Sophomore biochemistry major earns German scholarship

Elizabeth Jaensch, a sophomore biochemistry major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will conduct research in Germany this summer through the DAAD RISE scholarship program. The RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) program provides summer internships in Germany for students to conduct research in biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences and engineering.

Jaensch, from Naperville, Ill., will conduct research on genomes and plant breeding in Cologne.

"I think this RISE internship will really give me a lot of valuable experience," she said. "It will allow me to participate fully in epigenetic research, which is my area of interest."

At UNL, Jaensch has worked in the Behavior Genetics Laboratory in the Department of Psychology with assistant professor Scott Stoltenberg. She researches the relationship between a specific gene and alcohol problems in college students.

"Going through this process with constant feedback gave me a deeper understanding about the research process outside of just conducting the experiment, and gave me confidence in my ability to organize and present research," she said.

"Elizabeth is a reliable and important member of the Behavior Genetics Lab," said Stoltenberg, who has been working with Jaensch since fall 2010. "She is dedicated to the work that we do and is clearly interested in research."

Jaensch, an Honors Program student, will participate in the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences program in the fall with Zoya Avramova, professor of biological sciences. The UCARE program lets undergraduates get involved with research early on in their careers by pairing a student with a faculty researcher.

Jaensch spent part of her childhood in Germany. She went to school in Germany for second and third grade, experiencing a new culture and a new language at a young age. Although she is excited to get reacquainted with the German life she loved, she said this trip will be a unique opportunity.

"This will be different than anything I've ever experienced I'm sure," she said. "The specific focus I think is what will really set this experience apart from any that I have had thus far, and will really contribute to my understanding of molecular research methods and will introduce me to what my future may be like if I pursue a career in research."

After she graduates in May 2013, Jaensch plans to work toward a Ph.D. in an area like molecular genetics or epigenetics. Her long-term goal is to do research at the university level.

Stoltenberg said Jaensch is a hardworking student with high academic standards. He is excited for her to have the opportunity to have in-depth exposure to research.

"Elizabeth seeks out challenges and this trait will serve her well in her scientific career," he said. "This summer research experience will position her well for a productive career in genetics. I'm grateful that Elizabeth has been a part of the Behavior Genetics Lab and I'm confident that she is on track to become a productive scientist."

RISE interns work with a doctoral student for two to three months of the summer in Germany and the scholarship provides a stipend to help cover living expenses. The scholarship has been offered in the United States since 2005.

WRITER: Christine Scalora, University Communications