This summer, engineering student and German minor Joy Resig took her interests abroad through the DAAD RISE program, where she joined a research lab at Bergische Universität Wuppertal and gained hands-on experience working with metallic nanoparticles. Read more about her experience below.
"Two big goals I had as an undergraduate student were to get involved in a research lab and to visit Germany. Being a curious person, I’ve always been drawn to research as a way to apply engineering principles in a novel way. As for my interest in Germany, I’ve been studying the language and culture for over six years and wanted to finally see all those lessons for myself. When I heard about this opportunity from my college’s Office of Nationally Competitive Rewards, I was overjoyed to find an experience that combined both of these interests. I hoped this internship would help me make definitive plans for graduate school and immerse me in a language to make great strides towards mastery. It certainly has done both those things.
I was also happy to find a research topic that already matched previous experience I had in laser technology. My internship at the Bergische Üniversität Wuppertal saw me perform and analyze results of laser ablation experiments to synthesize metallic nanoparticles. During the first month of the internship, I absorbed as much knowledge as possible — reading literature, learning to use equipment and (of course) lots of safety training. After getting over the learning curve of the first month, I felt more at home the second month. I progressed to running experiments independently while growing closer to my supervisors and co-workers.
"The third and final month of my internship, I had the privilege of starting a new project. I combined all the skills I’d learned to recycle decommissioned solar panel cells by ablating their silver electrodes into nanoparticles and leaving behind the silicon base. By the end of my internship, I created a foundation for the project that my supervisors can use for future experiments. This experience gave me a taste of what work as a graduate student is like: beginning a project, approaching problems, and finding solutions. I undoubtably grew as an academic throughout my time in the laboratory, with more confidence than ever in my research abilities.
"I also saw much personal growth during my time in Germany with all the new experiences and environments I was exposed to. It felt overwhelming at times, but my transition was eased by a few things. Prior to arriving, I set up an online European bank account and found accommodations with the university, which also provided students with a Deutschland Ticket for local and regional transportation around Germany.
"This ticket allowed me to travel with greatly reduced hassle. I got a chance to travel to Hamburg, one of the biggest ports in Europe. It was the first big trip during my stay, and it provided so much practice with the language. By the end, I felt like a true world traveler. I also journeyed to Heidelberg for the DAAD RISE Intern Conference. These trips to the north and south of Germany, respectively, showed me the regional cultures within the country: ones I had learned about but finally got to experience. No matter where a traveled, though, it was incredible to see the things I expected but even more to learn about the things I didn’t yet know or understand.
"This entire experience gave me plenty of opportunities to learn. I have a greater understanding of what it looks like to dedicate oneself to research through a graduate degree or career. Conversations with my colleagues taught me the differences between a master’s or Ph.D. pathway and between graduate school internationally versus in the US. Dedicating myself fully to research without distractions like courses or other jobs allowed me to immerse myself in the field and test the waters to see if it was something I truly enjoyed: to see if it aligns with who I really am.
"And immersing myself in a different culture allowed me to look in the mirror at my own identity. Being able to connect with people of different backgrounds and stories gave me new lenses to look at life through. Specifically, my appreciation for language has grown as my Germany language skills have progressed. It is one of many skills that I have been able to gain and develop throughout my time in Germany. I was able to accomplish a lot during my internship, but I am more satisfied with all the ways it prepared me for my future."
Joy Resig is a senior mechanical engineering major with a minor in German language & studies originally from Mason, Ohio. She has been a member of the Grady Lab here at UK for two years, conducting research with laser spallation and cellular adhesion strength. She started studying German in high school, and it’s always served as a break from her math-and science-heavy courses. She's also a tour guide for UK and president of UK’s chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society. When She's not busy with school, she enjoys hiking, playing whatever intramural sports she can or cheering on the Cats.