David SCHÖNEBECK, MSc
Research Assistant
3 Questions - 3 Answers
What does research mean to you?
In my eyes, research has something to do with our nature. Not necessarily as humans, but as living creatures. Evolution is full of ventures into the unknown. And even as an individual, it fulfills me to discover and get to know the unknown. Whether it's here in research, exploring a microscopically small world, or in my hobbies in nature.
How did you get into research?
By no means in a straight line. When I was a child, I only knew researchers in the form of Daniel Gyro Gearloose from the "Funny Paperback". My formal education up to my school-leaving certificate (Matura) was initially characterized by the commercial orientation of my parents. It wasn't until I went to university that I turned my passion for technology into a career. And I only really came into contact with "full-time researchers" during my Master's degree. I worked in industry for several years before my Master's and now also before my doctorate. I gained a lot of important experience there, had a lot of fun and enjoyed being appreciated. However, the opportunities for further development always drew me back to academia.
What brought you to the FHV?
The FHV combines three things ideally for me.
Firstly, microtechnology is exactly the right field for me. I am endlessly fascinated by the technologies that allow us to implement devices and functions on the smallest of scales. From the outside, it often looks like magic and once you understand the tricks, it's even more fascinating than magic.
Secondly, the university deals with many very tangible issues from the region. This means that we work intensively with schools and companies. So I can fully contribute my industrial experience, my curiosity and my creativity in equal measure to gaining and presenting new findings. Always alternating between scientific articles, presentations for companies or exhibits for primary school children.
And thirdly, the university is located in a very pleasant area. I perceive Vorarlberg as a region that has been very welcoming to me. My wife and I spent our childhood in the Lake Constance region. We know and love the food - especially Käs'spätzlè - and are relatively close to our families. Nevertheless, we have the mountains right on our doorstep, where we can let off steam at any time.
