Male Arimond

PhD student

“Pflanzen sind für das Leben auf der Erde unverzichtbar, ohne sie könnte die Menschheit nicht überleben.”

“Pflanzen sind für das Leben auf der Erde unverzichtbar, ohne sie könnte die Menschheit nicht überleben.”

1. What fascinates you most about plant science?

What fascinates me most about plant science is the incredible diversity and adaptability of plants. Despite their sessile lifestyle, they have evolved extraordinary mechanisms to survive in a wide range of environments. Additionally, plants are fundamental to life on Earth; without them, humanity and most other species would not be able to survive.

2. Tell us briefly what scientific questions you are pursuing at MPIPZ.

I am studying a model plant species with different mating systems. I find it fascinating that a single plant species can have various mating strategies, and I am investigating how these systems influence genome evolution, if it could have an outcome at their adaptability in terms of gene content or the dynamics of transposable elements, jumping around in the genome.

3. Who has inspired you greatly in your career so far?

I’ve always found Alexander von Humboldt fascinating. Even in the 19th century, he was already warning about the impact of human activity on the environment and the need to be cautious, which feels so relevant today! But to be honest, a book character has inspired me even more than any researcher. Do you know Jo March from Little Women? Even as a child, I admired her determination to pursue her goals and stay true to herself, and I think that has influenced me a lot.

4. What did you find most challenging in your career so far?

As a perfectionist, I often find it challenging to know when to stop delving into details and move on. Additionally, I sometimes struggle to maintain confidence when presenting to others, as I tend to second-guess myself rather than trust my expertise. However, I believe that during my PhD, I have a great opportunity to work on these challenges and grow both personally and professionally!

5. How do you see your future in science and why?

Honestly, I can’t give a definitive answer to this yet. On one hand, I really enjoy working in research and the opportunity to constantly learn new things, even though I’ve just started my PhD. On the other hand, I could also see myself doing something completely different after my PhD—like studying literature, for example. I guess I’ll see where this journey takes me.