Students spend summer sharpening skills in Germany

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/berlinscholarships.jpg” caption=”Warren Fingrut, left, and Emilia Wilk are on exchange in Germany, contributing to the fields of influenza and nanoparticle research. “]Travel scholarships in hand, Warren Fingrut and Emilia Wilk are applying their
knowledge of biology and physics this summer in Germany.

Both have participated in the Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE)
Program, which matches undergraduate students in Canada, the US and the UK with
doctoral students in Germany, who serve as mentors.

Fingrut is a third year life sciences student who aspires to be a clinician-scientist. He is
currently working in a virology lab at the Free University of Berlin, researching a protein
in the flu virus to better understand infection and treatment.

Fingrut and his supervisor are looking at influenza A's hemagglutinin protein, the main
part of the virus recognized by the immune system. By examining three to four mutated
proteins, the team will be able to see how mutants affect the rate at which the flu virus
spreads.

“At this point we don't know the specific mechanics of the protein, only what it does,”
said Fingrut. “Understanding how it works may be helpful in finding new targets for an
antivirus drug.”

Wilk, who completed her fourth year of engineering physics and international studies, is taking courses
at the University of Duisburg-Essen while working in the Department of Physics and the
Centre for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CeNIDE).

Wilk is involved in nanoparticle research – an area of special scientific interest due to its
biomedical, optical, and electromagnetic applications.

Specifically, she is investigating a unique behaviour of nanoparticles known as “the
blinking effect.”

Under certain conditions, luminescent nanoparticles may emit light with relatively low
energy waste. However, these emissions are often inconsistent and unpredictable, hence
the term “blinking.”

“Once we understand this behaviour, we may be able to control and manipulate particles
as light sources, which has many potential applications,” said Wilk.

Aside from their research, Wilk and Fingrut have both taken the time to appreciate the
unique history and landscape of Germany.

Wilk, who knew very little about the German language at the start of the
exchange, 8 months ago, has since fallen in love with what the country has to offer.

“I don't think a language barrier should prevent students from going on exchange,” said
Wilk. “This experience has allowed me to not only explore a new culture but also
collaborate with scientists and institutions abroad.”