Bee brains and beer filled my summer abroad. You might consider this an intriguing combination, but definitely not a complimentary pair. In Germany, though, where tradition, culture and science thrive, the two fit together quite well.

I learned this over the course of ten weeks while conducting research on the olfactory pathway of the honeybee brain as a BRAVO! student in Professor Dr. Wolfgang Roessler’s laboratory at the University of Wuerzburg in Wuerzburg, Germany. Amidst this enriching neurobiological research experience, I immersed myself in the German way of life. In its entirety, the experience was the best of my life.

My path to Germany began after almost one year as a UBRP student in Dr. Leslie Tolbert’s laboratory in the Arizona Research Laboratories Division of Neurobiology. In that amount of time, I learned an immense amount but my drive to learn more as well as to challenge myself drew me to experience scientific research outside the United States—doing so would allow me to better my understanding of the global reach of science as well as broaden my horizons in respect to life outside of the States.

So, why bee brains? The olfactory pathway of insects and humans are quite alike, particularly on the cellular level, thus making insects a useful model system in which to study such neural circuitry. In humans, odorants from the air bind to receptors in our nasal cavities. In turn, signals are produced which propagate along olfactory receptor neuron axons. Axons of a single receptor cell type then terminate in compartments, known as glomeruli, located within the olfactory bulb of the brain. Similarly in the honeybee, axons from receptors located along the antennae of the bee extend down the antennal nerve and terminate in glomeruli within the antennal lobes. The focus of my research abroad was to explore how olfactory receptor neuron axons sort as they enter the antennal lobe and investigate what role glial cells—the brain’s other main cell type, other than neurons—might play in the process. Understanding how multiple axons of one receptor cell type come together to converge on a single odor-specific glomerulus will help us to further comprehend how neural circuitry forms, with ultimate implications for how the human brain ‘wires’ itself.

What about the beer? Well, beer is one of the great German traditions. With a seemingly endless number of small-town breweries scattered across the lush green landscape of the country, it is nearly impossible not to partake in the ways of the people. Meeting with my lab mates for a beer at a biergarten was normal. Beware though, dare not drink a beer in Germany without clanking mugs with your friends and saying a hearty “Prost!” (“Cheers!”), as this is part of the tradition. You are deceived though if you believe that beer is one of the few highlights of Germany, along with bratwurst and lederhosen. Much to the contrary, Germany is a country full of history, rich in culture and tradition, and filled with genuine and friendly people.

I was warmly embraced by my colleagues in the Roessler lab, which made for a seamless transition into living abroad. Truly, it is not easy going to a foreign country where you do not speak the language and are unfamiliar with cultural differences. Simple things, like checking out at the grocery store may be different: in Germany, you bag your own groceries and must pay for a paper bag if you use one -- surprise! My first trip to the grocery store ended up with me standing, dumbfounded and unaware, as the cashier scanned my bag and looked at me with questioning eyes that said ‘maybe you should start putting all those things into your bag?’ Being welcomed into ‘the group’ over there allowed me to be comfortable in my new surroundings though. My German friends provided me with the know-how that I did not have concerning cross-cultural differences, helping to save me the embarrassment of further incidents like that at the grocery store. Most meaningful of all, they sincerely incorporated me into their lives.

One such instance was my participation in Claudia’s, a PhD student in my lab, “polterabend”. This is the German wedding-eve party to which friends and close family of the bride and groom attend (I was an honored guest). Near the town of Landau, Germany, situated close to the French border, I partook in the celebration. The highlight of the evening was the breaking of the porcelain dishes. Each guest to the party brought with them dishware which they proceeded to break in the street. In this case, we were in the quaint setting of a small winery. The plates, bowls and even a vase came crashing down against the cobblestones throughout the evening. Each time, Claudia and Christian (bride and groom) hesitantly took their brooms in hand and began sweeping the sea of blue, white and cream coloured shards, abashedly cleaning up the mess. The entertainment value of the event was great, but there is more to it. Tradition has it that the clang and clatter of the dishes crashing down will scare away the bad spirits who might trouble the marriage. Working hand in hand to clean up the mess lays a strong foundation for a future partnership, as well, in which the couple works together and shares responsibility. Experiences like this are the lasting memories from my trip.

This summer in Germany was my first time abroad. Now, I am hooked. I will chase after any opportunity for another experience like this because I know the educational richness and personal maturation it brings. So, with conviction and enthusiasm, I say: “Get out there and see the world!” What better way than through the BRAVO! Program?
I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Wolfgang Roessler for hosting me and enriching my research experience; Dr. Leslie Tolbert for providing me with a strong foundation to build upon while abroad; and, Genevieve Kenney and Carol Bender for making this all possible. Furthermore, I gratefully acknowledge HHMI 52003749 for funding my trip.

John Biebelhausen, UBRPer in Dr. Leslie Tolbert’s lab, Neurobiology