Christian Gutschka is a doctral student in the fifth cohort of the NHR Graduate School and a member of the SDL Materials Design at NHR4CES. Originally from Austria, he now conducts research at RWTH Aachen University under the supervision of Professor Jochen Schneider. In this interview, he talks about his path to Aachen, his research, and his first experiences with the NHR4CES team and NHR community.
What inspired you to apply to the NHR Graduate School?
I first learned about the NHR Graduate School through my former Master’s thesis supervisor at TU Wien. My current supervisor, Professor Jochen Schneider, also encouraged me to apply and explained that the program would be an excellent fit for my research interests and career goals.
Why did you choose Professor Schneider’s group?
During my Master’s thesis, I worked on computational modelling of thin films and quickly developed a strong interest in the topic. I first met Professor Schneider at a workshop, where we realized that our research interests aligned very well. His group combines experimental research with ab initio modelling, which I found particularly exciting. Together with the opportunities offered by the NHR Graduate School, it felt like the perfect environment to start my doctoral studies.
Was it an easy decision to join the project?
Yes. Having already met Professor Schneider and several members of his group before applying, I had a very positive impression of both the scientific environment and the team. That made the decision quite straightforward.
How did you experience the application process?
Overall, it was very well organized and transparent. Most steps could be completed online, which made the process efficient. Collecting and digitizing all required documents naturally took some time, but whenever I had questions, the NHR support team responded quickly and was always very helpful. The process was smooth and professionally managed from start to finish.
You moved from Austria to Aachen. How was that transition?
I had visited Aachen once during my Master’s studies and already liked its green surroundings and historical atmosphere. Moving to a new city always comes with challenges, but Aachen quickly felt welcoming, making the transition much easier.
Have you settled into life in Aachen?
Absolutely. Aachen has a very international atmosphere, which makes it easy to meet people from different backgrounds. I especially enjoy the combination of vibrant student life, beautiful parks, and the city’s rich history. It has definitely become a place where I feel at home.
What were your first impressions of NHR4CES?
Even before officially starting, I was invited to the annual NHR4CES team event. It was a fantastic introduction to the group and gave me the opportunity to meet many colleagues in a relaxed setting. Activities like bowling and the shared dinner created a welcoming atmosphere and made it easy to feel part of the team from day one.
How did the NHR Graduate School support your start as a doctoral researcher?
The onboarding process was very well structured, and the administrative staff were always available whenever questions came up. I also quickly connected with other doctoral researchers in the program, which made settling in much easier. The Graduate School provides a supportive and collaborative environment that I greatly appreciate.
You also participated in the NHR Summer School in Karlsruhe. What stood out to you?
The Summer School was a valuable experience. Researchers from many different disciplines came together, leading to interesting conversations and perspectives beyond my own field. The diverse backgrounds enriched the networking experience, and the team-building activities created a great sense of community. I also enjoyed exploring Karlsruhe, especially its historical architecture and the beautiful palace park that I passed every morning.
What is the focus of your research?
My research focuses on ab initio calculations that support materials science, particularly the study of thin films produced by physical vapor deposition. The working title of my dissertation is “Modeling Metastable Phase Formation for Physical Vapor Deposition Thin Films.”
Finally, tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up on the outskirts of Vienna, Austria, where I completed my school education before studying Technical Physics at TU Wien. I later specialized in Materials Science and discovered my passion for computational materials modelling, especially in the field of thin films. Today, I am a doctoral student at NHR4CES and proud to be part of the fifth cohort of the NHR Graduate School, where I can combine my research interests with an inspiring international community.
We are happy that Christian is now part of NHR4CES and will keep you uptodate about his experiences, his research, and his journey in NHR4CES!