Minervas Daughters connect fundamental research and real-world impact
Hannaneh Hosseini, a PhD student, develops mesoporous graphitic carbon for fuel cells, emphasizing research's real-world impact and valuing her supportive team.
Hannaneh Hosseini works as a PhD student with Prof. Dr. Ferdi Schüth in the department of Heterogeneous Catalysis. In this interview, she speaks about her journey to Mülheim and where she finds inspiration in everyday life situations.
What brought you here? Tell us about your way to the Kohlenforschung!
From early on, I knew that I wanted to pursue higher education, so I began with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. After finishing, I married my husband, who is a chemist. We spent a year in Australia before moving to Leipzig, where he started his PhD. While I was still unsure which master’s program to choose, I once randomly joined one of his lectures. The course was called „Nanostructured Catalytic Systems“, and I was immediately fascinated. I attended it voluntarily, enjoyed it so much that I later enrolled in the master’s program „Structural Chemistry and Spectroscopy“, which meant taking the course again, this time officially. My master‘s thesis at the Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) allowed me to work hands-on with nanostructured surfaces, which I truly enjoyed. Afterward, I looked for a PhD position in the field of nanomaterials for energy applications. I didn’t initially know the KOFO, but I was familiar with the reputation of Max Planck Society. While searching, I discovered Ferdi Schüth’s work and felt this was exactly where I wanted to be. I reached out by email and was fortunate to be accepted. It was one of the best things that could have happened, and I’m deeply grateful for that.
What do you like about your work here?
I develop mesoporous graphitic carbon through scalable synthesis pathways and tailor its properties to improve fuel cell performance. What excites me is the combination of fundamental research and real-world impact. It is incredibly rewarding to see ‘my’ materials being tested beyond the lab in collaboration with other institutions and industry partners. Scaling up the synthesis is a big part of my work. My bench is easy to spot since my flasks are usually bigger than most others (laughs). On a personal level, I really value the people and atmosphere in our group. It is international, supportive, and socially active, which makes work enjoyable. At its heart is Ferdi, who glues it all together as an inspiring leader and amazing mentor. I also appreciate the freedom to explore new ideas and the opportunity to attend international conferences.
What has been the most difficult step so far?
Leaving my family behind has been, and still is, the hardest part. I’m very close to them, and being so far away is not easy. At the same time, I’m deeply grateful for their support. Letting your child move so far away requires a lot of strength. I try to visit them at least once a year, although this year I’m overdue. Right now, my focus is on finishing my PhD, so I can move forward with a clear head. Moving abroad also meant leaving my comfort zone, but I’ve learned that this is often where real personal growth begins.
Do you have a role model?
Not in a traditional sense. I find inspiration in many people, not just famous scientists or Nobel laureates. Sometimes it’s a cashier who greets you with a genuine smile, or someone who works incredibly hard to support their family. My parents are also a major source of inspiration for me. They made many sacrifices so that their children could have a better life. That’s something I will never forget.
What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in working in a scientific institution?
I would say that every rejection in life, not just scientifically, also holds a chance for something better down the road. I don’t want to say “don’t be sad”. I was also disappointed from time to time. Life can be hard and it is normal to be sad. But try not to let setbacks define you. Often, another opportunity is already waiting just around the corner, even if you can’t see it yet.
If you had one wish, what would it be?
From a scientific perspective, my wish is that everyone has equal opportunities, regardless of their background. Personally, my greatest wish is to see the people I love happy, healthy and in peace.
