Welcome to the inaugural post of our blog series, where we shine a spotlight on the driving forces behind COMPASS – three of our founders. Founded in Basel-Stadt late in 2023 by a dynamic group from the Biozentrum, COMPASS is more than just an association; it’s a movement dedicated to fostering mental health and neurodiversity awareness, inclusivity, and support within the Swiss academic community. Our mission is to ease the path for those navigating mental health challenges, offering tools, resources, and a supportive network to all corners of academia, from students to Postdocs and beyond.

In this post we’re excited to introduce you to three visionary founders of COMPASS. Each bringing a unique perspective, driven by personal experiences, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to change the narrative around mental health in higher education. Join us as we introduce their stories, motivations, and the collective dream that brought COMPASS to life.

---

I think my last years in academia and my position at Compass are closely intertwined. During my final years of my PhD in biophysics at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, I was under constant pressure to do more, deliver more urgently, and commit fewer mistakes. I believe that almost everyone has been in a similar position during their final one to two years of their PhD. This pressure is simply on top of many other significant challenges in everyone’s life. So, at some point, it became too much for me, and I cracked.

In my last year of PhD, for roughly three months, I was practically unable to work, despite being very close to my deadline for submitting my thesis. At this point, I discovered the whole world of psychology and mental well-being, which I had always ignored. I thought it was not part of my life, that it was important for others, but not for me. Of course, I was wrong, and the need for psychological support arrives in your life at a rate you can’t expect. It’s a bit like seeing an incoming storm and not looking for shelter until it starts raining. And by the time you find cover, you’ll be completely soaked.

Why did I not seek help earlier, when it was not urgent? The answer essentially lies in a lack of information. I was unable to recognize the stormy clouds of my poor mental state, and even if I did, I was anyway unable to reach a shelter. The same goes for the stormy clouds: no one gave me any tools to understand myself, and in many cases—thinking of neurodivergent people—it is anything but easy. This was lesson number one: the importance of being informed.

As soon as I started receiving help, I decided to openly disclose my difficulties in our research group. We were really tight, like a family. A few days later, one of my coworkers approached me, saying how good this made them feel since they had something similar but were keeping it to themselves. And I learned lesson number two: the consequences of sharing.

Other people will feel better in ways you do not even expect, and talking about mental health can gradually become more common. Months later, I became familiar with the broad topic of neurodivergence, which I had never heard of before. Once again, I used to think it was something far from my circle of people. Well, I could not have been more wrong. By a random coincidence, I found myself on the other side of sharing: a person in my department who started talking about neurodivergence and sharing their story, very similar to mine. It instantaneously made me feel much better. I suddenly realized, to put it simple, that neurodivergent people look like everyone else.

And this was my last lesson. These three moments in my life led me to bring some people together and found Compass.

---

I work in the administration of two research groups at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel. Even though I hold a PhD in sinology and economics and could actually have done something completely different from a professional point of view, I opted many years ago for family reasons (as a young mother abroad without a family network nearby…) to take a more flexible job that still leaves me plenty of room for my children and interests outside of work. I have not regretted this decision.

I love working in the academic environment with the very likeable and smart biologists and biophysicists from all over the world. I admire their passion for research, which sometimes brings great joy, but can also be painful in its intensity and the necessary frustration tolerance. All kinds of human emotions can sometimes challenge the unshakeable belief in success. In these more difficult moments and less glorious times, I support anyone who confides in me.

And that’s how I became a co-founder of the COMPASS association. Although I am more than interested in all the activities of the association, I am particularly concerned with the internal processes and the finances of our new associaton. And for all those interested: I have just initiated the organization of a regulars’ table (Stammtisch). Please contact me if you are interested (stephanie.gehlen@unibas.ch)!

In my private life I am interested in many things – from classic cultural events such as theater, concerts, ballet and museums to hiking, dancing, cinema, sewing, travelling and lately spinning, to just sitting together with friends over a nice dinner and drinks and talking till late in the night.

---

I hold a MSc in the Psychology of Social Relations (Goldsmiths, University of London, UK) and a BA in Media and Culture (Design Academy Eindhoven, NL). Both designers and psychologists aim to improve quality of life. I have examined body image, gender identity, and diversity. Current projects focus on visual perception, visual disability, and mental health. Below is an insight into projects related to mental health for clients and collaborators in science, industry and society.

In my work, I combine scientific knowledge with artistic means to reach diverse audiences (e.g. installation, film, presentation). I am passionate about creating tangible experiences that inspire thought and action. As a member of COMPASS, I am convinced that sharing experiences with others is a fundamental basis for improvement. I am happy to be part of this association, because we need to create healthier work environments.

Over the last ten years, my approach has proven to improve communication, connection and comfort. To find a balance to computer-based work, I enjoy tea breaks, dancing flamenco and being outdoors, e.g. cross-country skiing in winter and bike travelling in summer. My surname is Draxl, my artistic name is Debora Dax.

---