Dr. Despoina Despotopoulou, postdoctoral researcher in the Nanotherapies Lab

What do you like most about your job?

What I enjoy most are the people. Science is a very dynamic environment, and it gives me the chance to meet and work with people from different backgrounds and cultures. I also really love working with students. Watching how they grow over time is something I’m very proud of, and it is definitely one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

What would you like to spend more time on?

I’d like to spend more time on myself, for example practicing the languages I’m currently studying. I’d also love to travel more often to Greece to be closer to my family and friends, who are my source of energy and inspiration.

What are you most proud of?

I’m very proud of how far I’ve come. I left home at 18 to study in another city, and later moved to Barcelona to start my PhD during one of the hardest periods imaginable, COVID. Building a life from scratch, meeting amazing people, and completing my PhD abroad has been a defining experience for me.

The value you most appreciate in people …

Sincerity. I believe honesty is what makes relationships real and lasting (both professional and personal)

A place to get lost ….

A beach on a Greek island during sunset… Sitting by the sea, with the sound of the waves, the smell of salt in the air, and everything else slowly fading away… Pure relaxation.

A dream you would like to pursue …

To keep learning, traveling, and letting life surprise me. I would love to inspire and support young researchers, just as others once inspired me along my own journey.

What do you still have to learn?

I’m still learning how to manage stress and anxiety better, and how to slow down in my professional life. Learning to go with the flow sometimes and just enjoy the process is something I’m actively working on.