During my time in Zurich, I was heavily involved in studying samples provided by a research group at Spintec. Our focus was to detect skyrmions in these samples. It was like solving a puzzle every day, trying to unlock the secrets hidden within. We used NV magnetometry as our main tool, which allowed us to measure magnetic fields at the nanoscale with incredible precision. Zhewen, the ESR of our consortium at the startup, played a crucial role in helping me navigate the intricacies of the NV tool, providing invaluable insight and support along the way.
Outside of work, I made sure to explore Zurich’s academic offerings. One outstanding experience was a visit to ETH Zurich, an excellent university. I visited Pietro Gambardella’s lab where I had a good time with Marco and Niklas, the two ESRs of our consortium in that lab, and I learnt a lot about atomic force microscopy (AFM), which was quite exciting.
During one of the weekends, I decided to visit the Kunsthaus, eager to immerse myself in the world of art. Walking through the halls, I came across some important paintings from the Impressionist movement or the more recent Salvador Dalí. It was a surreal experience to see these famous pieces up close, but what really caught my attention was the work of De Chirico, an artist I have always admired. His surrealistic landscapes and enigmatic compositions have always fascinated me, and seeing them in person was a highlight of my time in Zurich.
When I was not in the lab or exploring the art scene, I took the opportunity to immerse myself in Zurich’s cultural offerings. Lazy walks along the Limmat River allowed me to take in the city’s unique blend of old and new, while exploring local markets and trying different cuisines added layers to my experience.
However, what really made Zurich special for me were the people, everyone I met was friendly and welcoming. These personal connections made my time there truly memorable.
As my time in Zurich ended, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experiences I’d had. From the scientific discoveries to the cultural immersion, it was a journey I won’t soon forget.
Here are two pictures that represent two memories of my experience, the first skyrmion I found and a painting of Salvador Dalí.
