A Day in the Life of: Franziska Chalupa-Gantner, Postdoctoral Researcher, SMART WITEC

Singapore faces a critical challenge of rising chronic diseases, especially with an increasingly ageing population. At the forefront of tackling this challenge is Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology’s (SMART) Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care (WITEC) collaborative research project. WITEC aims to develop the world’s first wearable ultrasound imaging system capable of 48-hour intermittent cardiovascular imaging for continuous and real-time monitoring and diagnosis of chronic conditions.

Working alongside a team of experts from various institutions and fields, Franziska Chalupa-Gantner, Postdoctoral Researcher at SMART WITEC, is helping to create bioadhesive materials and device interfaces using advanced tools to develop WITEC’s wearable ultrasound imaging system that is capable of producing stable and long‑term imaging quality.

Beyond her work in the lab, Franziska finds joy in simple things, like spending quality time with her family and running to unwind after a long day. In this feature, she shares what a typical day looks like, how she navigates challenges in her research journey, and her advice for aspiring young scientists.

How do you typically start your day before work?

My mornings are centred around my family. I enjoy having breakfast with my husband and son before dropping our son off at the preschool. As I live close to the office, I get to enjoy a 15-minute walk to work, which helps me clear my head before the day begins. Several times a week, I like to get up early for a run in a nearby park.

What’s the first order of business when you get to work? 

The very first thing I do is grab a fresh cup of coffee. Once I’m at my desk, I spend the first few minutes reviewing my schedule and prioritising my tasks to productively plan my day. 

Take us through your workday at SMART WITEC. How much of your day is spent in your office versus the lab? What does your work in the office and lab involve?

Currently, my time is split roughly 70% in the office and 30% in the lab, though this balance shifts constantly. Depending on the phase of a project, I might spend an entire week on experimental work or be dedicated to modelling or data analysis at my desk.

In the lab, my work is very hands-on, involving 3D printing complex samples, working with and on experimental setups, and characterising materials to see how they perform. When I transition to the office, my focus shifts to diving into existing literature, modelling data and writing papers.

As laypeople, we often see scientists depicted in popular media having their ‘aha’ moments where they work on incredible technologies that change the world. Have you ever had an ‘aha’ moment, and can you briefly describe where you were and what you discovered?

Yes, it happened while I was struggling with the precision of a custom-built laser-based 3D printing set-up. A colleague and I were then brainstorming in the lab, trying to find a way to quantify and correct the inaccuracies of our laser alignment. I decided to place a dummy sample on the setup for a quick test to see if it would be even feasible to follow the approach we were considering. To our surprise, it worked and showed that our theory could work. It was a breakthrough moment where the path forward suddenly became crystal clear and we were able to significantly improve the quality of our 3D-printed microstructures.

Research can be unpredictable, with setbacks and challenges along the way. How do you handle obstacles or unexpected issues that arise during your workday?

When research gets unpredictable, I’ve learned that the best move is to pause and take a step back. I try not to rush into quick fixes but instead approach the problem with a clear mind. Talking about the problem can help a lot; often, just verbalising the issues to a colleague is enough to help me find the solution myself.

What excites you the most about your work?

It’s very exciting to see that our pioneering research can transform how chronic cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension and heart failure, are monitored and managed. The opportunity to develop solutions that address significant societal challenges in healthcare and have a tangible, positive impact on human life is incredibly rewarding and motivating.

What advice do you have for young scientists beginning their careers to navigate their own "day in the life" of a researcher?

My biggest piece of advice is to be realistic with your to-do list. It’s easy to overfill your day with ambitious goals, but constantly falling short can be demotivating. Plan for what you can realistically achieve.

How do you strike a balance between work and family?

On the weekends, I usually spend time with my family. I’m pretty strict about 'family time.' From the moment I leave work until my son goes to bed, I stay away from my inbox or work-related topics.