HIPOLE Jena welcomes young international students and researchers who bring fresh perspectives to the field of sustainable polymer research. One such visitor is Carlyn Danese, a chemistry student from the U.S., who joined the institute through the DAAD RISE program. Her journey reflects how scientific collaboration, cultural curiosity, and institutional support can open doors – both professionally and personally.
Our PR student assistant Elizaveta met Carlyn for a coffee and talked about her stay in Jena.
Elizaveta Dolgaleva: Hi Carlyn, first of all, thank you for finding time. I would start our talk with a general question about your motivation to come to Germany and HIPOLE Jena in particular. What motivated you to participate in the HIPOLE Jena research activity in Germany?
Carlyn Danese: A few things, really – the language and German culture, the music (especially Roland Kaiser! I visited his concert in Leipzig and saw him in real life! Now I am absolutely happy about it!), and great funding opportunities like the DAAD RISE program. All of that came together and made this experience possible and most wanted for me.
Elizaveta: Music, language and funding opportunities – what a beautiful and original mix for motivation! Tell us a bit more about you, where are you originally from, and why was going abroad important to you?
Carlyn: I’m from Baltimore, Maryland, on the East Coast of the U.S. It was really important for me to get international experience outside of America. I’m actually the first person in my family to ever travel to another country, so this was a big step for me personally.
Elizaveta: I can imagine – it is a big step forward for you, both personally and professionally. Why was Germany, among all countries, your top choice? And why Jena specifically?
Carlyn: Germany has such a strong reputation in the field of chemistry – it’s one of the founding places of modern chemistry, historically speaking. I also had a growing interest in the German language and culture, so it all made sense. It’s indeed great, that the DAAD RISE program and HIPOLE Jena made this possible!
Elizaveta: I absolutely agree! Can you tell us a bit about your research project?
Carlyn: Sure! My project is polymer-related. I’m working on modifying porous carbon materials to improve their CO₂ absorption. It’s mainly experimental research – very exciting and very relevant to current environmental challenges.
Elizaveta: How long are you staying in Germany?
Carlyn: I’m here from May through August, and then I’ll head back to the U.S.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Carlyn, we wish you continued success in your research and many more international adventures ahead! It would be great to meet you again someday in the future.