Multidisciplinary Research: Is Passion a Factor?
A post by HZB summerstudent Lucas Sije: When I received my summer student program project proposal, I was dumbfounded as most of the terms therein were completely new to me. I had graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial chemistry and I had studied basic physics but I never imagined doing lots of it.
The travel to Berlin had been planned for close to half a year and June 17th was the day. I had to attend the Bessy II user meeting and thereafter the summer student program. On my arrival in Berlin, I stepped into a new environment where everything was different; when I arrived at 6 pm, the sun was still up, and that’s when my little science of the solstices hit my head. The environment was so green and abundant in oxygen, I could not believe it; – My flu-like symptoms had vanished.
Arriving at Bessy II
At the gates of Bessy II, the Kenyan flag was raised high; a greeting to the country of honour 2023 by Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin. Inside the circular experimental hall, we could see the beam lines. The guide explained what all this was about, but I could not keep it. I was even afraid to walk over the bridges as I believed them to be a source of harmful X-rays. With the group’s confidence, I moved while at their centre and as the introductions progressed I realized that these fears were not justified: there are strict radiation protection rules, preventing harm to persons who work here. I had mixed feelings, with many questions deep down. Was this going to be my workplace for the next two months? Was I able to do it alone? What if something wrong happens while am here? Was it going to affect all operations?
A decision to take
After the user meeting, I met my supervisor and we talked about how to start my project on the preparation, characterization and stability testing of perovskite solar cells. An introduction to the labs in the Integrative Research Institute for the Sciences (IRIS) unveiled new things: I saw the glove boxes for the first time. I had a lot of work to do. In the end, a target result was expected to increase the perovskite solar cell efficiency above 18%. That evening I had to make a decision as a couple of questions crossed my mind. I resorted to developing a passion for what I had never dreamt of doing. In fact, the following day I had to borrow a book to understand what it was all about.
A couple of weeks went by, and I could now use the glove boxes and prepare my own solar cells. But deep in my mind I always remembered how I sweated on the first day in the glove boxes as my trainer watched in surprise as I clumsily tried to move my hands in the giant gloves.
Wednesday group meetings became my greatest opportunity to get directions on how to improve my solar cells. I realized how important multidisciplinary research was as it facilitated an exchange of knowledge and addressed a complex global challenge. My passion for new knowledge became apparent as the efficiency of our solar cells kept improving. We started at 8%, increased to 14%, then to 16%, to 18% and now at 18.5% which is slightly above what was expected of us. I hope the coming days will see even more improvements.
What did I gain?
My practical experience and knowledge of the preparation, characterization and stability testing of perovskite solar cells have improved. The technical terms that seemed a huddle to me have become my daily explanation approach. My problem-solving and critical thinking skills have improved as well as I interacted with a multidisciplinary team. This has shifted my ambitions for the future: Now, I would like to focus on renewable energies, addressing the energy needs of Kenya, a climate change-impacted country in sub-Saharan Africa.
About the Author: Lucas Sije is a graduate assistant at the Technical University of Kenya and an ambassador for chemical safety and security (CSSM-YAN). The summer student programme is his first research fellowship. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Chemistry (First Class Honours) from the Technical University of Kenya and is interested in materials for renewable energies.
Readers comments (29)
ENG PRITE ODHIAMBO SILAS
This is awesome bro, keep going… sky is not the limit.
viva 👊
Dr. Charles Sokile
A very sober experience from a very intelligent South based young scientists workingon a very timely issue. This is a good call for Senior
North Scientists to support
Lucas Sije
On point!
Wycliffe
Keep soaring Lucas!
Antony Muturi Njoroge
Well articulated.
Brian ogada
Continous learning learning for continous improvement. Proud of your determination to become better everyday.
Elisha sije
Thanks for this great inspiration and great future for our country ,green economy , green life fresh oxygen,will join you hands ,we love green kenya
Samwel Ojwang
congrats… keep it up bro
Rabbecah Wafula
I’m happy for you Lucas.
I wish you the very best in your journey.
Christiaan Versteeg
Great overview of your work here, Lucas. I had the same experience learning to work in a glovebox… it takes some time to learn. I like how your passion for solar PV is linked to the opportunities it may have in your country. Also the schematic at the end is amazing!
Lucas Sije
Thanks, Versteeg! The learning was gradual and interesting.
Awino steve
Who new from the beginning??? we pray for more improvement:
John macharia
can’t believe i have just read this ,,
very well articulated. Sije your passion is on another level keep doing it, you motivate us to aspire to do research to solve problems we already have in hands.
Lucas Sije
Hello John. Mitigating the effects of climate change, finding solutions to problems affecting us and preventing the future problems should be our priority. I believe science works which many people still don’t believe in our societies in Kenya. Together we can save the planet!
Adika Paskal
Lucas, this is an incredible job. You have surpassed your fears, and now I believe you will make your dream true. Keep going, bro.
Mario
Congratulations Lucas. I pray that your passion will inspire many young people/ students to follow into your footsteps. You keep going and never stop. 💯
Adika Ladslaus
This is Soo amazing brother Lucas.
Your experience at Berlin and how you handled the research work is well articulated and hits the real points, continue with the good work.
Hezzy Riccah
the power of trusting your capabilities, starting small and getting things done perfectly is so admirable.
Your testimonials , doings are what can bring the change …. climate justice is key to most of the African country and we look forward to you being among the leaders of change in this area.
Caroline N Muthoka
The world must come together to confront climate change. This is incredible Lucas , keep up the good work 👏👏👏
Qamar Sheikh
Kudos Sije!
you’re incredibly genius, i know so many obstacles you’ve been through, but you are doing it so well, woo! keep shining ur light!
Austine Were
Congratulations Lucas on this great achievement, this is so much inspiring for the learners who have great ambitions to change the world through desire to learn and developing new ideas for a better future. Praying for you to swim through a pool of knowledge and skills as you make new advancements in changing the environment.
Marieke
Very nicely written! I especially like the part about your arrival in Berlin and the nice images :-)
Juma tom
Congrats Lucas sije…it’s all about your determination…..keep it up bro.
Brayo Wuodmary
Good one, just remember research requires going beyond your limit. You’ve the capability so go for it
Jotham Orido
Very young and brilliant man you have ability and capability of moving far you are the best of all.
Margaret
Congratulations Lucas. Happy for you.
Brian kyalo
wow! what an article! well articulated,rich in knowledge,not forgetting the good images that complement it. kudos Lucas! ,your versatility in seeking of knowledge is really admirerable,As a young scientist am really inspired by your ability to take up new challenging tasks by the horns and moving on.All the best in your Journey of addressing energy needs in Kenya,may God’s wisdom be your portion.
Reagan Odoyo
keep fighting to greater heights Lucas you are lesson to learners from humble background. keep it burning
Jadini Nzomo
Nice review Mwalimu ! Can’t wait for you to share some new tips and tricks with me 🫡