Claudia Szymanski

What began with water science at the University of Duisburg-Essen has taken me all the way to Japan and Oxford. I never would have expected that.

My studies

Water Science (M.Sc.) at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen

Current location

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

What I would like to do at UDE from time to time

Playing chess on the oversized board on the Essen campus

Where can we reach you right now?

I am currently in Oxford, where I am writing my master’s thesis – more precisely, in my shared flat in student accommodation. Chaos on my desk included, because after a long day in the laboratory, I often tinker with small projects.

„A souvenir photo in front of the famous Radcliffe Camera – Oxford’s landmark – is a must.“
„Magical atmosphere in the Divinity School – this is where the Hogwarts hospital wing was created in the Harry Potter films.“
„My favourite view at Magdalen College – a place that perfectly captures Oxford’s charm.“

You are currently studying Water Science at the University of Dusseldorf. How did you end up writing your Master’s thesis at Oxford?

It was a chain of fortunate coincidences. My master’s programme includes two internships – one of which is a research internship that can also be done abroad. I really wanted to do that – preferably in Japan. Prof. Dr. Bettina Siebers, for whom I worked as a research assistant, put me in touch with someone in Kyoto. During my internship there, I met a professor from Oxford – I am now writing my Master’s thesis under his supervision.

How did you end up studying Water Science at the University of Duisburg-Essen?

I started studying to become a teacher at the UDE in 2018 – German and history. I loved the university, but the degree programme just wasn’t right for me. In the second semester, I went through the list of all degree programmes – from A to Z – and settled on Water Science. It was a real gut decision. I was never a fan of maths, chemistry or physics, but something appealed to me. Today I know that it was the right choice. After my bachelor’s degree, I went straight on to do a master’s.

As a doctoral student, Claudia is researching how archaea create bioplastics from waste.
Claudia already works in the laboratory at the UDE as a student.
‘With Water Science, I found exactly the right degree programme for me at UDE.’

What was particularly challenging for you during your studies – and what helped?

It was tough at the beginning. I had hardly any prior knowledge of science from school. But I was lucky to have very helpful lecturers. One professor even took two hours outside of his class to explain redox reactions to me. That was extremely helpful – and motivating.

What are your plans after completing your master’s degree?

My goal is to do a PhD at the UDE – preferably with Professor Siebers. I had a great experience working with her as a research assistant. And what comes after that? I’m leaving that open. I’ve learned that many things happen spontaneously – and often turn out better than you could have planned.

(Juliana Fischer conducted the interview with Claudia in April 2025.)

>> Update <<

In October 2025, Claudia began her doctoral studies at the University of Duisburg-Essen – in exactly the research group she wanted. In future, she will be investigating how bioplastics can be produced from biodiesel waste – with the help of thermophilic, i.e. heat-loving, archaea. These are tiny primordial bacteria that live under extreme conditions and have unique metabolic pathways.

Curious?
Here you can find information about Claudia’s degree programme!

„Water Science“ (M.Sc.)

And here for all other options
at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

12 faculties, more than 250 degree programmes, one goal: your education!