In the Gohlke group, we have a cherished tradition of holding an annual gathering just before the winter holidays. The highlight of this event is always the Christmas card contest, which everyone eagerly looks forward to each year. In 2020, my card was especially well-received and earned the most votes. The card featured a unique and timely design. In it, Santa Claus is depicted wearing a mask, delivering a message of hope and safety with the words "Stay safe and healthy." Instead of his usual sack of presents, Santa's bag is filled with vaccines, symbolizing the global effort to fight the pandemic. These vaccines are shown crushing the coronavirus, burying it into the ground. To the right of the scene, a 3D structure of a protein, critical to the functioning of the coronavirus, is illustrated, highlighting the scientific achievements in understanding and combating the virus. The design combined festive cheer with a message of resilience and hope during the pandemic, which resonated with the group, making it the most voted card that year.
This was also part of our annual Christmas card contest, a much-anticipated event during the Gohlke group’s holiday gathering. In 2019, I won the contest for the first time with a card that struck a chord with both the festive spirit and our scientific focus. The design of this card was inspired by the Gohlke group itself. The colors closely resembled the hues of the group’s logo, creating a sense of unity and identity. The decorations were thoughtfully designed to reflect how, even during the festive season, our minds remain focused on the intricate work we do with proteins. Subtle elements in the card artfully combined holiday themes with scientific motifs, blending the joy of the season with the dedication to our research. This blend of holiday cheer and scientific creativity resonated strongly with the group, earning my card the most votes.