2017-2018 Fulbright Study/Research Fellow
Name: Kyle Karinshak
Country: Germany
UH Affiliation: Ph.D. Student, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Research Abstract: Lean NOx Traps are an emerging field of emission control which could play a vital role in combating atmospheric pollution; understanding how sulfur affects LNTs is paramount, yet research in this area is sparse. Over a ten-month period at the German Karlsruhe Institute of Technology under Dr. Olaf Deutschmann, I believe that I can model these sulfur/LNT interactions, provide insight into designing better LNTs, and ultimately reduce pollution.
Why did you apply for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program?
Studying overseas has always been a goal of mine, a goal I was unable to realize as an undergraduate student. The Fulbright Study/Research Fellowship provide this opportunity in addition to the chance to perform research under one of the preeminent scholars in my field. I am incredibly excited to learn more about Germany, its culture and people, while contributing to the fight to reduce vehicular emissions.
What was the most challenging aspect of the Fulbright application process?
The hardest aspect of the Fulbright application process for me personally was the significant introspection that is necessary to craft a personal statement. Working my way through my history, as well as that of my family, in order to find threads with which I could create my narrative was a time consuming and at times frustrating process. Drafting the personal statement easily consumed the lionshare of my time spent working on this application.
What is one interesting thing you learned about yourself when developing your application essays and materials?
I don’t think that there was any grand revelations for myself as I wrote these essays; rather, in developing them I had to really examine who I was, what I was doing, and what I wanted to do. Writing the personal statement really forced me to scrutinize and structure the narrative of my life in a way I had never really had to before. The final product was something that I can continually refer to and say, “If you want to understand me, read this.”