From Inspiration to Application: My Fulbright Story

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher , standing at a bus stop on a Sunday morning in Athens, Georgia, lost in her own thoughts. Little did she know that a chance encounter with a stranger would ignite a profound reflection on her journey as a scientist and as a woman navigating the complexities of academia. As I waited for the bus, a friendly older man struck up a conversation, lamenting about the perpetual lateness of the buses but finding solace in the fact that they were free. His curiosity piqued by my accent, he inquired about my origins, and I proudly declared that I was from Portugal .   Our conversation wandered from the weather comparisons between Athens and Portugal to the food. I shared my experience of attending a basketball game and expressed my love for it. In turn, he eagerly shared everything about the football team . Unfortunately, I had not had the opportunity to see a game at the Sanford Stadium because the season had ended. He described the chaos and excitem...

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher embarking on a Fulbright journey to Athens, Georgia, armed with curiosity and a palate craving adventure. Little did I know that beyond academic pursuits, my Fulbright experience would unfold into a culinary odyssey , reshaping my notions of convenience and nourishment.   Before setting foot in Athens, I anticipated a whirlwind of fast-food meals and frozen dinners , resigned to sacrificing health for the sake of convenience. But as fate would have it, my journey unfolded quite differently. Instead of succumbing to the appeal of quick meals, I embraced the kitchen as my sanctuary, a space where creativity and economy intertwined, and I cooked most of my meals .   During the weekdays, I focused on synthesising new compounds in the lab, leveraging my skills as an organic chemist . Yet, as weekends arrived, I transitioned into a culinary enthusiast, crafting meals like a contestant on the MasterChef TV progra m , to sustain me through the ...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher, embarking on a quest to explore the intersection of art and science at the Georgia Museum of Art . February holds significance for those advocating for gender equality in science, marked by two key events: the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and the Global Women's Breakfast . These occasions serve as rallying points for individuals of all genders to actively participate in networking events aimed at overcoming barriers to gender equality in science. My journey as a woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and as a Fulbright scholar led me to the Georgia Museum of Art , where art imagery is used to deepen understanding of STEM concepts. This is not the first time I have contemplated the integration of art into STEM, realizing how art can enhance our comprehension of scientific concepts. Years ago, during an IVLP themed “Advancing Women in STEAM fields” , I visited “Outbreak” at the Smithsonian Natio...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher , venturing into the heart of Athens, Georgia, eager to witness a basketball showdown at the iconic Stegeman Coliseum , home to the Georgia Bulldogs . The Bulldogs, a name echoing dignity and ferocity, have a history dating back to 1905. Why Bulldogs ? Some say it's the Yale connection, while others believe it's the spirit of the tenacious bulldog itself.  But as is the case with my adventures, a twist awaited. My supposedly tiny purse was deemed too big for entry (it is really tiny, not nano but tiny) and it needed also to be clear, setting the stage for a dash back to the laboratory. Stripped down to essentials, I reentered the coliseum, ready to immerse in the experience.   Expecting a sea of college students, I was surprised to find families , people of all ages , all well-equipped for the occasion. The atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for a memorable night. The music , the band , the cheerleaders , the animation – it al...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher, stepping into the rich historical streets of Athens, Georgia. This time, my journey led me through the enchanting Cobbham Historic District , a self-guided tour boasting 75 points of interest , weaving between Prince Avenue and Hancock Avenue, from downtown to Athens Regional. The tour unfolded before me like a living history book, offering a glimpse into the most elaborate architecture spanning various eras - Antebellum, Federal, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and American Craftsman . The journey started at Fire Station No. 2 , a relic from 1901, setting the stage for a captivating exploration. As I ventured through this carefully planned neighbourhood, I delved into a spectrum of  architectural styles ,  traversed historical events , and crossed paths with the  influential citizens  who shaped Athens - Civil War leaders, international artists, musicians, and Pulitzer Prize winners, each contributing to the district's vibrant nar...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher , fueled by the desire to embrace every facet of her Fulbright journey and truly enjoy Georgia. Beyond the laboratory walls, there is also life — an opportunity to explore the heartbeat of Athens and beyond. So, on a Friday morning, drove by impulse or perhaps guided by destiny, I found myself purchasing a bus ticket to Augusta for the next Sunday, a two-hour journey by bus. From the beginning to the end, this was an adventure of blockbuster proportions.   The unconventional journey began with a peculiar sight: the bus departure point was a gas station. Standing there, 30 minutes early, in the cold, in front of a gas station, I observed the flow of Athens' inhabitants — their lives, their cars, their stories. It might not have been the trendiest spot, but it was the right one. As time ticked away without a bus or fellow travelers in sight, doubt sneaked in. "Oh no, what a mistake. This was a fraud. Always me!" Yet, a decision to w...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher , dreaming of a perfect transition to Athens, only to be faced with the unexpected hurdle of finding accommodation. As a Fulbright scholar , I assumed I would have access to on-campus residences. The reality? Campus housing was reserved for students, not scholars.   This pushed me into the Athens housing market . Apartments were plentiful, yet most were leased for the year, others requiring a commitment beyond the duration of my stay. Unfurnished options posed a logistical nightmare, considering my brief tenure (like the structured assembly of IKEA furniture, my work involves assembling molecules). Even with the assistance of a real estate agency and insights from fellow Fulbrighters, which proved valuable but fell short of solving the housing puzzle.   The advice to explore Airbnb emerged, a temporary solution suggested by those who had navigated similar challenges. I hesitated at the prospect of a short-term stay, for example 15 days d...

P icture this: a 38-year-old researcher , venturing into the heart of Athens, Georgia. A Fulbright grant extends beyond work; it's an opportunity to embrace life in the USA, to immerse oneself in the culture, and actively engage with the community. While this isn't my first time in the USA, I cherish exploring places on foo t, connecting with local communities . In Seattle, for instance, I'd rise early just to witness the vibrant dynamics of Pike Place Market or enjoy meals at typical places.   On a chilly Saturday morning I went to Athens downtown . Exploring the town, I marvelled at its collegial charm, with old buildings echoing tales of the past. Athens is most prominently recognised as a university town, hosting the University of Georgia , one of the oldest public universities in the United States. The presence of the university contributes significantly to the town's lively and dynamic atmosphere. The downtown area is known for its walkability, with streets lined ...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher, back in the realm of carbohydrate chemistry after years, embarking on a mission to synthesize an Apramycin derivative. Apramycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, wields bactericidal power against many gram-negative bacteria and have a unique bicyclic sugar moiety and a monosubstituted deoxystreptamine. The organic chemistry laboratory at the University of Georgia Athens is a haven of cutting-edge equipment. Top science demands top-notch tools, and this lab is no exception. Glass plates rule the realm of routine TLCs, offering better elution than their aluminum counterparts. The chromatography purification is guided not just by TLC but also by mass spectrometry, and even test tubes are disposable to save both money and time.   Among this scientific haven, colleagues are a source of motivation, tirelessly engaged in their work. The cozy meeting room avoids PowerPoint for good old-fashioned board discussions. Pen and "paper" take precedence,...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher navigating the whirlwind of adaptation during the first week in Athens. Jet-lagged and rising at 2, 4, and 6 am, I found comfort in the warm smiles and hospitality that greeted me each day. Bus rides became a joyous experience, marked by genuine smiles and gratitude shared between passengers and drivers.   Among the friendly atmosphere, there were, of course, a few bumps in the road. Of course, I am Carina from the Californians...One morning it was raining cats and dogs. Without an umbrella, Uber came to my rescue. Then, there was the day I decided to explore the campus on foot, following the squirrels, only to find myself without internet. I then, go back to the place that I knew. Athens, however, has an incredible bus app, but no bus in sight. Uber, again come to my rescue.   Learning the ropes came with its own set of challenges. One day, determined not to miss the bus, I left in a hurry, and I left my purse in the laboratory with my r...

Picture this: a  a 38-year-old  tired traveler, arriving in Athens, Georgia, after a long journey from Lisbon to Boston and Atlanta. Ready for rest, fate had other plans. The code to my new home was silent, echoing the challenges of the past. In the dark, tired, and far from home, I faced a dilemma. After an unlucky visa process, why would the code cooperate?  Desperate to contact the landlord, I had only an email and no phone number. Meanwhile, a frightening neighbor started yelling, "Move," "Go Away." Was this a scam or just another twist in my blockbuster tale? Too tired to decipher, I opted for a hotel. Exhausted, I called an Uber, found a hotel, and thought, “Tomorrow, I'll solve this.”   At the hotel, I just wanted a bed, but the lady flooded me with questions. “King-size bed?” I thought, “I'd sleep on a couch.”   Morning brought an email – a glitch in the system, an apology from the landlord. Relief washed over me as I realized my misadventure wasn...

Picture this: a 38-year-old researcher, on the edge of a journey that was once uncertain, now certain. After four months of anticipation and challenges, during the visa waiting period , my Fulbright journey is about to begin. These past months have been a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by the anxiety of waiting and the difficulty of planning research and life without a clear departure date. During this uncertainty, I found comfort in writing, a constant companion during challenging times. As I awaited my visa, I channeled my energy into three papers that had been lingering on my to-do list. Writing became a source of stability, a way to navigate the unknown.    Yet, the anxiety of the past four months also prompted reflection. It led me to consider the significance we attribute to work, career plans, and research pursuits. The meticulous plans I had made for the year, centred around the Fulbright Program, were disrupted.  It led me to question the feasibility of maint...

Picture this a 38-year-old researcher , a calendar marked for a journey that never was, and a heart filled with both anticipation and disappointment. Just a week ago, I should have been on a plane to Atlanta, embarking on my Fulbright adventure . Instead, I find myself in a paradoxical state of stillness, caught between eagerness and patience. Over the past weeks, I have written and sent countless emails, filed documents, and made calls in pursuit of that essential visa. I have sent so many emails that they might even be considering me for a role in the secret service – after all, someone so determined to work is bound to raise a few eyebrows! Or maybe my photo is just hanging on their “Top Correspondents” wall!  Now, I have come to accept that there is nothing more I can do but wait. October, perhaps mid-October, is the supposed time of visa arrival. Or, if luck favours, it might arrive earlier (please, please, please! ). The flight I had once booked with such certainty has ...