If you want to be part of the solution, you need to understand and speak chemistry!

Hello Daniel, can you please tell me a bit about yourself?

– I grew up in Australia and studied biochemistry at the University of Western Australia. (PS, we have an exchange agreement with them if you want to study a semester there). I became interested in chemistry at high school as I had a really inspiring teacher. It was a long time ago, but I distinctly remember that he was extremely enthusiastic about chemistry – which I found contagious. Initially, I liked the idea of understanding how the human body works. Biochemistry offered me insight on a molecular level. And again, I was drawn in by a good teacher who was able to relate complex biochemical concepts, such as metabolism back to everyday activities, such as running and resting.

What is the best thing about studying chemistry?

– It helps me understand the natural world. After all, many natural phenomena are chemical. How muscles contract, how leaves capture sunlight, how antibiotics work, how detergents work, why coffee tastes good etc.

What is your main motivation?

– I'm a curious person, and I really like the idea of discovery… figuring out something that no-one else has yet seen.

How come you ended up at Stockholm University?

– When I finished my PhD, I wanted to know more about membrane biology so I contacted Gunnar von Heijne (one of the leaders in this field) and asked if I could get some postdoctoral experience in his lab. I came to Stockholm University in 2002, and the idea was to stay for two years and get some experience, but I liked it so much that I stayed.

What was it that you liked about Sweden?

– In many ways, Sweden is the antithesis of Australia, and I enjoyed the contrast. For example, winters and the possibilities to do winter sports. I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and immerse myself in a different culture.

Can you tell me a bit about what you have been doing since 2002?

– I opened the doors to my own lab in 2006, and I started a small research group. Our main interest has been to understand how bacteria make proteins. And we apply this basic knowledge to engineer bacterial cell factories that can make valuable proteins, such as hormones, antibodies and enzymes. Some of our discoveries have been patented and are currently being used in the biopharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Why is a master in biochemistry a good choice of education?

– A masters in biochemistry from Stockholm University will give you a world-class education in protein chemistry. You will be taught in small groups, by leading experts and you will be involved in a lot of 'wet-work'. At the end, you will be extremely competitive for PhD positions or jobs in the industry. There is an increasing need for people with knowledge of protein chemistry as proteins are widely used as medicines, medicinal probes, medicinal targets and industrial enzymes.

Do you have any words of advice to potential chemistry students?

 – Read, read, read… and ask lots of questions if you don't understand.

How can chemistry and chemistry research lead to a better and more sustainable society?

– There are many 'big problems' to solve these days, such as global warming. Solutions to this particular problem will revolve around renewable energy sources and will most likely come from chemists. So, if you want to be part of the solution, you need to understand and speak 'chemistry'!

Can you tell me about an ordinary day at work?

– I spend a big chunk speaking to people in my research group, as we discuss their experiments as well as those of others. And I spend another big chunk of my time reading and writing papers and grants. And I am quite heavily involved in teaching and organizing the teaching of biochemistry at Stockholm University.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

– I train my son's football team, I love being out in my kayak, and I enjoy keeping fit (running and going to the gym).