My time abroad was a new and exciting experience in which I could learn, gain lab experience, and explore a different country and culture. This program was my first time outside of the U.S., so I was nervous when I first applied, not knowing what to expect.

It was not until the second week that I met my P.I. in person along with everyone else I would be pending the next 7-8 weeks in the lab. The first few weeks involved lab work under the supervision and guidance of a PhD student until I was comfortable working by myself. Overall, I got to experience creating a scientific poster, literature review, and report based on my research involving techniques I used, including dilutions, refluxing, centrifugation, and spectroscopy. I even got pictures of my researched nanomaterials on the same scale as protein molecules.

Other than working in the lab, I could explore not only Dublin but places across Ireland. While other students in the program flew to different countries to see things, I wanted to explore more of my host country. Between Dublin, Belfast, Galway, Kilkenny, Cork, Cobh, and Blarney, I saw several landscapes, islands, caves, zoos, museums, cathedrals, forts, castles, and ruins. It was interesting to learn about Irish history, from medieval times to the late 20th century. I learned more about the Irish uprisings and independence movement. I saw and learned about the strong divisions across Northern Ireland with its violent past and how it compares to today. I climbed a 900-1000-year-old monastery tower in Kilkenny, with its several surviving medieval features. I traversed a cave described in early writings as one of the three darkest places in Ireland due to a possible massacre by Vikings that occurred inside.

My time abroad expanded my learning and experience while confirming what I wish to do after graduation. It also helped me to become more independent in what I do, in and outside of work. During my last meeting with my P.I., she asked what advice I would give other students looking at studying abroad. The advice I would give is to not be afraid to ask questions and explore. It is normal to encounter issues or things we do not understand and asking for help will not hurt. Taking time to explore our surroundings is a great way to clear our heads and take a break. Breaking out of our comfort zone to do things we might not normally do will expand our experiences and help us grow as individuals. I gradually became more comfortable with asking questions when I did not understand instead of struggling through it. Nearly all of my explorations were alone, which was scary at first but gave me time to think and enjoy time from work. Overall, time abroad was an experience I am grateful to have had and recommend.

Name: Brandyn Zahs
Status: Junior
Major: Chemical Engineering
Hometown: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Program: Arcadia STEM Research in Dublin