Oda Holzknecht
Specific Research Interest
Biochemistry
I Love My STEMM Subject Because
“The magic of life” is what I oftentimes refer to when talking about Biochemistry. Ever since I was little, I have been captivated by the notion that everything around is explicable with science and this fascination has continuously drawn me in. I recall pondering questions such as “What are we and the objects around us made of? Why can I move and talk, while the tree next to me cannot?” from a young age. To me, biochemistry is the secret language of life, where the molecules interact, the energy flows and — from the tiniest cell to the mightiest blue whale- everything works together in harmony. Biochemistry is fundamentally about discovering and uncovering the blueprint that defines our entire existence. It is the science that turns curiosity into discovery, bridging the gap between the simplest atoms and the complexity of entire ecosystems.
Activities and Recognitions
- Winner of the regional Jugend debattiert, a debate competition for young people, Bern, Germany (2024)
- Member of the Astronomy Club at Kantonsschule Zofingen, Switzerland (2024)
- Board member of Deutsche Esperanto-Jugend (DEJ), an organization promoting Esperanto among young people, Germany (since 2023)
- Youth Panelist at Mindfulness, Nature, and Climate Education Summit, a forum integrating mindfulness practices with environmental education (2022)
- Winner of Berliner Märchentage, a writing competition held annually in Berlin, Germany (2021)
- Member and co-organizer of YOUTH X YOUTH, a global community of youth activists and adult allies (since 2020)
- Member of CyberMentor, Germany’s largest online mentoring program for girls in STEM subjects (since 2019)