Institut für Pflanzengenetik

Today is the start of my third week working as a research assistant at Leibniz University in Hanover, Germany. I want to talk a little bit about what brought me here and what my interests are, what the position entails etc.

Sponsor of the Nanotechnology workshops

Ever since I was a junior in high school I knew I wanted to do research. However, I have always known I wanted to be a veterinarian. By that time, it was hard to think how could I combine both of them and find a career that I am truly passionate about. The first time I was exposed to research was when I had the opportunity to attend some workshops sponsored by NASA which focused in Nanotechnology. It lasted two weeks. Throughout this time we would learn about the field and perform experiments at the same time. When I knew I liked research was when I did not mind being exposed to this for an entire day for two weeks. It was so interesting and I was really into it. That same summer, I volunteered with a veterinarian and with an organization back home in Puerto Rico dedicated to the rescue of dogs and cats without a home. This was the start of a journey that brought me to Germany.

Volunteering at Save a Sato

Fast forward to my first year at Northeastern. I started working during the fall of my first year (Fall 2015) at Professor Meni Wanunu’s laboratory. It was a Biophysics laboratory and it also involved nanotechnology which was the field I had been previously trained in. I learned basic skills and worked assembling nanopores for different experiments going on in the lab. It was a great experience and I truly learned so much. All the graduate students were always teaching me something new and I felt like this experience prepared me really well for whatever would come next. In the end I knew nanotechnology was not what I wanted to focus on but the skills I learned from this experience were incredibly valuable regardless. I worked in Professor Wanunu’s lab for over a year, but in the end I wanted an experience that would combine both research and veterinary medicine. 

I researched many programs and Purdue University’s Veterinary Scholars Program came up. It accepted six undergraduate students and paired them with different doctors/mentors to focus on a research project for 11 weeks. I applied and was accepted. And I had Professor Wanunu and all the other graduate students that helped me throughout that year and a half to thank for!

Website: Wanunu Lab 

 That semester I was applying for co-op positions and I thought I wanted to stay in Boston as I have previously mentioned. My ideal co-op position was to work as an assistant in a veterinary clinic. I was already volunteering at the Back Bay Veterinary Clinic in Boston, but an e-mail was sent outlining there were available positions for students interested in doing research in Germany. I don’t know what drew me to this but I applied and received an e-mail telling me I was offered a position with the group of Dr. Thomas Reinard. The group focuses on the production of pharmaceutical proteins in plants like Wolffia Australiana. They work directly with the genetic manipulation of these plants; a field also known as Plant Biotechnology. I knew I could only gain more and more experience to prepare me for graduate school so I accepted the position even though I was not a 100% sure I wanted to work with plants. I thought that at the moment regardless of the project or topic I would be working on, the experience and opportunity to do research in another country looked amazing (and it has been!). 

In the summer I realized I really liked the combination of veterinary medicine and research. However, I still wanted to have other research experiences that would let me know in what I would like to focus once I graduate so I was excited to work in Germany next. The program at Purdue really confirmed for me that I want to pursue a dual degree: Doctor in Veterinary Medicine (DVM)/ PhD. Although I have always wanted to work with animals, I knew I would  gain more knowledge and skills from working at Leibniz University. 

Ready for my final poster presentation after I finished my 11-week research project at Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine. 

The first few days working at the Institute of Plant Genetics at Leibniz University (Institut für Pflanzengenetik in German; hence the title of the post) were basically an introduction to everyone in the lab. I was able to do some basic experiments and I shadowed one of the bachelor students so she could teach me everything I needed to know before being on my own later in the semester. I realized the bachelor students here are very independent while working in the lab. Bachelor students here have to write a thesis which is why they need the field work combined with a few classes to be able to write it. It also explains why they have to be so independent while performing experiments. Later, many of them have to write another thesis; their Master's thesis. They cannot do a PhD without a Master's degree. 

For my co-op, I have been taught how to do all the basic experiments in order to be able to do experiments on my own. I have done a little bit of everything so far and of course you always have the basic processes you need to know like gel electrophoresis and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). We have meetings every Monday at 9am where everyone updates Dr. Reinard about what they have been doing and what results have they obtained, if any. I have also been given a book to read about Plant Biotechnology and several papers. Scientific literature is always the place to start when you are approaching a topic you have not worked with previously. In conclusion, so far, I have done a little bit of everything. As time passes, I will continue to learn more and hopefully be able to contribute to several ongoing projects at the laboratory.

From: thescientist.com

This week, starting today, I was able to do things on my own and I can't deny it feels good to be able to know your way around the lab. I always ask when I am not sure of something (and I do ask a lot of questions) but I feel very comfortable in the work environment. The lab group eats lunch every day together at the "Mensa" which is the cafeteria of the university and it's actually really good. 

Working here the past few weeks combined with the knowledge about Genetics that I already possessed (based off my work with oncology last summer and from my Genetics class at Northeastern) has reassured me that I want to work or do something related to this field. Research has so many sides to it I feel like it will always be hard to just focus on one thing because it can involve a lot at once. It is a step by step learning process. You cannot know this without knowing that. Being able to have this experience just continues to expand my knowledge every day as I continue to learn about all these different topics that somehow may come together in what I end up doing in the future. I am still exploring what I’d like to do for my PhD and this has been a great work experience so far to figure it out. 

It's all good!

I am going to talk a little bit about my experience in Germany so far because I really want to talk about certain things I have already noticed before I post about the countries I have visited and what I have done there.

This summer I had the opportunity to work at Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine doing research at the canine oncology department. It was such a great experience and it was an intensive 11-week program where I learned a lot and I was away from home from May till August. One of the main things that scared me the most when I decided to do this whole year abroad was getting homesick. I know it’s something completely normal, but going away by myself for more than three months to all these places was something that I honestly didn’t know if I was prepared for. When I got to Germany and the whole luggage dilemma occurred I was already starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the entire situation. Like I said in one of my previous posts: it had been a crazy week. Not only because of the planning, packing, etc. but also because of the whole hospital situation. That aside, Germany is different from what I’m used to. This is why I chose it. I wanted an experience that would bring me out of my comfort zone. An experience that would truly teach me something new (not only about the country but also about myself). And so far I can tell you I chose the right place to come. 

We all go through so much during these years. It’s a period of change and transitions and having to adapt constantly while meeting new people and still trying to figure out who you are is no easy task. Having this all in mind, I started thinking about setting goals for my experience here in Germany. I have been traveling quite a lot since I got here and a part of me still is in Puerto Rico. I started to realize that even though I have been traveling and meeting new people, I have not been completely present in this moment. This is why having goals for me can certainly help me focus on what I truly want to get out of this experience. It can also help to prepare me for what’s coming next (New Zealand and Bali). I also want to talk about a few mistakes I have made that I feel have hindered my experience a little bit at the beginning. I think it’s important to recognize this so you can work on it and truly go all in. I post this because I know that a lot of people may be going through the same. It’s amazing that I am in Germany, but it does not mean there are no challenges that come with this experience. Once we learn to recognize this, it gets easier. Most importantly, once we learn to recognize that everything is a process and that step-by-step it will get better, it actually will. It might seem random as to why I decided to post this today. And well, I got a little story that tells you why.

Today I was returning from Munich, Germany because I went to the famous Oktoberfest celebration. This was the opening ceremony weekend and I met with some friends from Panama and Puerto Rico there. It was an amazing experience and you truly get to see a huge part of the German culture. More about that in one of my next posts. When coming back from Munich, I took a 10-hour bus. I know. Crazy. I was so tired and kind of out of it. I just wanted to get home and go to bed. I slept for the most part but I did not sleep the last four hours. Next to me a guy sat down and started asking me where I was from in German and I told him I don’t speak German and that I was from Puerto Rico. He was from South Korea so understanding each other got a little harder because I didn’t speak German and he knew very little English. When I said I was from Puerto Rico, another guy turns and asks me (in Spanish), “Where in Puerto Rico are you from?” I said I was from San Juan. He told me he was from Pereira, Colombia. A city near one of the major cities of Colombia, Cali. Once again I felt so relieved to meet another person who spoke Spanish. I plan on taking German once the winter semester starts in mid-October but meanwhile, it frustrates to not really know the language that well. Although I have been able to pick up a few words here and there and I am more used to the accent, it is still hard to not be able to fully express myself. So when I meet someone who can speak Spanish, yeah I am very happy. The bus stopped for around 1 hour to eat and stretch. John, the Colombian, went with me to eat something and as we sat down I asked him his story. I wondered how he ended up in Germany. And I wanted to share this because meeting him made me realize everything I mentioned before. His story and his advice really got to me. I realized I want to be fully immersed in the culture here and I want to truly be able to say I enjoyed it to the maximum.

John is 23 years old and he was working as an engineer in Colombia. He told me he had always wanted to finish school as early as possible to start working and start his life right away. However, when he started working he realized he was always stressed out, he wasn’t content with the way he was living. One day he quit his job and applied for a scholarship/internship in Germany (where he would be living for an entire year). This internship brings international people that studied engineering or science and focuses on teaching refugees or people from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities everything they know that will help them build a better life. In exchange for their teaching, these interns get free accommodation and food. They are also trained in how to immerse themselves completely in such a new culture. They take German and also take a class where they study the German culture and why they are the way they are. He gave me some details as to things he had learned so far about the culture and everything he said I had already noticed. He explained the reason behind that and it made sense. Everything started clicking for me and I realized that I had not truly immersed myself in the German culture.There were three things he advised me to do that I will never forget and that I will do in order to adapt myself better:

From :www.sanjoseinside.com

1. Disconnect from home.

This is by far the most difficult thing for me to do. But John said it was one of the most necessary. Ever since I arrived from Germany I have been attentive to what my friends and family have been doing. Since I came here by myself without really knowing anyone but Sarah, I was holding on to what is safe and secure. I was still thinking about the amazing time spent back home after being away for the summer. I started thinking I was not ready for this experience because although I was physically here in Germany, I was still mentally in Puerto Rico. John said that disconnecting from what is going on back home (with the exception of talking to parents and friends once in a while to let them know you’re okay) is essential. This is how you’ll be able to open up and accept that your life is not there anymore but here at this present moment. My parents had bought me an international plan for one month where I had unlimited text messages, but I started realizing that no one here really uses text messages, only the people back home. So this week I will buy a German phone number and I will put away my US phone. It does not mean I will disappear from the face of the Earth. It simply means that I will truly give my life here a chance to take place without my head thinking of what goes on back home. I will check my US phone once in a while but I will not renew the international plan. I don't really need it. I will only use my German phone number and pay a little extra so I can use the phone when I travel to other countries. It was a hard decision to make but it is necessary for me to fully dedicate and focus on myself and my experience here. I will let you know later how it went.

From: bestwaytolearngerman.com

2. Speak German even if you feel like you’re not making sense

I know for a fact that when tourists or people from other countries try speaking in Spanish I truly appreciate the effort they are making even though it is not their first language. John made it very clear that this is also essential in order for Germans to realize you’re making an effort. They might look at you confused at first because they don’t understand you but most of them actually correct you or tell you the correct word so I have been trying to perfect how to say “Thank you” and “You’re welcome” in German because those are basically the only two words I know how to say correctly. But I always say them and hopefully I can learn more and more. I know how to order in German and say “Hello” or ask “How are you doing?” as well as answering. But it doesn’t matter what I know, I need to practice and being in this environment is perfect for that. It will only help me more and it will make the transition easier.

3. Talk to other people who are going through the same.

Another important thing I have noticed about coming to Germany on my own to work is how much free time I have on my hands. I am generally a very busy person. Back at Northeastern, I study Biology so my schedule is always kind of crazy. I work two jobs and I am involved in volunteering and several student organizations. Besides, I live with my best friends and already have my group of people there that I consider basically my family. However, here I am only working 30 hours a week and since classes haven’t started and I am still getting to know Hanover, it has been hard getting used to being…not busy if that makes sense. I know everyone dreams of not having classes but sometimes that transition can be hard as well and you can definitely find yourself feeling lonely. It is part of the experience because you are still adjusting to many things at the same time while trying to create a whole new life on your own. But what’s key here is that you are actually not on your own. You will always meet people who can relate to you and to your experiences and it is important to talk to these people and share how you feel. Not only you are creating another bond with someone new but you are also talking to someone who actually knows and understand everything you are going through. Talking to my friends and family from home is nice but for them to understand how everything is here can be almost impossible unless they actually get to live it. From this piece of advice, I learned that going back to your comfort zone won’t help you. This is exactly the chance to get out there and meet new people.  It has been the first time I actually have time to myself. I sit down at the same cafe everyday and have a nice coffee, I am able to write and read that book I was never able to finish. At the end of the day I have appreciated the time dedicated to myself. Talking to John about everything was so refreshing. Just like when I met Juan Perez. 

At the end, I felt like I had known John for a long time. I was so appreciative of him sitting down and listening to me and how I felt. A part of me I want to work on while here in Germany is to have patience. Sometimes I get impatient when things do not seem to take their place at the pace I want them to. But one of the things I have realized the most from Germany is that the pace here is different and it will take time to get used to everything but that's normal. It is not only adjusting to life here but it is accepting that I am leaving and starting a new life altogether. Although I will not change my persona and character, I also have come to the realization that I will definitely grow and change so much throughout this experience. Talking to John made me focus again on what’s important: me. This is my time to explore. Everything is part of this journey that I am very privileged to be able to have. So if I learned anything today is that I will make the best of it. And for those who are in my same position, even if they are not in a country like Germany (it can even be happening in your own country because you are moving or starting a new job) ,  I promise it gets better. As it already has for me. Take your time and a couple of deep breaths because everything is a lesson and taking life step by step, enjoying every moment is what we are meant to do. It all might sound very "cliché", but it is something I felt was worth sharing because not everything is perfect. There are hardships and challenges that will come with every experience that we encounter and telling you about mine might help you avoid some of them even if you end up having a few of your own. Oh and just a picture of the beautiful park right next to my apartment. More to come on my next post! 

Third time's the charm

I know I didn’t post last week due to the fact that my computer suddenly would not work. But, here is yet another post about my experience in Italy and what finally happened with my luggage. I have a special love for Italy since it was the first country I visited in Europe. Ever. My first time in Italy was when I had just turned 15 years old. I wanted a different experience for my birthday. Dr. Ben Taggie, a history professor at University of Massachusetts, Amherst had created a program that gave the opportunity to college students from University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Assumption College to go to Italy and live with a host family. Most the students were either Art History majors or Italian/International Affairs. However, because the professor had a granddaughter and a grandson in high school me and my cousin, Alexander, were allowed to go on the trip as well. We were the only four high school students and we were around 22 students in total if I can remember correctly.

The entire group of students in Nocciano. 

I remember I was so scared. First of all, I didn’t know any Italian whatsoever. Although Spanish is my first language (and that certainly helps), it was definitely intimidating to think that I would be living with an Italian family. Even though at first everything was a big change for me (especially because I was traveling on my own for the first time as well), I believe this was the experience that triggered my passion for traveling, languages and cultures.  I lived in Pescara, Italy in a little village called Nocciano. I studied Italian every day for two hours and then had the entire day to explore around the town, get to know the other students in the program and get to know my host family as well. Rocco and Sylvana were the sweetest couple ever. They were also the best cooks in town which is why Italy was also a great culinary experience for me. At this time in my life I was very picky with food. I obviously was not picky at all once I left their house. Rejecting food was seen as disrespectful so unless I was allergic I had to eat everything, and repeat. As I said, thanks to this experience I continued developing a stronger passion for discovering other parts of the world. It gave me a whole different perspective. And I learned Italian on the side which is also useful.

         

Me and my host family (Rocco and Sylvana) in Nocciano, Italy when I was 15 years old. 

My second time in Italy was actually last summer. I went to live in France with a French host family for about two months and visited Rome, Florence and Sorrento after my stay in France with my mother and sister. It was definitely a different experience to be there as a tourist after so long but it was nice to be back in Italy. This trip would be my third time in Italy and I would be visiting two cities I had not visited before: Milan and Venice. I was so excited to get to know more about the northern area in Italy. The third city would be Rome. I had already visited but it’s always nice to come back and see how it is after so long. After my arrival in Hanover, we only had a couple hours to get ready and leave again for the airport. We would be leaving for Milan in about 4 hours so I had to shower and take what little I had with me to Italy. I will be talking about my experience in each city detail by detail so you can have an idea of what to do if you ever visit. I also think it’s easier to share pictures and places to go this way. I look forward to sharing my experience in these three cities with you! Meanwhile, I made a short video of some footage I was able to get from my trip to Italy and I also wanted to share it. Enjoy!