An INSPIREing Hike
Photo credit: Ekaterina Vlasiuk
Our INSPIRE Potentials Fellows are on top of things, and that includes mountains!
On the 31st July 2022, Rhea Hoyer, Marina Obramenko, Lisa Sommer and Ekaterina Vlasiuk, all awardees of the INSPIRE Potentials Fellowship in 2021, gathered for an excursion in the beautiful Bernese Oberland. They were joined by Prof. Jelena Klinovaja, head of Diversity at NCCR SPIN and Melina Lüthi, PhD student in Prof. Klinovaja’s group. The team took the train to Kleine Scheidegg, walked down to Alpiglen and hiked near the Eiger North face. The tour was inspiring in many ways. It was the perfect setting to explore Switzerland’s natural beauties: “We were lucky because it was sunny and the temperature was very comfortable. We had a very relaxed walk with a couple of stops for lunch and photos. We saw a lot of gorgeous landscapes — snowy peaks, a small waterfall, peaceful cows on green hills, and a lot of other indescribably beautiful things.”, Marina highlights.
As the fellowship allows the Master students to write their thesis in one of the groups at NCCR SPIN scattered around Lausanne, Basel and Zurich, our awardees hadn’t all had a chance to meet each other yet, especially not outside of their work environment. “It was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the other girls.” Ekaterina says. “I believe it is really important to have a chance to communicate with people who are in the same stage of their careers as you are. We have many common issues to discuss, and we can learn something useful from each other in a pleasant atmosphere.” As all efforts should be rewarded, our hikers had a coffee and ice cream together to wrap up the day.
All awardees have handed in their Master’s thesis by now. They are headed for the next step in their career, and it looks like they will keep in touch with each other: “The NCCR Spin INSPIRE Potential Fellowship did not only support me financially in my Master's project, but it also gave me the opportunity to make new friends!” Lisa comments. “I am looking forward to the next meeting with them and to exchanging plans and ideas both at the professional and personal level.”
Our INSPIRE Potentials Master’s fellowship is open for applications until December 1st, 2022. If you would like to be part of the next adventure, apply now!