The Self Behind the Science: Ten Questions with… Ofure Obazee
It’s so easy to get caught up in our own lives, from running experiments to meeting that manuscript deadline, so many of us haphazardly fumble towards that finish line before a new one assuredly pops up again. And in our own busyness, in creating our own stories, we may miss connecting with those with whom we spend half our waking hours. What kind of stories do they have to tell from their fun and fascinating lives? We hope this column will pique your curiosity about your colleagues and encourage you to discover a bit more about them – international and domestic alike!
We play Ten Questions with Ofure Obazee from Nigeria, a Postdoctoral Scientist with the Genomic Epidemiology Group.
- Where were you born?
I was born in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Where do you live, with whom, and how long have you lived there?
I live in [a town north of Heidelberg called] Dossenheim with my husband, and we’ve lived here for 2 years and 2 months now.
- Tell us something we probably do not know about Nigeria?
This is something I was just thinking about this morning. Nigerians are some of the most resilient people in the world. Many of them are faced with so many challenges, and in spite of this, they continue to have so much hope.
- Have you had any lost in translation moments since living in Germany?
Is it possible that I haven’t had any of these? [Laughing] I don’t think I’ve had any!
- Name a book you’ve read that has positively shaped you.
I have a lot of interest in psychosociology, and I find myself always going back to this book called “48 Laws of Power”. It talks about how predictable the human psyche is. I find many applications of the book in dealing with, for example, subordinates and superiors. That book has lots of lessons I find myself applying now.
- What is the greatest thing you’ve ever done?
That’s a hard one! It’s something I could answer better at the end of my life! But I think this will be the journal club which I started at the DKFZ. Initially, we didn’t have a concrete plan, and throughout the last 2 years, it has evolved and continued to develop. That participants are able to take up new skills and improve gives me a lot of joy.
- What is your best childhood memory?
Growing up in a large family. We are 6 siblings. My parents were very active! [Laughing] We were not exactly spaced out either, so that made it more fun. And we are now scattered throughout the world and catch up over the internet.
- If you could switch jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Okay. [Pause] There’s not one specific person, but if I could switch jobs with someone, it would be an event planner/caterer. I love cooking for people/events. I find myself putting a lot of effort making sure the food is on point. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing people getting pleasure from what I’ve cooked.
- What is your favourite thing about Heidelberg or the DKFZ?
My favourite thing about Heidelberg is that almost everybody speaks English. I also like that it’s a bicycle town.
My favourite thing about the DKFZ is I particularly like that the institute has opportunities for career development. You have so many chances to take part in research in other groups and get almost easy access to different aspects of cancer research.
- What is your least favourite thing about Heidelberg or the DKFZ?
My least favourite thing about Heidelberg is that the shopping street is too small. It’s kind of a pain to go all the way to Mannheim if you want more choices.
My least favourite thing about the DKFZ… hmmm… I can’t think of anything. That’s probably short-sighted of me, but I can’t!
If you have a question you’d like to ask any of our scientists, leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
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