Martina Havenith

Martina Havenith - 2009 SPIE Women in Optics Planner

Chair of Physical Chemistry
Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
Country of origin: Germany

Photo of Martina HavenithWhat I do.
Using self-developed laser systems in the IR- and Terahertz (THz) region, we study the details of intermolecular interaction and protein-water dynamics. The work is interdisciplinary using photonics to explore new questions at the frontiers of chemistry and biophysical chemistry.

What I find exciting.
Developing a new instrument that enables you to have a completely new look into exciting problems. Each spectroscopic tool opens a new window and shows details which were hidden before. Once the laser starts to work, it is very exciting being the first person in the world who sees things from this new perspective.

What I wish someone had told me.
Always follow your own ideas, don't look for what is fashionable. You have to believe in your own ideas.