Lea Schlickmann is a graduate researcher at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, where she focuses on hardware development for the IceCube Upgrade—specifically, the wavelength-shifting optical module (WOM). For Lea, working on a project that will one day be frozen beneath the Antarctic ice is nothing short of thrilling. “Of course, the physics we can do is interesting,” she says, “but it is also so nice and cool to see the modules arriving at the Pole afterwards.” Getting to develop something that ends up in Antarctica is an incredible opportunity—and Lea is right at the heart of it!
Her journey into physics began in high school, when she attended an IceCube Masterclass. That early exposure to science stuck with her, and when it came time to choose a topic for her bachelor’s thesis, she remembered the excitement and inspiration she felt. That’s when she decided to join IceCube, and she’s been with the collaboration ever since. Now a PhD researcher, Lea’s journey is still unfolding, and she credits science outreach for shaping it. “It led me to where I am today and guided me through science,” she says.
“Believe in yourself!”
Lea Schlickmann
Lea is also passionate about giving back to the community through outreach, the same kind of programs that first introduced her to physics. She believes in the importance of increasing representation of women and girls in STEM, in building understanding between researchers, and in the value of science communication. Outreach, for her, is more than just a side activity. It is a chance to make the same impact that once shaped her.
Outside of the lab, Lea loves baking! Everything from chocolate chip cookies to not one but three IceCube-themed cakes! She’s also a big fan of music and sports. Lea plays in an orchestra, and she was a competitive swimmer who made it all the way to Bundesliga, the second-highest German league in swimming. When she’s not in the lab or baking, you can find her reading, visiting cozy cafes, or traveling.
Her advice to her younger self, and to aspiring scientists, is simple but powerful: “believe in yourself and trust what you’re doing.” Lea knows how easy it is to be your own harshest critic, and she emphasizes how important it is to ask questions and talk to people. After all, no one gets through science alone!
You can find more from Lea on Instagram at @leaschl