Spotlight on FMIers: Esther Griesbach
Spotlight on FMIers is a new series that showcases the lives, work and passions of the institute's researchers and support staff. In the first interview of the series, Esther Griesbach, a postdoctoral fellow in the group of Jeffrey Chao, tells us about herself, the fascination with RNA and what she learned about embarking on a new research journey in COVID times. The coronavirus pandemic has been challenging for everyone, but imagine trying to start a new job during this period. In December 2020, as global COVID-19 cases continued to rise, molecular biologist Esther Griesbach moved from Oxford to Basel to join the FMI. Q: You were born in Germany, grew up in Spain and did a PhD in England before coming to Basel. How was the cultural change when you moved here? - A: I think I have an advantage, because I did a master's degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology in Bern, so I knew Switzerland already. I'm happy to be close to the mountains again — I love the endless outdoor sports possibilities of the Alps. In general, I've moved so many times that I find it easy to adapt. When I leave a place, I always think that I'm going to miss it a lot — and I do. But moving is so exciting because I get to meet new people and explore a new place. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic I haven't yet had the chance to meet many people in Basel, but I've met my lab-mates and they are all very nice. Q: I'm sure that being fluent in four languages also helps you to feel at home in most places. Why did you decide to move to Basel?
