Humboldt Stories

In this short feature, Dr. Phoebe Kornfeld reflects on how her Humboldt-funded research in Berlin laid the foundation for decades of scholarship examining Germany’s legal and moral reckoning after dictatorship and war. Her work explores the parallels between denazification after the Second World War and decommunization following German reunification, offering important insights into justice, memory, and democratic reconstruction.

Building on research supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Dr. Kornfeld continues to examine how societies rebuild after profound disruption. Her current book project, Salvaging Germany, draws on the postwar dispatches of her uncle, Time correspondent Alfred Kornfeld, to illuminate occupied Germany through both a deeply personal and historically rigorous lens.Her story demonstrates how the Humboldt Network connects scholars across disciplines and generations, supporting research that continues to shape academic and public conversations long after a fellowship has ended.

In this short feature, Prof. Dr. Manuel Smeu—Associate Professor of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy at Binghamton University—reflects on how his time as a Humboldt Research Fellow shaped both his scientific work and personal experience. Hosted by Prof. Dr. Maximilian Fichtner at the Helmholtz Institute Ulm, Smeu conducted research in a highly collaborative and innovative environment.

During his stay, he benefited from exceptional research support, including the flexibility to bring his family, access to world-class scientific networks, and opportunities to immerse himself in German culture and language through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Working alongside leading researchers, he expanded his perspective and advanced his work in meaningful ways.

Beyond the lab, his time in Germany offered a rich cultural experience that complemented his academic pursuits. Reflecting on his fellowship, Smeu highlights how the right environment and community can elevate a researcher’s work and broaden their worldview far beyond science.

Watch the video to hear how the Humboldt experience continues to shape his research and international collaborations.

In this short feature, Dr. Jasna Jankovic—Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut—reflects on how her Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award shaped her scientific work and global collaborations. Supported by the award, she spent six months at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg, where she conducted intensive research in cutting-edge hydrogen technologies. During her stay, Jankovic immersed herself in a world-class lab environment, working closely with passionate colleagues whose expertise broadened her perspective and advanced her research. Beyond the lab, the winter in Freiburg offered moments of cultural connection—from German holiday traditions to Alpine hikes—that enriched both her personal and professional experience. Her time in Germany deepened existing collaborations, sparked new research directions, and expanded her international network. Reflecting on her experience, she encourages scholars to pursue a Humboldt-funded research stay for the unparalleled opportunity to gain fresh insight, renew their sense of purpose, and cultivate lasting global partnerships. Watch the video to hear why the Humboldt experience continues to inspire Jankovic’s work and her commitment to international scientific exchange.

In this short feature, Rigoberto Hernandez, the Gompf Family Professor of Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University and 2026 President-elect of the American Chemical Society, reflects on how his Humboldt Research Fellowship shaped his scientific path and global collaborations. His 2006 fellowship took him to Potsdam and Munich, where he established enduring partnerships that continue to influence his work today.

As a graduate student, Hernandez witnessed how Humboldtian colleagues enriched his advisor’s lab with new ideas—an experience that inspired his own commitment to international exchange. Years later, he welcomed Feodor Lynen Research Fellows from Germany into his group, continuing the cycle of collaboration that defines the Humboldt Network.

Beyond the lab, the Foundation helped Hernandez and his family adapt to life in Germany through language training at the Goethe-Institut and cultural experiences that turned their stay into a shared journey. Reflecting on his experience, he describes the Humboldt Network as a family, “where scholarly exchange and personal connection go hand in hand.”

Watch the video to hear how the Humboldt experience continues to inspire Hernandez’s research, collaborations, and commitment to international exchange.

In this short video, Martin Conda-Sheridan, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, reflects on his Humboldt stay at the Max Planck Institute. Working in the lab of host Peter Seeberger, he describes an environment that was “unique, full of smart people and very welcoming”.

Beyond his research in material sciences, Conda-Sheridan and his family embraced German culture, from Christmas markets to trips to Dresden and Nuremberg. A highlight of the fellowship was a reception hosted by the Humboldt Foundation, where he had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the Federal President. Looking back, he emphasizes the Foundation’s generous support and responsiveness.

Watch the video to hear how the Humboldt experience continues to inspire Conda-Sheridan’s research, collaborations, and commitment to international exchange.

In this short video, entrepreneur and community leader Terron Ferguson reflects on his transformative experience in Germany as a German Chancellor Fellow. Based in Leipzig—the same city where former German Chancellor Angela Merkel studied—Ferguson partnered with the University of Leipzig to research memory culture and its power to shape collective identity, stimulate economies, and foster international understanding.
Beyond his research, Ferguson built lasting friendships with fellows from around the globe, experiences that continue to shape his leadership as CEO of YANCY Holdings. Today, he applies the lessons of his fellowship to strengthen Black institutions, grow businesses, and expand participation in transatlantic and global affairs.

Watch the video to see how the Humboldt Foundation experience continues to inspire Ferguson’s work at the intersection of community, innovation, and diplomacy.