KSQM Coffee & Cake Events provide the opportunity for PhD students to interact with distinguished alumni in an informal format and setting; PIs are not present.

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.

KSQM Coffee & Cake Events provide the opportunity for PhD students to interact with distinguished alumni in an informal format and setting; PIs are not present.

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.

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

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

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The idea of this training is to transmit the fundamental tools to participants to be more impactful and rapidly deliver a clear message. One of the main principles is to learn by doing (combination of 20% theory and 80% tailored theater exercises).

In public speaking, both content and form are important. In this training, we will mainly focus on form.

A practical toolbox with the fundamentals of public speaking will be presented so you can rapidly boost your impact, involve the audience and deliver a clear message. We will use specific theater exercises, tailored to your individual needs so you can practice and improve quickly.

We will cover the fundamentals of public speaking :

- how to stand, where to look, and overall body language

- how to relate to the audience

- how to gain confidence

- how to build a captivating introduction to catch your audience’s attention

- how to use your voice effectively (volume, speed, intonation, diction)

- how to deliver a concise and clear message

Coach: Mélane Le Gall is a theater actress and a public speaking trainer.

Mélane graduated from EM Lyon Business School in 2010 and, after studying abroad, specialized in international marketing (Procter & Gamble, L'Oréal). In 2011, She was hired in New York by Fromageries Bel as the business developer and market analyst for the entire Latin America region.

In New York, Mélane switched to professional acting. She worked with Russian and American directors for Off-Broadway plays, and wrote and produced her own solo performance.

Mélane returned to Paris in 2016. In parallel to pursuing her acting career, she decided to put her skills to providing training and support for leaders and managers in public speaking.

She has worked as a public speaking coach for companies such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Unilever, EDF, etc. helping executive managers reach their full potential and become more impactful in speaking. And she is the public speaking trainer for EDHEC Business School "Advanced Management Programme" - a top flight programme for CEOs, senior executives and experienced professionals.

Mélane's skills : public speaking and non-verbal communication. What she likes most: making others aware of their strengths and guiding them to dare and push their limits while having fun !

The idea of this training is to transmit the fundamental tools to participants to be more impactful and rapidly deliver a clear message. One of the main principles is to learn by doing (combination of 20% theory and 80% tailored theater exercises).
\n
\nIn public speaking, both content and form are important. In this training, we will mainly focus on form.
\n
\nA practical toolbox with the fundamentals of public speaking will be presented so you can rapidly boost your impact, involve the audience and deliver a clear message. We will use specific theater exercises, tailored to your individual needs so you can practice and improve quickly.
\n
\nWe will cover the fundamentals of public speaking :
\n
\n- how to stand, where to look, and overall body language
\n
\n- how to relate to the audience
\n
\n- how to gain confidence
\n
\n- how to build a captivating introduction to catch your audience’s attention
\n
\n- how to use your voice effectively (volume, speed, intonation, diction)
\n
\n- how to deliver a concise and clear message
\n
\nCoach: Mélane Le Gall is a theater actress and a public speaking trainer.
\n
\nMélane graduated from EM Lyon Business School in 2010 and, after studying abroad, specialized in international marketing (Procter & Gamble, L'Oréal). In 2011, She was hired in New York by Fromageries Bel as the business developer and market analyst for the entire Latin America region.
\n
\nIn New York, Mélane switched to professional acting. She worked with Russian and American directors for Off-Broadway plays, and wrote and produced her own solo performance.
\n
\nMélane returned to Paris in 2016. In parallel to pursuing her acting career, she decided to put her skills to providing training and support for leaders and managers in public speaking.
\n
\nShe has worked as a public speaking coach for companies such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Unilever, EDF, etc. helping executive managers reach their full potential and become more impactful in speaking. And she is the public speaking trainer for EDHEC Business School "Advanced Management Programme" - a top flight programme for CEOs, senior executives and experienced professionals.
\n
\nMélane's skills : public speaking and non-verbal communication. What she likes most: making others aware of their strengths and guiding them to dare and push their limits while having fun !