By summerstudent Amina Shahid >
It all started on a seemingly ordinary summer day in 2024. I was scrolling through my phone when I saw a friend’s status, an awe-inspiring picture taken from the top of a scenic hill. Instantly, I asked, “Where is this place?” His answer sparked a wish in me: “I wanna be there one day!” Days later, while reading The Alchemist, I came across the line:
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” – Paulo Coelho
That quote didn’t just inspire me, it ignited something deeper. I made a heartfelt dua (prayer), and slowly, like pieces falling into place, the journey began.
From the application process, to getting official university documents, securing a visa, finding accommodation, everything somehow aligned. Despite the challenges and moments of uncertainty, it all felt like magic in motion. And for that, I am nothing but grateful.
The lab: where discovery and growth went in tandem
My first real wow moment hit me as I started visiting the labs. Coming from an environment with limited resources and facilities, the contrast was striking. At the MXene Building, everything, from safety protocols to advanced equipment and the abundance of research tools, felt really great.
Until then, I had always thought I leaned more toward physics than chemistry. But within the first week, I discovered that I’m actually made for chemistry. The synthesis process of MXene and hands-on experiments thrilled me. However, working with electrochemical cells and unfamiliar software initially felt overwhelming. Sleepless nights and moments of self-doubt followed. But by the second week, everything began to click. I started managing tasks smoothly and, most importantly, regained my confidence.
Much of this credit goes to Mailis, my supervisor and, quite frankly, my fairy godmother in the lab. Her patient guidance, encouragement, and belief in me helped me through the toughest moments.
A sneak peek at my work
My project focused on MXene materials. At first, I was puzzled that how an entire building could be dedicated to a single material? But after diving into the research, I understood the hype. MXenes are incredibly promising for energy storage, hydrogen production, gas separation, and much more.
I’m currently working with V₂C-MXene in zinc-ion batteries, and exploring with FTIR experiments how different electrolytes influence its electrochemical behaviour. I assemble electrochemical cells using V₂C film as the working electrode and analyse their performance. One of the most challenging yet rewarding part of the project has been making a free-standing MXene film. My first few attempts were far from perfect, it was fragile, brittle, and hard to handle. But with practice and persistence, I’ve started producing films that are more flexible and functional.
The experience inside the lab is a rollercoaster of enthusiasm with moments of triumph and frustration, but ultimately, incredible opportunity to learn and evolve. The work is still ongoing, and every day brings a new learning curve. But that’s exactly what makes it exciting.
The takeaway: a spark ignited
As I reflect on my time at HZB so far, I realize this is just the beginning of something bigger. The experience is still unfolding, and each day is helping shape not only my technical skills but also my mind-set and future direction. I came here curious, unsure, maybe even a little intimidated.
Now, even in the middle of the journey, I feel more confident, inspired, and ready to embrace what comes next.
About the author: Amina Shahid is currently a master’s student in Chemistry at the Government College University Lahore (GCUL), Pakistan. During the ISSP2025 at HZB, she is working in the group of Dr. Tristan Petit, studying the FTIR spectra of V2C MXene in aqueous Zinc-ion batteries.