Illinois State University students Grady Jacobson and Charlie Jackson embarked on a journey to Germany during the summer through the RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) Fellowship program, a prestigious opportunity that allowed them to immerse themselves in innovative research and gain experience in an international setting.
Administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the RISE Fellowship provides undergraduate students from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland with the chance to work in research labs across Germany. This highly selective program is designed for students with a keen interest in pursuing scientific research as a career.
Dr. Jan-Ulrik Dahl, associate professor of microbiology and the Dr. Fred Gletten Endowed Chair of Biological Sciences, introduced Jacobson and Jackson to the opportunity. Dahl said the program is competitive with low funding rates, and it’s an honor for two students from Illinois State to be selected.
Jacobson, a junior biochemistry major, spent 10 weeks at Ruhr University Bochum working on a project that explored the bacterial pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. His research focused on understanding how this pathogen adapts to various environmental conditions. Jacobson described his work as “trying to characterize the ways the pathogen monitors itself under different environmental conditions.”
He said the research was challenging and highly specialized, which made the experience even more important. “The most rewarding part was working as an independent researcher,” Jacobson said. “I got to see my projects from start to finish and present my findings to the entire lab group.”
Jackson, a senior majoring in molecular and cellular biology, also experienced hands-on research in Germany. He studied Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a bacterium that causes plant tumors. Jackson’s research aimed to understand how the bacterium survives in the acidic environment of plants. “We looked at a gene regulator that manages the pH level inside the bacteria,” Jackson explained. “This regulator helps the bacteria survive and reproduce inside the plant.”
Both students found their research opportunities in Germany to be different from their experiences at Illinois State, where their main focus is on academics. Jacobson appreciated that, in Germany, “you really get to spend your entire time in the lab.”
Illinois State’s School of Biological Sciences helped prepare Jacobson and Jackson for success in Germany. “Dr. Dahl has provided us with a valuable opportunity, guiding us through every step of the research process, from his lab to our future endeavors,” Jacobson said.
The application process for the RISE Fellowship begins during the fall semester, with applications due in December. Selected candidates are notified by late February. Jacobson and Jackson were able to take full advantage of their time abroad, exploring various German cities and experiencing European culture firsthand. Jackson also had the chance to travel, visiting cities like Hamburg, Bremen, and Nuremberg. He even attended a research conference in Heidelberg.
Dahl, who wrote letters of recommendation for both students, highlighted their outstanding academic records and commitment to research. “Both students are academically outstanding,” he said. “They’ve contributed datasets to publications from my lab and have shown a strong dedication to their research projects.”
Jackson and Jacobson have ambitious plans for their futures. Jacobson aims to pursue graduate studies in biomedical sciences with a focus on virology, targeting top institutions like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Northwestern. Jackson plans to continue his education with a Ph.D. in a related field, leveraging the skills and insights gained during his time in Germany.
“The collaborative nature of the lab in Germany was incredible,” Jacobson said. “Everyone was looking out for one another, helping us reach our goals, answering our questions, and grow toward our future.”
