Summer Abroad in Dublin, Ireland

Hello! I’m Sophia Miller, and I’m a senior studying human biological sciences and climate change studies. This summer, I traveled to Dublin, Ireland, for my Franke Global Leadership Initiative experience beyond the classroom. My GLI Global Theme is Resources & Sustainability, and I explored how science and medicine connect to this challenge through full-time lab research at University College Dublin.

In the lab, I studied amyloid fibrils, protein aggregates associated with Alzheimer’s disease, using atomic force microscopy. Our goal was to see how ionic fluids interact with these fibrils and how such compounds might be used in future drug design. What made this experience especially meaningful is that I was working in a green lab, which emphasized resource-efficient practices and aimed to reduce environmental impact. This project is directly tied to my GLI capstone project, Grizzly Green Labs, which has shown me firsthand how science can be both innovative and sustainable.

Living abroad also taught me about sustainability on a daily level. In Dublin, I noticed how public transportation, city design, and even small cultural habits reduce resource use compared to what I’m used to in Montana. It made me reflect on how choices, whether in a lab or in everyday life, add up to real environmental impact.

This experience also grew my leadership skills and strengthened my confidence as a researcher. Presenting my research to an international group pushed me to communicate clearly across cultures and disciplines.

I am grateful to the Franke Family and the GLI for supporting this opportunity. It not only advanced my academic path but also deepened my commitment to connecting sustainability with science and healthcare.