Hi, I’m Hanna: mental health coach, scientist at heart, and someone who knows firsthand how challenging the academic world can be.

When I started my PhD in molecular biomedicine, I was full of excitement. I loved the research, the lab environment, and being surrounded by people who were just as curious and passionate as I was. I wanted to contribute something meaningful to science – and for a while, I felt I was absolutely in the right place.

But over time, the pressure started to build. The long hours, the constant competition, the unspoken (and sometimes outright) expectation to always do more, they slowly wore me down. I began to struggle with self-doubt and perfectionism. I felt guilty when I worked too much, and even guiltier when I tried to rest. My work-life balance slipped away, and so did my well-being.

Like many PhD students, I found myself navigating not only the intellectual challenges of research, but also the quiet strain of working in a system built on rigid hierarchies and deep dependencies. It became difficult to ask for help, to set boundaries, or even to trust my own inner compass. That environment affected my confidence, and made it even harder to care for my mental health.

Eventually, I made the difficult decision to step away from academia to take care of myself. That choice wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. And it taught me something essential: success means nothing if it comes at the cost of your well-being.

Today, I help PhD students and postdocs take care of their mental and emotional health in the demanding world of research. My coaching is encouraging and resource-focused. I guide my clients to reconnect with their strengths, set healthy boundaries, and move forward in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.

And here’s something I want you to know: Even though I no longer work in academia, I still consider myself a scientist. I feel deeply connected to research, to inquiry, and to the value of academic work. I believe that science is wonderful. And that, with the right support, it can be a fulfilling place to grow.

The healthy distance I now have from the academic system helps me be a better coach. I can see the patterns more clearly, and I can hold space for both the passion and the pain that many researchers carry.

If you’re navigating stress, self-doubt, or burnout in your academic life, I want you to know: you’re not alone. And there is a way to feel balanced, confident, and grounded again.

When I’m not coaching, you’ll often find me out in nature: trekking in the mountains, climbing, or dancing tango argentino. I’m based in Bonn, Germany, and work with clients both locally and online, in English and German. I love books about modern feminism, and I’m always curious to learn more about how our minds and emotions work. While my coaching style is calm and grounded, I’m also someone who brings a lot of energy and joy into life – and I’ve been told that my enthusiasm is contagious.