Category Archives: Eisenhower Fellowship

19 March was my visit to Rohm and Haas. I was met by Katie Hunt, Head of Technology Partnerships and former President of the American Chemical Society. She had set up a series of meetings with people from across the company and I had a fascinating afternoon with them. We discussed (again) the cultural issuesContinue reading “The US is a country of risk-takers”

After orientation yesterday I pottered about around this area of Philadelphia, doing a few chores, getting my bearings. Then I checked e-mails and did some OU work. I was about to head out for dinner when the phone went – it was Irina, one of the other fellows, a Romanian, so we went for dinnerContinue reading “Day 2”

A great first day of meetings! If it’s all like this, it’ll be a) super-interesting and b) quite hard work! I started off with a visit to an organisation called Wireless Philadelphia, a public/private/NGO tie-up to deliver broadband to as many Philadelphians as possible. A bit out of my knowledge zone, but interesting on theContinue reading “First meetings”

So, here I am! I got here totally hassle-free, which is always the best way. Things started this morning with a coffee with Tiffany my Programme Officer and then we headed to the Eisenhower Office. I met lots of people there, including short meetings with the Director, Vice-President, Alumni Director etc. Got my laptop (they’reContinue reading “Arrival in Philadelphia”

So, almost exactly a year after applying for the Eisenhower Fellowship, here I am in sunny Philadelphia! I left Brussels on 16 March. Abi drove me to the airport (thanks Ab!) and came in to stand in the queue with me, even going off to get coffee and croissants. I wasn’t super-overjoyed at the thoughtContinue reading “Here at last!”

Today’s the last day as a Spokesperson! and on Monday I’ll be in Philadephia. Seems there are a million things still to do (all a little more difficult when you have a caiprinha fueled hangover after a great goodbye party with Brazilian barmen making fresh cocktails…). Packing tomorrow, flight is Sunday morning. I’m out tonightContinue reading “Brussels’ last post”

Less than two weeks now till I leave! I can’t believe it. Tiffany from the Eisenhower organisation, has been amazingly helpful in the programme design – there must have been times when she just wished I’d stop spamming her with ideas for the programme! It’s coming together now and though there will be changes, it’sContinue reading “Getting closer”

I got a first draft of the ideas for my programme while I was off sick last week. As well as the places I suggested (Boston, New York, Washington and surroundings, Seattle, San Francisco, Oak Ridge) it looks like I will be heading to Chicago, San Diego, St Louis, Arizona, Connecticut and maybe Florida! IsContinue reading “The first ideas are coming together”

So, the start of 2008 means things are getting going on the Eisenhower side. My Programme manager – Tiffany – has been allocated, and I’ve sent her my ideas. Alan Leshner of AAAS sent me some very useful suggestions, which I have passed on.  I’m probably going to go to the AAAS meeting in  Boston inContinue reading “2008 dawns”