André-Alexander Zepernick studied mathematics at the Free University of Berlin and completed his master's degree there in 2023. Since then, he has worked as a research assistant in the "Numerical Analysis and Stochastics" research group at the Free University with the goal of earning his doctorate there.

Why did you decide to pursue a doctoral degree?

The allure of a doctorate for me was primarily the personal challenge. I saw my mathematics studies as an opportunity to push myself to my limits and develop both professionally and personally. Therefore, the doctorate seemed to me a sensible continuation. The opportunity to combine teaching and research in my work was an additional motivation. During my studies, I worked part-time at a school; even then, I enjoyed teaching. I found continuing this at the university level to be an exciting task.

What knowledge or skills did you acquire in your studies that you didn't think you'd ever need?

Of course, the technical content one acquires during the course of study also plays a role in the doctoral dissertation – that is obvious. However, the ability to communicate mathematics appropriately has proven to be even more important. Particularly presenting to groups and presenting mathematical concepts are central skills that I acquired in my studies and now frequently use at conferences and seminars.

What would you have liked to have done or learned during your studies?

I would have liked to have invested more time in learning programming languages. The need to program something arises in my projects more often than I had expected. I had to catch up on a lot of things later. I would have also liked to have gained more international experience during my studies.

What recommendations do you have for students who want to complete their studies in a timely manner?

I would recommend that everyone follow their interests, listen to their gut feeling, and take risks occasionally. I don't always follow this advice myself, and I know that many people today are very safety-conscious and want a fixed plan. Still, over the past years, I have repeatedly realized how important enthusiasm is in one's profession and everyday life, and that opportunities to try new things and look in other directions become less frequent.

Do you have any idea how you can proceed after your doctorate?

I would very much like to remain in science as a postdoc and continue working at the intersection of numerics and stochastics. However, I have made a firm decision to look for a position outside of Germany in order to gain more international experience and expand my scientific network. Other than that, I don't have any further plans for after my doctorate.