Spreading Processes in Complex Networks of Cultured Neurons and Society

Abstract

As I am getting closer to the finishing line of the Ph.D., I find myself sampling emotion-space with a bigger step size than before. On the one hand, I feel sentimental to see this chapter coming to an end, and about having to part ways with many people who I have grown very fond of. On the other hand, I am excited about the things to come, and I am happy about the subtle reminder to stop every now and then, catch a breath, and appreciate all the good things that came my way. Looking back, they were more than anyone could ask for. And almost always they came with kind people attached to them: people who gave me a chance, who believed in me, who supported me -all without asking for anything in return. The next few paragraphs, and the implied hug (imagine me with a wide smile), are for all those people. Thank you! I mentioned chances. One incredible and crucial chance was given to me by Viola.Without her, and without that chance some five years ago, I would not be here. Thank you Viola, for inviting me to become part of your group, for providing patient guidance, for indulging my often naive point of view, and for teaching me to focus on the things that matter. It has been my honest pleasure to work with you.Viola has a knack for gathering amazing people around her -which becomes clear instantaneously when you meet her group. I fondly remember my first day, when I met a student who proficiently explained the project I would work on. I judged him to be a senior Ph.D.; Jonas was indeed close to graduating, and handed in his Master's thesis soon after.Over the years to come, we would share a multitude of projects, and dinners, every one of which was a treat. Thank you, Jonas, for always being around, for being my trusted coauthor on several papers, and for helping out every time I got stuck. Then there is of course João, who I want to thank for discussions on a nerd-level I can have with no one else, and in particular, for standing with me through the longest review process of all. Thanks to Jens, who taught me that all (well most) scientific problems are solvable, and to Annika of the timescales team, for spotting oh-so-many bugs in my code and providing the kindest of feedback. I also want to thank Lucas and Fabian, my next-door theoreticians, for countless discussions, frequent advice, and the occasional rant, all of which I enjoyed deeply. Thanks to Sebastian who joined me on various coding sessions that well exceeded standard working hours, and to Seba, with his overwhelmingly positive attitude. I know no other person who radiates good vibes like you do, and you have been a great inspiration for me.From all my colleagues, I want to especially thank Johannes. I owe you a huge chunk of gratitude, for help in more ways than I can count. Over the past decade (!) you have been a mentor, counselor, and inspiration, and you have become one of my dearest friends. This thesis would not have been possible without your relentless support. Even if I turn my back on academia in the end, I hope for any excuse to work (or to pr...