The Self Behind the Science: Ten Questions with… Qi Wang
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 Qi Wang from China, a Postdoctoral Scientist at the Division of Applied Bioinformatics.
- Where were you born?
In Wuhan, China.
- Where do you live, with whom, and how long have you lived there?
I have lived in Heidelberg with my husband and our two kids for five years now.
- Have you had any lost in translation moments since living in Germany?
I don’t really remember. I’ve been here five years, so something must have happened, but my husband speaks German, so he takes care of a lot of things that could have turned into lost in translation moments for me.
- Which three words would you use to describe living in Heidelberg?
International. Dynamic. Interesting.
- Name a book you’ve read that has positively shaped you and why.
I read a book about communicating with children because I want to communicate in a positive way with my children and teach them positive ways to interact with others, but the book turned out to be really applicable for communication between adults as well.
- What is your favourite activity outside of work and why?
Probably hiking. And in general just being in nature.
- What do you miss most about China?
My family and friends.
- If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be?
I don’t know. I’m not really good with names. Ok, I have a name. Li Yinuo. She’s also a UCLA grad from the same department as the one where I graduated, and afterwards she went to work at McKinsey & Company and became a partner. And now she’s Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in China. And in that time, she had three kids. She’s from the same part of China as I am, and we have similar backgrounds. She just seems like a cool person.
- What is your favourite thing about Heidelberg or the DKFZ?
Heidelberg is international, dynamic, and interesting. The DKFZ is international, dynamic, and interesting.
- What is your least favourite thing about Heidelberg or the DKFZ?
Even though Heidelberg is international, German is still the main language here. And as for my least favourite thing about the DKFZ, I think it would be better to have more collaboration between the DKFZ and the University of Heidelberg.
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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