Conducting Research Abroad in Germany
By Sasha McFarland ‘25The RISE Germany DAAD program matches undergraduate students with doctoral students across universities of applied sciences in Germany to assist with their research.
I was matched with a doctoral student at the Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation (INRES) in the Universität Bonn and was placed within the BonnSoil3 project. The project goal is to research how we can protect and increase plant yield by improving overall nutrient and water use efficiency for crops. I was responsible for monitoring the greenhouse experiment which included enriched 18O water treatment, measuring stomata conductance, and water/cellulose extraction.
The internship confirmed my interest in geochemistry and how it can be used to address the issues affecting our planet as a direct result of climate change. I learned important lab skills involving water/cellulose extraction and handling of soil samples. I especially enjoyed working in a German lab which expanded my knowledge of how the research world abroad operates as well as improving my communication and problem-solving skills.
Internship funded by the Annual Fund for Career Readiness provided by Mike Moynihan '89.