Interview We complement each other with knowledge

To understand electrochemical processes for renewable energy is the aim of postdoc Dr. Wanlin Chen, who is working together with Professor Martina Havenith at Ruhr-University Bochum. A Humboldt Research Fellowship finances Chen’s stay for two years. In the interview the theoretical chemist talks about her scientific voyage, her work and what helps to make Bochum feel “more like a home away from home”.

Ms. Chen, what did you do, before you came do Bochum?
I had quite a journey. Originally, I came from China and moved to Europe after finishing high school in 2014. I pursued my studies in chemistry at the University of Strasbourg in France, where I earned my bachelor's, degree and started my master's and engineer's degrees. It was a big change for me, adapting to a new culture, different from what I was used to.

During my time at the University of Strasbourg, I had a nice opportunity to go on an exchange program at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore for one year. After completing my master's and engineer's program there, I decided to continue my academic journey with a doctorate back in Europe. I chose the University of Paris-Saclay in Paris, a city I was and still am obsessed with.

What brought you to Ruhr-University?
During my dissertation I have worked on aqueous interfaces using a combined approach of theoretical modelling and spectroscopy. Thus, I gained substantial interest in water and enough knowledge in terms of hydrophobicity and interactions of solvents with hydrophobic solutes. Through my colleague Dr. Simone Pezzotti from my time in Paris, I had the chance to meet Professor Martina Havenith, whose research focuses fit well with what I would like to do.

Bochum is a wonderful place to be.

—
Wanlin Chen

Are you comfortable here?
Absolutely. Bochum is a wonderful place to be. It's a lively and university-centred city with a thriving community of young students and researchers, providing many opportunities for social activities. What I particularly like about Bochum is its tranquil ambiance. It’s a peaceful city that allows me to connect with nature.

I live in a guest house provided by Ruhr-University, surrounded by relaxing greens of trees, flowers and bees. The academic environment in our group is vivid. Working in an experimental group as a theoretician, I get to closely discuss and exchange ideas with experimentalists and we complement each other with knowledge from diverse perspectives.

What is different compared to your home country?
Technically speaking, everything is different here compared to China: the food, language, architecture. But from another perspective, despite these differences, life can still be quite similar and enjoyable. Having friends around and being passionate about my work have been essential in making me happy and making it feel more like a home away from home.

Is there anything, you still must get used to?
While I have been living in France for about eigth years, adapting to German culture hasn't been much of a barrier for me. However, as a newcomer to Germany, the most challenging aspect is undoubtedly the language. Fortunately, the positive side is that nearly everyone here speaks English well, so I haven't faced much trouble communicating in daily life.

Nevertheless, I understand that learning the local language will help me to better integrate into the community, and I have plans to start studying German soon to improve my language skills.

I had the best Schweinshaxe in my life in Dusseldorf.

—
Wanlin Chen

What was particularly well during your stay in Bochum?
I have been a big fan of Schweinshaxe (knuckle of pork) since I studied in Strasbourg. Recently, I had the best Schweinshaxe in my life in Dusseldorf, which went perfectly with their homemade beer. I will never forget this experience!

Please describe Ruhr University in one sentence.
Ruhr University is a vibrant and expansive institution with a multidisciplinary environment that combines academic rigor with an enjoyable research experience.

I focus on gaining a molecular-level understanding of interactions of solvents with hydrophobic solutes at electrified metal/water interfaces.

—
Wanlin Chen

Could you explain, what you are exploring?
In my research, I focus on gaining a molecular-level understanding of interactions of solvents with hydrophobic solutes at electrified metal/water interfaces. This entails exploring how the interfacial environment influences and modulates these properties.

The goal of this work is to leverage this knowledge to tune electrochemical reactions by manipulating the mentioned interactions. Through this approach, we can effectively promote the desired reactions while inhibiting undesirable ones, which will lead to significant improvements in the efficiency of renewable energy generation.

Is there anything you would like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed. I appreciate the chance to share my experiences and thoughts with you.