Student Granted International Internship

Starting in June, IUP chemistry student Beth Leverett will be working in the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry at the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule in Aachen, Germany (RWTH Aachen). Her internship was arranged through the German Academic Exchange Service (known as DAAD) Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) program. Beth will work in the lab of Dr. Richard Dronskowski under the direction of his graduate student Manuel Krott synthesizing new transition metal cyanamides and carbodiimides and examining their magnetic properties. She will work until August 15, when she will return to the US and prepare for her Fall semester at IUP.

"The RISE program is open to undergraduates studying science or mathematics. No knowledge of German is required - the "language of the lab" is English. I have been corresponding with Mr. Krott for some time now, and his grasp of English is flawless. I already speak German, having been an exchange student to Bavaria before coming to IUP, so that will help with the day-to-day communication. Still, I know from my previous experiences in the country that English speakers can get by quite well with some patience. The program also pays a monthly stipend, which helps offset the costs of room and board, as well as the airplane ticket. It won't make you rich, but I think the experience will be well worth it. I am very excited to return to Germany. Before I go to Aachen, I will spend a few days near Munich visiting friends and host families from my previous stay. I hope to learn some "scientific" German while I am abroad and expand my knowledge of chemistry."