GRIP, Research Abroad My First Weeks in Germany

June 5, 2019
By Ethan Boyer, SEAS '21

Engineering Research in Aachen, Germany

I just finished the second week of my ten-week research internship in Aachen Germany and so far the experience has been amazing. The research I am doing in 3-D printing microvascular networks at the RWTH Aachen university hospital is incredibly interesting and applicable to what I may want to do for a career. The theme of the past two weeks has been transitioning into a new environment and understanding how the culture in Europe is very different from the culture in Philly. One thing that I almost immediately noticed is how cheap food and groceries are here compared to America. The government partially subsidizes food for students so I can get a full meal for about 3 or 4 euros at the university cafeterias. Another thing that amazes me is how historic the city of Aachen and Europe in general is. I am writing this at a Starbucks (free wifi!) overlooking the Aachen town hall which was built in the 1300s and further down the street is the beautiful Aachen cathedral which was built in the 800’s and is where Charlemagne is buried. Another cool thing that happened yesterday was the presentation of the Charlemagne Prize which is given every year to someone who promotes the unification of Europe. This year it was given to the U.N secretary general António Guterres and there were many famous foreign dignitaries in attendance. Aachen also has stunning nature trails and I have been trying to explore them on my runs. It’s really fun to make a turn and then come across a pasture of cows or sheep and running through the countryside past farms and windmills is great.

The lab I am working in has also been a fantastic learning experience. I am working in the University hospital called the Uniklinik. My project, which I am working on for ten weeks, is 3-D printing blood vessels to use for experiments in vitro and I am super excited to see what I learn from it. During the first week, I was mainly doing research on my own by reading literature reviews and finding relevant scientific articles. This week I started brainstorming possible designs with my mentor Jan and was taught how to use some of the laboratory equipment. The lab I am working in is very large and they are 3 other people that are participating in the UROP program. This week was a short week because we had a holiday on Thursday and Friday so I am excited to get deeper into my research this upcoming week.

I have also been trying to take advantage of my time in Europe and travel to other cities. Last week I visited Brussels and Liege and during our orientation I visited Cologne and Dortmund. Brussels was absolutely gorgeous and it was amazing to walk through plus they had the best french fries I ever had. Cologne has one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have ever seen and Dortmund was fun because we were there to watch the final week of matches of the German soccer league. Overall, my first two weeks in Europe have been amazing both academically and also personally as I have met a great group of people and made memories that will last a lifetime

The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce. Placements and funding awards are available.