Full Circle: How My Fulbright Fellowship Shaped the Scientist—and Person—I Am Becoming

As my Fulbright fellowship in Germany nears its close, I’ve been reflecting on the many layers of transformation I’ve experienced over the past year. This journey has been far more than a professional stepping stone—it has been a turning point in how I understand science, culture, resilience, and ultimately, myself.

When I first applied for the Fulbright, I was driven by a strong desire to deepen my research in neuroscience and to expand my scientific network internationally. I was eager to immerse myself in a new research environment and work alongside leading scientists at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin. But what I didn’t fully grasp at the time was just how much this cultural and professional exchange would trigger a broader awakening in me—of creativity, of purpose, and of identity.

Science and Creativity Rooted in Culture and Resilience

Working in Berlin, I found myself energized by the intellectual rigor of my colleagues, the collaborative spirit of the research community, and the deeply interdisciplinary approach of the German scientific system. Yet, some of my most profound moments of insight didn’t happen under a microscope—they happened in cafés, in conversations with peers from around the world, and in quiet moments navigating everyday life in a new culture.

What surprised me most was how much my scientific creativity was influenced by the cultural environment around me. The slower, more intentional pace of life in Germany, combined with the diversity of thought and tradition, gave me the space to approach scientific questions with fresh eyes. I began to see how resilience—a theme central to my research in stress neurobiology—was not just a biological mechanism, but a lived experience that spanned generations, borders, and disciplines. My own journey as a Haitian-American woman in science became a powerful lens through which I engaged with both the science I was doing and the people I was meeting.

The Gift of Slowing Down

Coming from a fast-paced U.S. academic environment, I was accustomed to juggling multiple deadlines, grants, presentations, and experiments at once. Slowing down felt, at first, like a challenge. But I quickly came to understand that slowing down was not about doing less—it was about being more intentional.

This shift gave me time to refocus on what mattered most in my research: asking the right questions, digging deeper into data, and building meaningful collaborations. It also encouraged me to reconnect with why I became a scientist in the first place—not just to publish papers, but to uncover knowledge that could one day improve lives.

Slowing down also helped me develop more effective cross-cultural communication skills. Working in a multilingual environment required me to be thoughtful, patient, and clear in how I expressed ideas. I learned to listen more carefully, to read between the lines, and to recognize the deep value in perspectives different from my own. These are not just soft skills—they are essential tools for any global scientist.

Culture as a Bridge, Not a Barrier

Living abroad also gave me a renewed appreciation for the richness of culture—and how it shapes the way people view science, work, and life itself. Germany taught me that there is no single right way to approach problems or structure a career. What matters most is the ability to listen, adapt, and build bridges across difference.

One of the most powerful takeaways from this experience is that in order to truly communicate across cultures, we have to make active efforts to understand them. That means learning the language, yes—but also understanding local values, histories, and systems. This kind of empathy is essential not only in science, but in diplomacy, policy, and everyday human connection.

Revisiting the Immigrant Experience—Again

This year also brought me back into the complex emotions of migration. As someone who immigrated to the U.S. as a child, I am no stranger to the challenges of starting over in a new country. Yet going through it again as an adult—navigating a different bureaucracy, adapting to a new language, and building a support system from scratch—was humbling.

It reminded me that transitioning as an immigrant is never easy, no matter how many degrees or credentials one holds. It also showed me how much more efficient and compassionate immigration systems need to be—especially for skilled professionals who have so much to contribute to their host countries. In a world increasingly shaped by global mobility, we must do better at creating clear and fair pathways to residency and long-term integration.

A Journey That Changed Me

Professionally, I’ve grown more focused, strategic, and collaborative. Personally, I’ve grown more grounded, self-aware, and resilient. This fellowship expanded not just my CV, but my heart and mind. I’ve developed a clearer sense of what kind of scientist—and human being—I want to be.

My worldview has grown immeasurably. I now see science not just as a tool for discovery, but as a powerful platform for dialogue between cultures. I’ve gained lifelong friendships, a deeper understanding of international research ecosystems, and a more holistic sense of my place in the world.

As I look toward the next chapter—whether continuing my postdoctoral work, applying for new fellowships, or contributing to policy around global research—I carry with me the lessons, the stories, and the spirit of this incredible journey.

Final Thoughts

To the Fulbright Commission, the Max Delbrück Center, my mentors, colleagues, and the people of Berlin: thank you. Thank you for welcoming me, for challenging me, and for allowing me to grow in ways I never expected. This has been a life-changing year—one that has reshaped my identity as a scientist, expanded my sense of home, and reaffirmed my belief in the power of cultural exchange.

To future Fulbrighters or anyone considering a leap into the unknown: do it. You might not come back the same, and that’s a beautiful thing.

With gratitude and hope for what lies ahead,

Nella Christie Delva, Ph.D.

Fulbright Fellow | Neuroscientist | Global Citizen