What does the percentage of coffee intake look like as a PhD student at the Danish Centre for Particle Therapy? Villads Lundsteen Jacobsen is busy analysing data but also has the time to host a science podcast. Learn more about his work life in this Q&A.

 

How does a typical workday look for you?

As a PhD student, my typical day consists of 50% staring at computer simulations, 20% meetings, 20% reading articles (and pretending to understand them), and 10% drinking coffee to stay awake. I hardly ever get to work with cool lab gadgets, since experiments (in my research) only happen once in a blue moon. So, most of the time, I'm analysing data and getting ready for the next round of experiments. I usually start my day by sorting through emails and figuring out what I'm supposed to do. I try to teach a few hours a week, not only to brush up on my physics skills but also to take a break from feeling like a failure 80% of the time. Taking a break and getting a fresh perspective is always a good thing. PhD studies are mostly about failing and pretending like you know what you're doing and then hopefully one day you will.

What motivates you at work?

People often say to me, ‘Working in cancer research must be so motivating because you could literally save lives!’ And that is definitely a perk of my job. But to be honest, what really gets me going is my love for understanding the nitty-gritty science of physics and uncovering new knowledge about the world around us. There's nothing quite like that rush you get when you discover something new and challenging your brain to solve complex problems. That's what really motivate me.

What is the best/most rewarding part of your job?

Undoubtedly, the best and most fulfilling aspect of my job is making a new discovery. There's something incredibly gratifying about being the only individual in the world who, even if only momentarily, has a slightly deeper understanding of my research field. In addition, I take great pleasure in teaching, as it provides an opportunity to put my comprehension of physics to the test, and witnessing the expressions of enlightenment on people's faces is an absolute joy.

Who/what inspires you?
As a curious physics student, I have been inspired by several individuals throughout the years. These include:

  • Richard Feynman: His published papers and books taught me to approach physics as if it were a game, with an emphasis on enjoyment and a willingness to explore the world outside of science. Feynman's work demonstrated that inspiration and new ideas can come from a variety of sources.
  • Niels Bohr: Bohr challenged traditional ideas and encouraged new ways of thinking. His work demonstrated that accepting past notions as absolute truth is detrimental to scientific progress.
  • Paul Dirac: Dirac's contributions to quantum electrodynamics revealed a unique beauty within the field of science. His work showed me that understanding the world and not just describing it is possible. Science, like a flower or a painting, possesses its own form of beauty, and Dirac's achievements provided an inspiring example of this.

What is your proudest career moment and why?

My proudest career moment is not characterized by presenting research at international conferences or publishing crucial articles. Instead, it is a more personal achievement. Following my bachelor's degree and an internship at CERN, I became incredibly stressed and anxious, which led me to drop out of my master's studies. In my confusion, I had forgotten Feynman's insight on the enjoyment of physics and was uncertain about my future. I took a job at the planetarium in the Science Museum at Aarhus University Park, where I spent six months teaching people about stars, galaxies, and constellations. This experience helped me rediscover my passion for science, and returning to physics was a significant achievement for me as it proved to be more challenging than publishing articles.

How would you characterise DCPT as a workplace?

The Danish Centre for Particle Therapy (DCPT) stands out as a remarkable workplace due to its supportive and collaborative environment. The emphasis on teamwork is strong, and individuals are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise freely. The availability of top-notch facilities and resources to researchers makes the work environment conducive to success. It is worth noting that this is not the case in many research centres and universities globally. Having participated in internships and exchange programs worldwide, my experience has shown me that such a work culture is a rarity. Fortunately, DCPT is among the few institutions that offer this valuable experience.

What is something that most people don't know about you or your profession?

Many people are unaware that I co-host a science podcast called "1 ting ad gangen" with Tobias Wang. On the podcast, we discuss science in general and new research in an engaging and accessible way.

 

DCPT employee spotlights

In a series of Q&A's, we highlight the skills and perspectives of the different professions working closely together in research and treatment at the Danish Centre for Particle Therapy.

Read a previous employee spotlight about Medical Physicist Heidi S. Rønde here

Learn more about research at DCPT here