John F. Kennedy once said: "Things do not happen. Things are made to happen!" Max said something along the same lines – as a way of summarizing our discussion about researchers and managers, Excel spreadsheets and atomic layer depositions. But first thing's first: Since July 2019, Max has been working as a project manager at the ZEISS Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) segment – and he's passionate about his job. "I'm a team player and am happy to accept responsibility for our shared goals. I don't like it if things aren't moving forward," he says, explaining what motivates him. In fact, this has motivated him ever since he was a student at the Ruhr-University in Bochum, Germany.
And his research topic? Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. This technology is used to apply extremely thin layers of metal oxide and other materials to surfaces such as polymer film or silicon. The layers are usually finer than 10 nm. And today they are essential for fuel cells, screens, rechargeable batteries – and computer chips. But Max isn't content with just doing research. As a PhD student, he's used to starting his own projects. For instance, he applies for research grants himself, and uses these to get his projects and international workshops off the ground. Alongside this, he takes part in faculty activities and sits on student-run committees. He is a self-confessed doer and shaper: "Making things happen and achieving shared goals have motivated me ever since I started university."