Applying to study in Zoology

More student perspectives

Jan-Henning Dirks (Animal Physiology)

Before I started my PhD at the Department of Zoology I did my undergraduate studies in Biological Cybernetics, Neurobiology and Physics at the University of Bielefeld in Germany. My previous workgroup was developing artificial active tactile systems for their stick-insect like robot, and as a part of this project I wrote my diploma thesis about the biomechanical properties of the stick-insects antennas.

After finishing my studies I decided to spend my summer in Cambridge, doing a practical course at the Biomechanics workgroup of Dr. Federle. I was, and still am, absolutely fascinated by the amazing ability of insects to walk effortlessly on almost any kinds or surface and, although this has been studied for centuries, there are still many open questions. One of them, the function of the adhesive fluid, quickly became the focus of my PhD project.

The Insect Biomechanics Workgroup here at the Department of Zoology offers everything I need to successfully work on my thesis. Besides the freedom and facilities to develop your research and extracurricular skills, the members of the Zoology Department guide and support you wherever they can. Combined with the social and academic background of Cambridge, I can hardly imagine any better place for the first steps of an academic career.