If you would like to get to know me a little bit better, the press release about my received tenure provides a more personal, non-conventional bio: https://ist.ac.at/en/news/sandra-siegert-promoted-to-professor/ 

Things always run short in a bio, but they are also important. 

Starting my research group forced me to transition from being a “researcher at the bench” to taking over a leadership position with various tasks, roles, and responsibilities for which I was not trained. In German, we say, 

“Ein Sprung ins kalte Wasser”.

I have been confronted with questions on the following: 

– How do I build a motivated team, and how do I deal with conflicts?

– How do I enable individual career development?

– How do I create an environment for scientific achievements in the team?

– How to teach effectively? 

In my official CV, you will see the courses that I have attended. I have taken pieces from each course that I have implemented in my group, which I thought could benefit my group. I also have to acknowledge that this process initially involves a lot of trial and error. Over time, I have developed my leadership skills and competencies founded on openness, transparency (if the situation allows and is not confidential), and clear communication. My leadership principles and mentorship statement should offer a first idea of our team dynamics and principles. 

Finally, if you are interested in the activities that I am doing when I am not in the lab……

… you will find me in one of the fitness classes in Vienna to either increase my strength, improve my cardio, or stretch my muscles…..

… I love to get inspired by cooking books and try out new flavor combinations and tastes… My favorite spices are chili, garlic, shallots, coriander, cinnamon, and nutmeg…. 

… I also started learning violin during my Ph.D., and I try to keep up with it, which is challenging… And my favorite pieces? I am trending towards pieces written in “good” minor…..