Subject: Fulbright stay at the TU Graz
To: Friends in New York City
Hello to New York City!
I discovered TU Graz through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, which emphasizes cultural exchange—an aspect that deeply appealed to me. What specifically drew me was my late colleague, Daniel Lepek, who spoke so fondly of his time at TU Graz. After researching various international Fulbright positions, I kept returning to TU Graz. I admired its interdisciplinary structure. Being selected as this year’s Fulbright Scholar is an incredible honor, allowing me to spend five months in Austria exchanging science, pedagogy, and food! I get to teach two of my favorite courses—Drug Formulation and Delivery and Biomaterials-Tissue Interactions. Also, I plan to build new research connections with my home institute here, the Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Biobased Systems (IBioSys). Lastly, I’m bringing my pedagogy research, incorporating entrepreneurial mindset education into the classroom.
Being selected as this year’s Fulbright Scholar is an incredible honor, allowing me to spend five months in Austria exchanging science, pedagogy, and food!
At TU Graz, IBioSys is on the new campus with state-of-the-art labs. Having worked in the pharmaceutical industry, I appreciate how the labs resemble industry—providing an excellent environment for both faculty and students. I’ve been fortunate to have the support of Tanja Wrodnigg and Karin Stana Kleinschek, who has been involved since the start of my Fulbright application. I’ve also enjoyed talking with Rupert Kargl and Tamilselvan Mohan, hoping our expertise sparks new projects. Also, a huge thank you to Zornitsa Holzbauer and Claudia Gaug at IBioSys. Lastly, the students! I aim to share my knowledge and be a resource for them.
The main difference between my home university and Graz University of Technology is how the institute is structured. At The Cooper Union, while unconventional, departments follow a traditional university model. TU Graz, however, organizes smaller, interdisciplinary institutes that foster unique collaborations. For example, IBioSys brings together experts in organic chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, polymer chemistry, and 3D printing biomaterials—fields that would typically be in separate departments elsewhere.
I love the people, architecture, and nature in Graz. Coming from NYC, it feels vastly different yet somewhat familiar. I enjoy walking everywhere and using public transportation, just with stunning mountain views. It’s incredible to see buildings older than the U.S. and to hike for kilometers with birds singing.
Best whishes
Jennifer
