Lauren’s secondment at ACIB

After four months, I have successfully completed my first PhD secondment at the Austrian Centre for Industrial Biotechnology (ACIB) in Vienna under the supervision of Dr. Birgit Wiltschi. Despite my background in chemistry, this secondment allowed me to gain extensive experience in molecular biology techniques, as the project focused on the genetic incorporation of silicon containing non-canonical amino acids that I had previously synthesized.

I am deeply grateful for this wonderful opportunity to broaden my scientific knowledge, to meet inspiring colleagues who supported me throughout this experience, especially our colleague Andrea Borgonovo, and to immerse myself in and truly enjoy Viennese culture. I am already looking forward to my next PhD secondment next year.