final post

• Overall impression – Did your stay meet your expectations?

 

My overall impression of my time in Switzerland was great. I improved my skills as a researcher, found a new area of Cognitive Science that is of interest to me and got to spend an entire summer doing what I love, both in work and in play. Unfortunately, I did not get the opportunity to meet up with any other ThinkSwissers, which is probably the only expectation my stay did not fulfill.

The research went really well. I honestly expected to get more done while over there but due to an array of different reasons, most of the work I did cannot directly be used. However, I did enough of the foundational research for the project that I am able to come back to Indiana and continue working with both Thomas Hills and a collaborator at Indiana, Linda Smith. It’s really exciting to come back with a project that is begging more questions than it has answers. It means it will be a long time before I can leave all that work in Switzerland behind!

Socially, the experience was rather difficult. I am rather fluent in German but that did not help me much in my stay. Though in lab everyone was very nice and spoke to me in high German. I was really expecting to come back able to understand Swiss German but that did not happen. I think the language barrier made conversations more contrived than normal and limited some of the subject matter that could easily be discussed. I often found myself visiting friends in Germany over the weekend because I didn’t know enough people in and around Basel to spend the weekend there. Even so, I made a few good friends that I plan to stay in good touch with. Not to mention all the lab friends I made that I will be seeing around at conferences and the such.

 

• Three positive points?

 

The community within the lab was great. I have people in Switzerland I want to stay in touch with and nearly every one of them is from my lab. The lab offered not only research support but also the social network that I needed to become part of Basel life.

The 5 day work week is enough to make me consider leaving graduate school behind. Having a 40 (okay… usually a bit more) hour workweek doing what I love was wonderful and definitely hard to give up to return to Indiana and resume classes.

Having weekends free (as opposed to filled with a combination of work, research and homework) was amazing. I was able to travel quite a bit around Switzerland as well as around Germany. I also took a couple trips to other places to present at conferences and once for a vacation. It was great to be able to see so much of Europe and to get to know Switzerland really well.

 

• Three negative points / challenges?

 

The language was probably the most challenging and frustrating thing. Being fluent in German, I expected to be able to apply and maybe even improve my German language, however the dialect in Switzerland is quite different than the high German I know.

Another challenge I found was dealing with the higher cost of everything. Food, beer, the movies, everything it seems, is more expensive in Switzerland, and with the dollar so poor… I felt more like I was living an even more extreme version of the poor student lifestyle I have become all too familiar with.

Leaving was probably the most challenging part about my stay. I was finally beginning to feel like I was part of the lab instead of just visiting. I finally found a group of friend. My project was finally moving forward and I finally felt like I knew my way around the city and the university. Not that I wasn’t ready to come home. But I could have easily stayed longer.

 

• How well were you coached and integrated in the research team?

 

Everyone in lab was great. They went out of their way to invite and include me. It was the first place in Switzerland that felt like my home. I was invited to present my previous work as well as my summer research in the group meetings as well as attend workshops and lectures set up for the lab. The RAs (Hiwis!) invited me out with their friends and became my closest friends during my time in Basel.

 

• Comparison (advantages and disadvantages) between your Swiss and your U.S. research lab, research mentality and team.

 

The lab mentalities and even types of research are very similar. Ralph Hertwig, the principle investigator and professor at Basel also helped start up the Max Planck Institute on Human Development (headed by Gerd Gigerenzer) along with Peter Todd, my research advisor at Indiana. The lab in Basel is currently a little bigger than my lab at IU, which was great as there was more of a community in Basel. Also the role of the RAs in Basel is much different than at Indiana. The RAs in Basel seem much more integrated in the lab as well as the field.

 

• Do you consider going back to Switzerland for studying, a Ph. D. program, work or on vacation?

 

I would consider going back to Switzerland for another short stay. I do not think I could do my Ph D program there as the field of Cognitive Science is still very small. I would love to work there again if money was not as much of an issue. I did a lot of traveling while in Switzerland but would love to travel some more. Getting out into the alps for longer than just a day at a time would be amazing.

2009 NCCR Climate Summer School – Grindelwald, Switzerland

I have just returned to the US following a week at the NCCR Climate Summer School in Grindelwald followed by two weeks of travel in Switzerland, France and Italy. I am so grateful to ThinkSwiss to have given me to opportunity to travel to Grindelwald to attend this summer school. From the keynote speakers to the poster sessions to discussing science and academia with my peers at dinner, the entire week was an invaluable experience. I really liked the breadth of keynote speakers that presented. I find it is very easy to get wrapped up in one’s small area of research and specialty and having a broad range of speakers from observationalists, to modelers, to economists helps to put the theme of climate change into a “big picture” perspective.

I really enjoyed meeting and talking with my peers (and likely future colleagues) from around the globe not only about the science but about how the academic system works outside of the US. I was particularly amazed by the number of languages the typical European speaks. I can barely find myself a beer and a bathroom in Mexico and most of the other participants were fluent in at least two languages and many were fluent in three or four languages.

Towards the middle of the week, we had a break from the classroom and took a half-day excursion to explore some of the gorgeous Grindelwald countryside. I went on the “Tree coring trip” led by Jan Esper, Ed Cook and David Frank. We took the cable cars above tree-line and began hiking back down into the valley. Along the way, we stopped to discuss proper tree coring techniques and took a couple of core samples. It was really fun and interesting to see the process and learn about how tree-ring data is generated. The opportunity to spend a beautiful afternoon hiking in the mountains was also great, especially since it got cold and raining the next day!

Thank you ThinkSwiss for the opportunity to attend the 2009 NCCR Climate Summer School! I hope to return to Switzerland again someday soon!

Best,

Amy

Good times in Switzerland

Grüezi mitenand!

When I left North America in August, I did not anticipate how productive I would be and how much fun I would have. At the Eawag Institute in Zurich, I was warmly welcomed by the Aquatic Ecology/Evolutionary Biology group. The students and professors have helped me with my work and encouraged me to share my research skills and experience. There is a lot of communication amongst biology graduate students in Switzerland and many students form collaborations. I've had several opportunities to learn from others. In my 5 weeks here, I have participated in a student workshop on host-parasite evolution (my research area), I am a member of a reading group, and I am writing a biological model with a Swiss PhD student. With so many opportunities to talk with grad students, I am learning more each day and coming up with new ideas for experiments. As an aspiring scientist, I thrive on these interactions. Switzerland seems to be a hotspot for research in evolutionary biology!

I am also having a lot of fun outside the institute! I have hiked in the beautiful Alps (I enjoy seeing the cows with bells), and toured Bern and Zurich, both on my own and with Swiss students. When travelling, I try to learn and use new words in Swiss German. I have even ordered food, train tickets, and beer in Swiss German. Many people in Zurich and other big cities speak english, but I think they appreciate any effort to speak bits of their language.

My time here has been filled with professional and personal adventures (as well as yummy chocolate), and the best part is....I still have 6 weeks left!

Tschüss!

Final Report of Julian Wang

Hi everyone,

I have came back to Texas A&M University and started a new semester. The period of time in EPFL is very important for my Ph.D. research and enriching academic experiences.

During the visiting period, I took part in several academic seminars and an interesting workshop. The one-week workshop is related to the use of digital tools (Processing software from MIT) for architectural production. It scripted from form to architecture, and a sustainable design related to solar panel. All of results were generated through parametric design engines of Processing program. The workshop provide the capacity of digital media to iterate form, simulate behavior, and evaluate performance, which promises to satisfy both the social imperative for pragmatics and the sustainability pursuit of innovation.

Also, we discussed the possibility of future collaborative research. The topic will involve the "Sentient buildings" through the RP technology and bio-sensors for forming energy efficient design methods to achieve healthy indoor air quality. This topic relates to my Ph.D. research at TAMU, so we are trying to establish an academic way for exchanging different ideas and facilitating the final expected outcomes. The different weather conditions of Lausanne and Houston vary the energy usage for buildings in terms of healthy air quality. Also, this present us with the bilateral insight into the common goal of healthy air environments and energy efficiency, and in turn generating a completed research achievement with characteristic weather conditions to propel innovative architectural design.

In sum, the experience of research in EPFL provides me a valuable opportunity to learn some new knowledge and skills for my future research, and to establish a potential long-term academic network as well. Furthermore, the field trips for some interesting architectural projects in Switzerland enrich my professional experiences. Finally, I deeply appreciate the support of ThinkSwiss program and the suggestions from the department of Bilateral Reserach Cooperation. I wish to find a way with ThinkSwiss program and EPFL laboratory to go back Switzerland for potential academic collaboration in future.


Best,

Julian

Conclusion of the ThinkSwiss Experience

To conclude and summarize our time as ThinkSwiss scholars, the administration has asked us to provide some post-experience remarks. Below are my comments.

JB

• Overall impression – Did your stay meet your expectations?

My stay in Switzerland met my expectations. During the week I was able to work on my research. On the weekends I had the opportunity to explore Switzerland. In my field (Finance) work on my dissertation is mostly independent. But at UNIL I was able to regularly discuss my research with faculty.

• Three positive points?

1. The faculty were very helpful and willing to spend time working with me.
2. I was provided with the resources necessarily to properly conduct research.
3. The ease of transition to living in Switzerland for three months was generally easy.

• Three negative points / challenges?

1. Switzerland is a relatively expensive place to live – funding could be more.
2. Three months is not enough time to finish a research project, having a longer term option would also be good.
3. More official meetings with the other ThinkSwiss scholars and the administration to further build relationships would be nice.

• How well were you coached and integrated in the research team?

I was integrated into the department almost immediately. I believe I had more face time with faculty than many of the other PhD students

• Comparison (advantages and disadvantages) between your Swiss and your U.S. research lab, research mentality and team.

Advantages of U.S.:

1. PhD students were a more cohesive group.
2. Faculty has a broader range of interests.

Advantages of Switzerland:

1. Fewer people in the department and so easier to know everyone’s work.
2. PhD students had more resources available to them.
   

• Do you consider going back to Switzerland for studying, a Ph. D. program, work or on vacation?

Yes, I would like to work in Switzerland in the near future.

Back in USA - Final Report for ThinkSwiss 09

It's been about 2 weeks since I've left Switzerland for Chicago, the city as busy as usual and stands as a stark contrast to the summer scene in the peaceful Lausanne.

Reflecting back upon the past 3 months, I found my experiences in Switzerland probably some of the most eye-opening and rewarding ones. The stay in Lausanne was pleasant - the peaceful city provides the luxury of a peaceful European summer, as well as the academic rigours of doing research abroad. It didn't only meet my expectations, but more importantly demystified some of the false impressions I had for Europe in general.

The three biggest gains for me from this trip would probably have to be the experience to research in an international setting, hiking in the Swiss Alps & experience the European wilderness, and not to mention the experience of doing research full-time and immersing in the (before this) seemingly far-fetched "academia".

Researching with an international team at EPFL not only made me realize how individuals from difference backgrounds bring to the table different perspective in research, but also catalyzed interesting cultural & philosophical discussion. My stay with the Laboratory of Computational Systems Biotechnology certainly has been an intellectually rewarding one. Being here certainly enabled me to take a glimpse into the life of a graduate student, and - in a good way - provoked me to think about graduate school options while deciding whether it is academia or industry I'd like to get into upon graduation.

Also, being in Central Europe for the first time, I've learned to realize the beauty that lies within the Swiss Alps, as well as the European countryside. Hiking in Europe (Switzerland & Germany, in particular) absolutely quench my thirst for nature, not to mention keeping me in shape - something not easy to do as a rising senior in an American university.

On the flip side, three largest challenges that I had in Switzerland has got to be interacting with the people (general public), language, and culture. Being in Switzerland actually made me realize how much I'm used to the American lifestyle. Having adjusted to shops closing at 7pm, I slowly realized the true meaning of "work-life balance". However on top of that, not being able to speak French and only proficient in High German has been one of the most challenging experience living in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Boy are the Swiss-French proud of their language - in a good way, certainly. But perhaps having intensive language courses for us ThinkSwiss researchers will be a good way to transition into this beautiful culture. One largest regret that I'll have is not being able to immerse in the local culture during my time in Switzerland, just because I don't speak the language.

To talk in depth about my research experience, it would probably be best to start with my interaction with my fellow lab-mates. As I mentioned about the international research team that we have in the lab, everyone seems eager to get to know one another and their cultural background. This made integrating into the lab easier for me, a cultural enthusiast. My mentor was actually from around my home country, and we share very, very similar culture. It was personally motivating working with someone so dedicated, and who is also a good mentor.

The research setting and the mindset of researchers at EPFL seems to fall into the sheer focus in science and the passion of understanding the world around us, and less diverse as the American experience of gaining a broad experience in science, applications, and business. For me personally, I love the focus of the Swiss research experience, but at the same time miss the application & business mentality commonly found in American institutions. I'm not sure if I would come back to CH for my PhD studies - language barrier to integrate into the social life is a big impediment - but would absolutely love to come back for research again for a short period. In fact I'm already planning my Winter 2011 ski trip to back in CH and the Europe already!

Overall however, my experience in Switzerland really is one that I will never forget: The determination & enthusiasm of researchers at EPFL certainly further consolidated my intention to pursue graduate studies; the amazing people I met introduced me to new ways of seeing the world; the Swiss culture taught me the importance of work-life balance; and more importantly, the European countryside & scenery inspired me in ways never before.

NCCR Climate Summer School: A US Student Perspective

Bess Koffman
PhD student in Earth Sciences, University of Maine, USA

I just finished a week of NCCR Climate summer school, a yearly course for about 70 students from around the world. I was one of the lucky five American students who got a grant from ThinkSwiss to attend the summer school. I feel so fortunate to have studied with superstar scientists like Thomas Stocker, Heinz Wanner, Jurg Beer and Bette Otto-Bliesner. They all taught me a lot and helped to put what I have learned so far in graduate school into perspective—the “big picture” of global climate research. I do not doubt this week will influence my thinking about my own research and will help my career through all the relationships I have made this week.

I found the twelve keynote lectures to be clear and relevant; they followed a progression from big-picture paleoclimate understandings (how we know what we know) to current and future impacts of climate change. The structure of the week facilitated the absorption of lots of information, both from the lectures and from student poster sessions. These led to engaging and helpful conversations and possible future collaborations. In addition, we participated in workshops and a field trip where we got to see the area’s glacially carved landscape and the receding Grindelwald Glacier.

In addition to the clear scientific benefit of this summer school, it provided a forum for cross-cultural exchanges among students from all around the world. The very first night at dinner, I found myself at a table of eight women students from almost as many countries. After we exchanged pleasantries, we got into a lively conversation about common issues we face as graduate students and as women. We discussed our program requirements, teaching and publishing expectations, male/female faculty ratios, childbearing, and the so-called “two-body problem.” It was interesting to hear that problems at US institutions such as very few women faculty in the physical sciences and subtle discouragement of having children in academia were virtually the same in many European universities. While I am certain that the situation for women scientists has improved over the past few decades, it is also disappointing to see how far we have to go in terms of gaining equality in academia and finding a workable balance between family and career. I hope my generation—both male and female—can help make some important changes.

This was my first visit to Switzerland, and I am so happy I have not put it off any longer! My impressions of Switzerland are of a modernized, clean, punctual country. I am impressed by Swiss engineering and the care taken to details as simple as a showerhead and as large and complicated as a national train system. I found travel here to be very easy, and everywhere I went, people spoke English. While this makes things convenient for me as an American, I feel rather embarrassed that my educational system does not require the knowledge of more languages. In high school and college, I studied Spanish, probably the most useful language for travel in the western hemisphere. I think that unlike the US, Swiss people’s mastery of languages (and the four national languages of Switzerland) speaks to a culture where travel and communication are valued.

Grindelwald, where I spent the week, is a gem. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is surrounded by snowy mountains with sheer cliffs and steep grassy pastures inhabited by cows ringing bells as they graze. I felt that I had stepped back in time as I watched farmers cut and rake hay by hand. They worked hillsides so steep that one could easily tumble down them if not careful. Everywhere, flowers grew, both wild and cultivated. Geraniums are the cultivated flower of choice, and window boxes throughout the town overflowed with red and pink blooms. I enjoyed in particular the vegetable gardens, tucked into backyards and onto steep hill slopes and packed with large, healthy-looking greens, squash, beans, berries and, of course, flowers. I appreciated the variety of salad greens in particular—cultivars of chicory, endive, escarole, radicchio and lettuce that I have just started to grow in my home garden in Maine. I’m sure I could learn a lot from the old gardeners of Grindelwald.

In addition, I have noticed not a single obese person in Switzerland. People here seem to have a much healthier perspective on food than us Americans. I don’t know if it’s portion control, or simply living in such a mountainous country—but there must be something about the quality of food eaten here that promotes health. Unfortunately, I noticed a much higher rate of smoking in my travels here compared to the USA. I think by now, smoking is outlawed at all restaurants and most bars/pubs in the US. Some states, such as Maine where I live, have banned smoking in cars with young children, and my university just became smoke-free this year. I hope that Switzerland can follow suit by limiting smoking in public places.

Overall, I feel exceedingly grateful to have had this opportunity to visit Switzerland and to study with leading scientists in my field. I am impressed with the Swiss research program and the breadth of research conducted at institutions such as ETH Zurich and the University of Bern. I would certainly consider returning to Switzerland for a postdoctoral position or to do research in the future. Thank you, ThinkSwiss, for bringing me to Switzerland!!