Pacific University strives toward creating successful alumni that will make the student body proud. Senior Bruno Gegenhuber became just that student the moment he became a Fulbright Scholar.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates and graduate students. Gegenhuber, a biology major and creative writing minor, received the competitive Fulbright U.S. Student Award for 2016-2017.
Gegenhuber first heard about the Fulbright Award last summer when he was studying in Erlangen, Germany, through a program offered by the German Academic Exchange Service. He conducted research in a lab hospital during that time studying different genetic variants in genes that are involved in developing addiction. He then observed if there were any relationships between said genetic variants and different behaviors of alcohol addiction.
He will continue his research at the University of Erlangen in Bavaria, Germany, studying a more in depth extension of his research from the summer of 2015. His research will be conducted over a 10-month time span. All expenses will be paid for, including travel fees and housing. Gegenhuber will also receive a monthly stipend to help offset expenses.
Although the time spent conducting intense research is well regimented, Gegenhuber would like to travel if the opportunity arises.
“I would like to see more of Germany, specifically Berlin, and visit other countries like Italy if I have the chance while I’m there,” said Gegenhuber.
Gegenhuber was one of the 70 chosen to study in Germany out of approximately 300 applicants. In the future, Gegenhuber would like to pursue a career in research and is planning on applying for a doctorate program this fall.
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