“The moment I stepped out of the lab, the sky above Berlin transformed. A sudden downpour ceased as swiftly as it had begun, leaving in its wake a vivid rainbow arching across the Berliner Himmel. It was my first unforgettable brush with the city’s “unberechenbar” weather—a local term for the unpredictable that I soon learned to embrace.”
Having called two continents my home, I was now ready to immerse myself in the rhythm of a third. As summer unfolded, Berlin welcomed me—an eager research intern from distant shores, eager to dive into both the city’s vibrant culture and cutting-edge science.
One of my favorite places to unwind is by the tranquil waters of Wannsee Lake and the Spree River, where I take time to relax. The surrounding areas, including Zehlendorf and Schlachtensee, boast wonderful trails perfect for running. These paths also lead into the serene Grunewald Forest, a peaceful haven that houses Teufelsberg, the highest point in the forest and a fantastic spot to visit. Additionally, I’ve discovered a trail in Hundeauslaufgebiet Düppel, situated on the fine border between Berlin and Brandenburg, leading all the way to Checkpoint.
Bravo. One of the sparkling highlights of my internship was the savory delight of Berlin’s famed doner kebabs, enjoyed in the lively company of friends, crafting moments that would lodge themselves fondly in memory. A hidden treasure we stumbled upon as summer students was Holzmarkt, a vibrant enclave nestled by the Spree River. Here, amidst the pulse of the city, we mingled with locals, absorbing the authentic spirit of Berlin. The atmosphere of Holzmarkt, always brimming with cheer, bestowed upon us a wonderful aura, making it a cherished retreat in the heart of the city.
Nestled within the confines of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), I delved into the complexities of Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis. As a newcomer to the field of crystallography, the guidance of my mentor, Kaustuv Datta, was invaluable, bringing clarity to a subject that was initially obscure. We concentrated on the ferroelectric structures of perovskite oxides, materials intriguingly poised at their morphotropic phase boundaries (MPB). At these junctures, the materials transition from ferroelectric to piezoelectric states, revealing subtle yet profound changes deep within their atomic structures. This close examination at the atomic level enriched my understanding of how various cations influence both the structure and functionality of these materials.
As someone with a passion for travel, I had the opportunity to explore several stunning locations during my time abroad. I visited Saxon Switzerland, Prague, the Rügen Islands, and the capitals of Scandinavia, each place offering its own unique beauty and charm. These journeys allowed me to deepen my understanding of different European cultures. One of the highlights was traveling to Sweden by boat across the Baltic Sea from Germany, an unforgettable experience that showcased the serene beauty of the northern waters.
This internship underscored the vital importance of consistency, patience, and motivation. Often, the results were unexpected, and the intricacies of the parameters initially eluded me. A pivotal piece of advice from my mentor was to delve deeper into each challenge and take ownership of the dataset, emphasizing the crucial role of robust data. Moreover, maintaining authenticity and occasionally stepping back to reassess a problem from a fresh angle proved invaluable. Persistence and a steadfast belief in finding solutions no matter the obstacle were instrumental in navigating through the complexities of my research.
On the author:
Hithesh Rai Purushotham is a rising Senior at Arizona State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in electrical and electronic engineering. He has a strong passion for renewable energy. Beyond his academic interests, Hithesh enjoys traveling and hiking.
Berlin, more than a mere backdrop for academic pursuit, emerged as a vibrant canvas for personal and cultural exploration—a living classroom where each street and skyline narrated its own compelling tale.