Meet Hanna from Germany, Master's student in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
Hanna Kalesse has long been fascinated by how even the smallest amounts of substances can produce powerful effects on the human body. Her love for Sweden, and especially Gothenburg, led her to enroll in the Master’s Programme in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Gothenburg. Currently, she is working on her master’s thesis in the medicinal chemistry laboratory of Professor Morten Grøtli.
How did your interest in medicinal chemistry develop?
– In secondary school, I was intrigued by how something as simple as chocolate could increase dopamine levels and how just a small dose of medication could impact the entire body. I began to read scientific magazines which inspired me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. Over time, my focus shifted toward medicinal chemistry, particularly after taking courses in immunology, drug development, and organic chemistry. I realized that while cellular biology felt too broad and physical chemistry too abstract, medicinal chemistry hit the perfect balance for me.
What do you enjoy most about your programme?
– What I love most about my programme is how it connects medicinal chemistry with practical applications such as drug development. The programme offers a balance of academic depth and hands-on experience, is highly collaborative and emphasizes chemistry’s role in improving healthcare. This is important to me because I believe that science thrives through collaboration and real-world applications.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Gothenburg?
– Learning Swedish was on my bucket list, so after secondary school, I spent a month in Gothenburg taking a Swedish course. Google had promised me it was Sweden’s most beautiful city, and it didn’t disappoint—I fell in love with Gothenburg!
– During my bachelor’s, I spent an Erasmus semester in Gothenburg. Although classes were online due to COVID, I found the education system and courses far superior to those at my home university. I really appreciated the way the courses were structured, with a clear focus on one subject at a time, and the teachers were incredibly supportive and invested in our education. I knew then that I wanted to return for my master’s.
What are your future plans?
– Recently, I participated in a Hackathon at the Sahlgrenska Science Park together with two other students, and we placed third! Now, we are working on launching an app in January 2025. Depending on how much time that project takes, I will either focus on that or pursue a PhD right after my master’s degree. Ideally, I would like to continue my current master’s project in a PhD in the same research group.
– One of my main long-term goals is to increase female participation in clinical trials. Right now, many medications, including the anti-cancer treatments I am working on, are based primarily on male health data. I want to help develop more personalized treatments by ensuring that factors like age, gender and metabolism are considered in drug development.
What advice would you give to prospective students?
– If you are considering studying in Sweden, I wholeheartedly recommend the University of Gothenburg! Travel light, as Gothenburg has plenty of second-hand shops, and be sure to download the Espresso House app for your daily “fika” (coffee break). For nightlife, I recommend Club Queer at Park Lane - the best place for great music and dancing. If you are into culture, sign up for the student discounts at the Opera House and enjoy musicals, modern dance, or opera for a bargain! The city also offers countless libraries, cafés, and free recreational activities, such as beach volleyball and football. Gothenburg is certainly a vibrant city that has something to offer everyone, making it an excellent choice for any student!
