Jenelle learned in silico methods and collected lichen specimens
After hearing about other students who had completed fully-funded internships through DAAD (the German Academic Exchange Service), I decided to apply for the RISE Worldwide program. I was matched with the Environmental Sustainability and Resource Engineering (E-SURE) Lab and spent 6 weeks at the National Institute of Technology in Agartala, India (NITA) during the summer of 2025. The topic of the internship was lichen biodiversity, and I spent most of my time learning in silico methods such as molecular docking, which will be the foundation for my thesis. We also had an excursion to collect lichen specimens for later research.
The focus of the work had shifted since my application, but they worked with me to find my interests in computational methods, as there was limited access to lab facilities. The researchers in the lab were very knowledgeable and there was a strong community. At times, living on campus and away from the city was isolating as the only international person, but my supervisors made sure I was enjoying my time outside of the lab. I was invited to celebrations on campus and ate many home-cooked meals so that I could explore the tastes of India. After my time in Agartala, they also helped me plan a few weeks of backpacking in the Himalayas.
I was very happy with the organization of the DAAD — they provided me with a travel fund, insurance, and a monthly stipend. I would not have been able to complete this internship without that support. My advisors at NITA were in contact with me immediately after my acceptance. They gave me advice about travel and visa arrangements and organized my stay and meal plan at the university campus. They were always available to answer questions in the months prior to my arrival and were very flexible when visa issues delayed my travel. They also picked me up from the airport directly to ensure a smooth transition and were very careful of my safety and comfort during my stay.
I am very grateful for my time at NITA, and to DAAD and the E-SURE group for their support. It was a unique experience of cultural and academic enrichment that I wouldn’t have been able to experience otherwise. I learned a lot, not just in tangible skills, but how other cultures approach science and learn from traditional knowledge.
