Three SU Students Earn DAAD RISE Research Internships in Germany
SALISBURY, MD---Three Salisbury University students recently were selected for prestigious summer research internships in Germany through the Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) program, administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
“Salisbury University is known for the undergraduate research opportunities it provides for students, and we are excited that this record number of students has the opportunity to gain additional experience as DAAD RISE scholars,” said Dr. Kristen Walton, director of SU’s Nationally Competitive Fellowships Office.
Junior Rachel Berley, a dual degree physics and engineering major from Princess Anne, MD, was matched to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Karlsruhe. Paired with a German doctoral student, she will assist with research centered on mechanical engineering.
“We have this material, and the goal will be to discover how we can make it the strongest but lightest material for use in cars, airplanes and even spacecraft,” said Berley.
Junior Nathan Ashley, a biology major from Grantsville, MD, was matched to Ernst-Moritz-Anrdt- Universitat in Greifswald. He will assist with greenhouse study research regarding invasive cactus species and biodiversity.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited before. It was the best news to receive,” said Ashley. “This a wonderful opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field before graduating, plus immersing myself in another culture is a great way for my German minor and biology major to coincide.”
Junior Christian Ciattei, a geography major from Perry Hall, MD, was matched to Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover. With a concentration in geographic information systems (GIS), he will assist with principles of cartography research to change how traffic patterns develop to minimize emissions given off by heavy traffic.
“I’ve always had an interest in maps and use of space, and this research applied to the cartographic visualization I’ve learned at SU,” said Ciattei. “Investigating how you can use GIS to positively change how people think and extrapolating important data made this the perfect opportunity.”
RISE Germany offers matches undergraduates from North America, Great Britain and Ireland with doctoral students in Germany who serve as their summer mentors. Nearly 1,635 students applied for some 268 positions.
The program is designed to motivate undergraduates to learn more about Germany’s research landscape and study opportunities, and promote student exchange in the fields of natural science, engineering and life sciences.
SU students or alumni who are interested in applying for national fellowships may contact Walton at kpwalton@salisbury.edu for assistance. For more information, visit www.salisbury.edu/nationalfellowships.