DFG-funded Graduate School RTG2887 „VISualization and imaging of virus infectION“ (VISION) hosts four students from North America, the UK and Ireland
Four young researchers joined the RTG Graduate School VISION this summer to learn from doctoral students in Lübeck and Hamburg and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge virology research.
PhD students as supervisors
As part of their training, four VISION PhD students prepared project proposals and successfully applied through the DAAD’s RISE program to host summer students. Their projects were selected and paired with Caroline Dwyer (University of Massachusetts Boston, USA), Miriam Greenwood (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland), Kelly Baran (Drexel University, USA), and Eva Garrity (University of Leeds, UK). The visiting students also underwent a competitive selection process to secure their placements.
During their three-month stay, the students immersed themselves in the laboratory culture while being directly supervised by VISION doctoral researchers. In Lübeck, Hera Fatima and Niklas Ebersberger mentored Caroline and Miriam, while in Hamburg, Julia Nentwig and Jedrzej Mazur guided Kelly and Eva. This arrangement provided both sides with valuable experience: the international guests explored a new research environment, while the PhD students gained their first experience as supervisors and shared their passion for structural virology.
Two of the DAAD interns and their supervisors at the CSSB in Hamburg.
Insights into the latest research and different cultures
The interns became part of ongoing scientific projects, training in diverse methods ranging from western blotting to protein crystallization and Cryogenic Electron Microscopy.
“This has been an excellent opportunity which I’m so happy to have had. This internship has allowed me to develop skills both scientifically and personally, while providing insight and hands-on experience in a highly interesting field of research,” said Eva Garrity.
The exchange goes beyond lab skills, fostering international dialogue, fresh perspectives, and strong networks. Caroline Dwyer reflected on her time in Lübeck: “This stay allowed me to develop a wide range of technical skills and gain experience working within a collaborative international research environment. I am deeply grateful to my mentor, Hera Fatima, for her guidance and support.”
“With programs like RISE, we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists by sharing our passion for structural virology, while also increasing the visibility of Lübeck and Hamburg as vibrant hubs for virus research,” explained Thomas Krey, Principal Investigator and spokesperson of RTG VISION.
About RISE Germany
RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) is a program of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It arranges summer internships for North American, British, and Irish undergraduate students at German universities and research institutions. The aim is to introduce international students to research in the natural sciences, life sciences, engineering, and computer science under close supervision from doctoral researchers.