Observing chemistry on a fundamental level
Meet our new doctoral researcher Jakob Kapp.
When different perspectives collide, they can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes. Especially in science, this kind of thinking outside of the box can provide valuable new ideas - which is why we put a big emphasis on it at our graduate school.
It's this interdisciplinarity that drew biophysicist Jakob Kapp to our graduate school. He now works in the Dynamic Spectroscopies group of Prof. Jürgen Hauer at Technical University of Munich, joining us from Goethe University Frankfurt. Get to know him and his research in this interview.
What will be your main research focus for your PhD?
Studying how energy and charge move in molecules on femtosecond timescale is indispensable for understanding light-driven processes. While current techniques provide detailed data, they often include irrelevant signals. To address this, I aim to realize a novel ultrafast method called two-dimensional fluorescence excitation spectroscopy (2D-FLEX). This method selectively measures only fluorescence, which should give an unobscured perspective on excited state energy transfer in photochemically relevant complexe like metal-organic complexes.
What excites you most about this field?
I think the most exciting part about my field of research is being able to get a glimpse of the fastest processes in nature and observing chemistry on a very fundamental level. It truly fascinates me that we are even able to design such highly precise setups and measurements, further pushing the boundaries of science.
What and where did you study?
Before coming to Munich, I did my bachelor’s and master’s degree in biophysics at the Goethe University Frankfurt and was able to write my thesis in the group of Prof. Jens Bredenbeck. During my research I investigated vibronic couplings in photoactive molecules and proteins using two-dimensional vibrational electronic spectroscopy (2D-VE), exploring dynamics and energy-transfer on the femtosecond timescale
What attracted you to the IMPRS-APS program?
Because of my background in biophysics, I really like the emphasis of the IMPRS-APS on interdisciplinarity. Many of the questions I’m interested in, whether it’s ultrafast dynamics, light–matter interaction, or novel photonic techniques, don’t sit cleanly within a single field. Combining ideas of many different fields allows you to view your research questions through many different lenses, giving you new perspectives.
What skills do you want to develop during your PhD?
Besides doing research and deepening our understanding of the natural world, a PhD is also a great opportunity to develop a tool set of skills that are helpful even outside your everyday lab routine. Skills like self-organization, communication and determination amongst others I think are crucial to be successful during your PhD and will also be highly relevant to me once I graduate.
What’s a fun fact about you, a hobby or something else that you enjoy outside research?
Besides my research, I enjoy cooking and I have a great passion for writing and creating fantasy worlds. During my free time, I like playing table-top games with my friends, enjoying the small break from everyday life and use this opportunity to let my creativity run wild.
Welcome to the IMPRS-APS, we wish you a great start into your doctoral journey!
