Aparna Beena Unni
What do I do professionally?
My work focuses mainly on thin films, nanocomposites, polymer nanocomposites etc. At first, fundamental studies are carried out on various materials, followed by their application-specific fine-tuning. E.g. we have found that by the controlled deposition of a molecular drug named Celecoxib using a physical vapour deposition technique at confined geometry, crystallization retarded celecoxib could be obtained, which is suitable for pharmaceutical applications.
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Most people here are very helpful; they try to help you whenever possible. There is a lot of internal collaboration going on within the research labs. The university offers top-class facilities. The help provided by the Welcome Point staff is commendable! They help you with your documents, legalization of stay and getting acquainted with the new environment, which makes it easier and more comfortable for a non-Polish first-timer.
My first day at work
On the first day, it is all about paperwork, meeting people in the department, familiarizing yourself with the laboratory, rooms, your space, etc.
What suprised me?
When I joined the institute, I was the only person of my ethnicity in the lab. Now, when I see this, the Indian population has tremendously increased. There is an exponential growth in inclusivity at the University (I plan to make a pic of all the Indian students and postdocs here).
What I like about Katowice?
Katowice is one of the fastest-growing cities in the EU, with excellent connectivity and facilities. You will meet people from different ethnicities, and there are fun places, shopping malls, fitness centres, parks, restaurants that serve exotic cuisines, etc.