Jessie Liu wearing a white lab coat and goggles while handling a white long pippette-like equipment on a table with tubes and a fire extinguisher hung against the wall next to her work table

Jessie's Story

Jessie Liu '24 worked on synthesizing and modifying gold nanoparticles in Regensburg, Germany, during the summer of 2022 while also organizing Chemistry classes for MISTI's Global Teaching Labs. 

I worked in the Baeumner Lab at the University of Regensburg, working under Professor Axel Duerkop, but with PhD candidate, Florian Blaser, as my direct supervisor. In the lab, I synthesized and modified gold nanoparticles of varying sizes for the use in lateral flow assays (such as COVID-19 self-diagnostic tests and pregnancy tests) so that they can be read out quantitatively instead of giving a simple yes or no answer. In addition, I attended weekly group seminars as part of the working group. In addition, we also were involved in GTL (global teaching labs). Under Professor Oliver Tepner, we helped organize two experimental teaching days with other chemistry education students at Uni Regensburg. We prepared lessons and materials to teach local German students chemistry topics that overlapped with their current educational curriculum.

  • A table with a bottle of dark purple liquid half full and a blue tray of opened and closed small test tubes
"This experience has truly changed my life and taught me so many things about myself, such as learning to live responsibility and independently. I lived through a lifetime of experiences, traveled to six different countries, and met so many incredible people along the way. I will always remember this summer as one of the best summers of my life."
Jessie Liu '24
Major & Class Year
Computer Science and Molecular Biology & Finance '24
Location
Regensburg, Germany
MISTI Program
Internship
MISTI Host
University of Regensburg

Tian Lin's Story