Interests

Our passions and interests are a reflection of who we are and what we value. They offer a glimpse into the unique experiences and perspectives that shape our individuality. For me, the pursuit of scientific knowledge, particularly in the realms of the very small and the very large, holds a special fascination. Through this pursuit, I hope to contribute to the sum of human understanding and help shape a better future for everyone.

I may have been subconsciously heeding the words of Richard Feynman when I chose my first university program. “There’s plenty of room at the bottom,” he once said during a lecture, and that thought has long captivated me. While there is potential for complexity on all scales of reality, hiding it at the microscale has quite a few benefits. And we even have the perfect teacher: Nature. Long before us humans came onto the scene, Nature had already mastered the art of engineering efficient systems at every scale. In particular, those at the micro- and nanoscale are most intricate and sophisticated. By studying Nature’s creations, we can draw inspiration for developing innovative solutions for humanity’s most pressing challenges, such as the climate crisis, cures for cancer, or unlocking the secrets of the brain.

Nick relaxes in a jet aircraft turbine

From a young age I’ve also been fascinated by the boundless expanse of space in which we find ourselves. My ultimate dream, even, is to live and work in space. In space, there is a near endless supply of and ready access to resources for anything we can think to build. Microgravity environments offer novel manufacturing regimes, and possibilities for scientific research is endless. And aside from all that, space is just plain cool. So in short: if you’ve got the cash, send me up!

Ultimately, I’m just trying to keep my world-model up-to-date. But by exploring the wonders of the universe, I hope to play a part in pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and help shape a brighter future for the planet.