Karsten Wehmeier  

Home Institution
Universität Lüneburg

Host Institution(s)
Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston
Office for Technology Licensing and Industry Collaboration
 Mentors:
Margaret (Peggy) E. Newell, MBA, JD, Vice Provost, Tufts University Medical School
Nina Green, MS, Director, Office for Technology Licensing and Industry Collaboration

E-Mail: karsten.wehmeier@gmx.net
Personal Reactions to the U.S. Experience
After I had made the decision to go to a foreign country to finalize my dissertation project, I told my Professor in Lueneburg about my plan. By a fluke, he had had a telephone call from Prof. Stolte, who had told him about his Academic Year Program and the possibility to apply for the last scholarship. This information set the ball rolling: applying as a “Management Man” for a Science Exchange Program and then for a visa, quitting my job, and taking leave three months after receiving the “Go” for Boston!
With this background I had the right attitude towards "The Land of Opportunity", where things will work out and nothing is impossible. And, so far, everything has worked out for me. Boston was the best place to be influenced by ambitious, intelligent, and international people. I lived there the key competencies of my research work (to be international and interdisciplinary,) without thinking about it. I have never met so many different nations at one place, and, with my economic background among all kinds of sciences, we were every time interdisciplinary (even by going out).
This Exchange Program, with the uncountable experiences I could collect, is one of the most important steps in my personal and professional life. I thank Prof. Hilmar Stolte, Prof. Juergen Simon, Laurie Williams, my host institution, my friends and family for their support.
Greatest Difficulties Encountered
There are no "Difficulties" in the American workplace and attitude to life! Anything less than being positive and upbeat actually comes across as being negative. Difficulties = Challenges
Most humorous incidents
  • Enjoying a barbecue outside in the snow with my American roommates in February
  • Noticing that Bostonians don't like President Bush
  • Seeing American girls in mini-skirts next to me, when I was wearing gloves and boots
Helpful Hints for Future Students
  • You need a lot of money in Boston!
  • You should ask people personally for more hints!
  • You should give your children international names in the future! (Karsten in AE = Carson, Castle, What's your name?)

Karsten Wehmeier at the Office for Technology Licensing and Industry Collaboration, Tufts University Boston

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