over the world. Some of them I can now call my friends and it is always inspiring talking to them. What are you working on: Climate research, physics and the emissions of greenhouse gases and their contribution to global warming.
Social media: @CScharun
Valentina Vavassori Italy
Loves: Facing challenges and overcoming limits, live and let live, honesty, carpe diem, nature, silence and pizza
Not a fan of: Discrimination, lies, indifference and wasting time
Describes themself as: Adventurous, open-minded and determined Interest and hobbies: I have a strong interest in science communication, because I love sharing with the community the beauty of science, with its progresses and challenges. I am a person who loves seeking, discovering and enjoying new experiences. For this reason, my biggest passions are skydiving and alpinism, which fulfil some of my curiosity and dynamism.
Proudest moment so far: Last year, I climbed Mount Blanc and reached the top. It was so long and exhausting, but the view from the top was amazingly beautiful. I am proud to have gone beyond my limits and fatigue.
What are you working on: Gene therapy and genome editing
Social media: @ValentinaVavas2
Nehemiah Latolla South Africa
Loves: Chemistry, fashion and poetry
Not a fan of: Swimming, washing the dishes and scary movies
Describes themself as: Passionate, goal-driven and caring Interest and hobbies: I love my field of study, phytochemistry, because of the possibilities to help better the health and conditions of the communities I am in service to. However, I am also very passionate about combining creativity and the scientific method to create and make meaning in fashion and poetry.
Proudest moment so far: I graduated with my PhD (Chemistry) in April 2022.
What are you working on: Phytochemistry
Social media: @miah_river
Natascha Hedrich Switzerland
Loves: Japanese food, movies and pub quizzes
Not a fan of: Olives, tight crowds and gangster rap
Describes themself as: Hardworking, dedicated and creative Interest and hobbies: : I enjoy learning languages and am currently learning Japanese. I also enjoy inline skating.
Proudest moment so far: Winning the Swiss Famelab Finals!
What are you working on: Physics
Social media: @NataschaHedrich
Nuti Hutasingh Thailand
Loves: Cooking, science, and science that is related to cooking
Not a fan of: Programming, carving food or fruit and studying the Chinese language
Describes themself as: Confident, realistic and perceptive Interest and hobbies: Cooking and baking with a hint of educational philosophy.
Proudest moment so far: I am the owner of a Facebook page called TUCK the CHEF, a place where I share practical knowledge about the science of cooking and baking. It’s been described as “the only and the most famous one in Thailand” and has almost 80,000 followers.
What are you working on: Food science and technology
Social media: TUCK the CHEF
