Name: Klara Bangert
Organization: University of Graz, Austria and B4Plastics, Belgium
Areas of Expertise: Biocatalysis, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology
Why is Biobased ValueCircle an interesting project for you?
I see a huge potential in the Biobased Value Circle projects as I think the only way to face the issues of our society is by bringing researchers with different backgrounds together so that they work on projects like ours that is dedicated to meeting the demands for renewable and biodegradable resources for a sustainable world. Good communication and fruitful discussions can help to develop a common language and to contribute to future developments.
Tell something about yourself which other Biobased ValueCircle people might not know yet?
During my studies, I worked as an entertainer at Sealife Konstanz where I ran guide tours dressed up as a pirate and during certain events we talked about marine pollution as the tons of microplastic that are on the ocean floor.
How did you become a researcher / scientist?
I got excited by chemistry and biology in High School. I remember a day in the tenth grade where we had to name alkanes and I really had fun. Around the same time I introduced some fifth grades to the subject of chemistry and I still remember their fascination when we performed some experiments.
What do you like most in your current work?
First, a big thank you to the Elk Crew! I am very grateful for my colleagues and the working atmosphere we have in the research group. There is large expertise in biocatalysis and a really nice exchange. Also, I enjoyed the Summer School at B4Plastics and getting to know my future colleagues. Now I am even more fascinated by the power of natural biocatalysts and I am pretty excited about the further developments of my project.