Not too many people need to know how to say ‘pole vault’ in German. But Alisandra Denton ’10, a molecular biology major and pole-vaulter, might find the word Stabhochsprung useful this summer as she pursues a unique internship.
In the city of Mainz, Germany, Denton is gaining research experience as well as strengthening her language skills by immersing herself in German academia and culture.
Denton is working with German doctoral students through an internship offered by the RISE Program. RISE is sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service and offers an opportunity for highly qualified students to simultaneously pursue their academic interests in science and in German studies.
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| Alisandra Denton ’10 works in the laboratory in Germany as part of the RISE Program. |
“It is a great honor to be accepted into this program, as the competition is fierce,” explained Claire Baldwin, professor of German at ԱƵ. “I am always interested in helping students find ways to spend time abroad and to integrate their study of German with their other academic and personal interests, whether it is by taking courses in history or philosophy, for example, while on our study group in Freiburg or by taking advantage of internship programs like RISE.”
Denton and the other researchers are attempting to combine the light harvesting power of photosynthesis with technology that could be used in a photovoltaic cell. (Photovoltaics is the technology that converts light directly into electricity.)
“An incredible intellectual commitment goes with being in the lab group here,” said Denton. “There are seminars every week where researchers update others on their progress and everyone discusses issues about the various projects.”
The internship has presented her with several fun challenges, including the development, on her own, of lab experiments.
And during her first week in Mainz, many residents countered her attempt to speak German with a question: “Do you speak English?” She sought to connect with residents in ways that went deeper than cheering for their soccer team or working alongside them. She’s been able to do that by getting involved at her host university and joining the capoeira and diving clubs.
“I hope what I’m gaining from this opportunity goes beyond clichés like ‘expanding my world view.’ I’m learning about the science, I’m improving my capoeira, I’m learning how to live on my own. I’m bursting my ‘American bubble’ and seeing a different way to live,” explained Denton.
“I’m learning what people think of America; apparently, we are stereotyped for liking rap music and thinking soccer is lame. And everyone always seems surprised by my interest in Germany and the German language.”
