I was in Germany for one year of exchange study: from 4th September 2017 to 28th August 2018. The project was supported by Graduate School of Excellence Materials Science in Mainz (MAINZ), Mainz University (Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz). It was great to work with AK Besenius. They helped me a lot on experiment and daily life. We had a happy time together.

Fig. Group photo after Daniel’s Ph.D. defense.

The first impression of Germany was clean and tidy. The city where I live is Mainz, the capital of Rheinland-Pfalz. It’s close to Frankfurt Airport. Daniel picked me up from the airport in the early morning of my arriving day. Nearly every sign in Mainz was in German, which confused me for several days. But everything was getting more and more smooth as I experienced more.

Fig. Mainz main train station (Mainz Hbf).

The Besenius lab focuses on the synthesis of organic and supramolecular functional systems. Under David’s help, I learned a lot about the of synthesis of peptides. He is an expert on peptide synthesis and purification. And I was really appreciated that he taught me a lot of synthesis skills with patience. Professor Besenius is a very friendly and knowledgeable teacher, He has given me many good suggestions. And took care of me in the lab and daily life.

German is famous for their rigorous, because you can find the traces everywhere of the daily life: the well packed wires and piping, neat houses and streets, clean windows and grass, orderly construction….

Besides, they also have romantic cafe and passionate football match.

Thanks for everyone of the Besenius lab. They not only helped me a lot on the scientific research but also helped me a lot on learning more about German culture.

I also want to thank my Chinese friends in Mainz. We met each other in Mainz, and became good friends.

Last but not the least, I want to thank Professor Chen and Prof. Besenius, they give me this chance to experience the scientific and cultural of Germany.