A Life of Translocations

Writing a career retrospective for this prestigious series is a huge challenge. Is my story really of that much interest? One thing that is different about my life in science is the heavy influence of the turmoil of the past century. Born in the US, raised in East Germany, and returning to the US relatively late in life, I experienced research under both suboptimal and privileged conditions. My scientific story, like the political winds that blew me from one continent to the next, involved shifts into different fields. For advice to young scientists, I would suggest: Don't be afraid to start something new, it pays to be persistent, and science is a passion. In addition to telling my own story, this article also provides the opportunity to express my gratitude to my trainees and colleagues and to convey my conviction that we have the best job on earth.