Looking back with Postdoc Sezgin Sönmez

Postdoc’ing at the CRC. If I had to summarise my current research interest, I would say: India is now really getting going with digitalization, including banking, biometric data, soft power, and the whole enchilada. But what the heck does all this have to do with space?

It’s all about that space. Since I am mainly concerned with the Internet, it is obvious that I am currently most interested in the spatial figure of the network. I am especially interested in the interplay of territoriality, infrastructures, and imaginaries.

Looking back, I would tell my past self to not worry, relax; everything will be fine. Go to more conferences, seek help from colleagues if you get stuck. Dare to ask stupid questions. Starting to write is the hardest part: write down as much as you can in your own words, and only then go back over it and translate it into academic language. Start managing your literature early. Procrastination is fine: use it to get other things done while you’re on hold.

A day in the life. I drink two or three coffees at home to get up to operating temperature. In the office, I answer emails first, then I do whatever is most urgent that day, preferably before lunch. Then, depending on the day, I read, write, or answer a few more emails. On certain days, there are zoom calls, events and seminars. That’s pretty much it.

It’s all about the spatial arrangement. Ideally, I am in the office or at home at the kitchen table (preferably when I’m alone, otherwise I need headphones).

When you know, you know that everyday life quickly sets in and, looking back, what was new becomes your new normal. I find working as a postdoc both more stimulating and more relaxed. Sounds contradictory, because it is.

Back to the future. I would advise new researchers to exchange ideas as much as you can. Get organized, socialize, read, write, and discuss. It’s much more fun together.

Author Bio: Sezgin Sönmez, Dr., is a research associate in the project “Control/Space” at the CRC 1265 at Technische Universität Berlin, where he analyzes the spatiality of digital infrastructures in contextures, maps, and discourses.