Katrin Erath-Dulitz is an assistant professor of physics at the University of Innsbruck , Austria. Her work aims to understand the fundamental aspects of chemical reactions, which involves using lasers at low temperatures to control the quantum states of the reactants. She was awarded a 2022 Journal of Chemical Physics Best Paper by an Emerging Investigator award for work published with her colleagues for which she was the principal investigator As a researcher, I rely on creative thinking both to design research projects and to solve problems in the laboratory. We have custom-built machines in the lab which often require some improvisation so that we can progress with our experiments quickly. As a group leader, I also need to work efficiently, keep everyone motivated and handle finances. I’ve always been very organized, but I have developed and refined other skills during my academic journey. When I started my research group a year ago, I was faced with an increasing workload and limited hours in the day, and learning to manage time effectively was a big challenge. My experience as a postdoc has also been valuable. For example, with limited financial resources, I quickly learned to prioritize cost-effective solutions. Similarly, I recognized that projects progress much faster in a team, so now I actively foster a collaborative environment within my group. In my role as a university teacher, I need to make complex scientific ideas accessible to my students. I want to make them aware that the lecture content also has real-world applications, so I show them how the concepts I teach them are used in my laboratory. I also taught a course in which the students were asked to draft a proposal for an experiment at a large-scale laser facility. I wanted them to reflect on the lecture material and develop creative ideas for experiments. The most rewarding aspect of my work is the opportunity to pursue projects that I am passionate about, ranging from understanding molecular interactions to constructing intricate scientific apparatuses for our research. I value the freedom to shape my daily schedule and to choose the projects that I want to engage in. There are also exciting aspects that I did not anticipate during my student days, such as the chance to attend international conferences and participate in scientific initiatives at large-scale research facilities all over Europe. Engineering world-changing materials: Nicola Spaldin on the importance of curiosity-driven research and what it means to be a physicist While my career is extremely exciting, frequent relocations over the past decade have made it difficult to establish roots and maintain friendships. Another challenge I have faced is the limited number of permanent academic positions – the uncertainty regarding my personal and professional future was something I found stressful. I feel very fortunate to have secured a position in Innsbruck, which has an exceptional working environment and a high quality of life, with many opportunities for outdoor activities. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that I may have rushed through my studies. It is clear to me now that investing extra time in exploring content beyond that taught during university classes is crucial. Specifically, I regret not dedicating more time to studying quantum mechanics during my student years. I found myself needing to teach myself a considerable amount of it during my PhD. Looking back, I wish I had trusted in myself more and started applying for scholarships as an undergraduate student. When I was asked to apply for scholarships for my PhD, I initially doubted my abilities, but with the help of my supervisor I took the chance, and I succeeded. My advice to other students struggling with imposter syndrome is to avoid comparing themselves to their peers and to find supportive mentors, as I did at this early stage.