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Sweet Home Alabama: More than Just a Scholarship
A Polish scientist shares her experience of receiving a Kosciuszko Foundation Grant to study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, immersing in American culture, and making lasting memories.
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"During my stay at University of Alabama at Birmingham, I had opportunity to present my findings during a poster session at the Annual Research Trainee Symposium, which ensured great scientific feedback on our research."
-- Joanna Novak, Exchange to the U.S. Grant Recipient
When I applied for the Kosciuszko Foundation Grant, I thought it was a long shot. But as the interviews progressed, I became determined to get it and to pursue what I imagined as my own version of the "American Dream". When I finally received the news that I had been awarded the grant, I couldn’t have been more thrilled! My destination was a bit different than most—perhaps unexpected, but no less exciting: The University of Alabama at Birmingham, right in the heart of the Deep South.
I was awarded a three-months long Kosciuszko Foundation Grant to explore the how lung pathologies such as fibrosis affect the clearance of dead cells and how uncovering novel therapeutic strategies could enhance that process, and thus, promote fibrosis resolution. This research topic was a refreshing new challenge after completing my Ph.D. dissertation and provided a great research opportunity. It allowed me to master a range of state-of-the-art techniques and significantly broaden my scientific horizons. During my stay at University of Alabama at Birmingham, I had opportunity to present my findings during a poster session at the Annual Research Trainee Symposium, which ensured great scientific feedback on our research. The Kosciuszko Foundation Grant ultimately led to a scientific publication, developed in collaboration with Professor Jaroslaw Zmijewski and his research team. Moreover, it laid the groundwork for me to apply for additional grants, which allowed me to extend my internship at the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, under Professor Zmijewski’s continued mentorship.
When I first landed in Atlanta, several things took me by surprise. First, the intense heat—even in April—felt overwhelming. Then came the humidity, unlike anything I had ever experienced. And finally, the charming Southern drawl, which no amount of English lessons could have prepared me for (ironically, I thought language would be the least of my concerns). That was just my first few hours. Yet, despite a grueling 30-hour journey to my final destination, Alabama instantly felt like home. The first few days flew by in the blink of an eye. Everything was new. I had to sort through endless paperwork, find an apartment, and begin adjusting my "European mindset". Everything felt spacious and big and believe me, shopping for one person was challenging at the beginning. Here, I must express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Jaroslaw Zmijewski, who made this transition as smooth and welcoming as it could possibly be.
From my very first day at UAB, I knew this internship would be everything I had dreamed of—and even more. The people were incredibly welcoming, the laboratories are well-equipped, and the research potential here feels limitless. After working with the team for some time, there are many things I truly appreciate. Most importantly, being able to focus purely on science—without needing to divide my time between research and teaching—is invaluable. Our division also hosts regular meetings that offer insight into the latest advancements in the pulmonary field. These sessions are an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and stay current with ongoing research.
Beside the scientific experience I’ve gained from Kosciuszko Foundation Grant, my stay in United States proved to be so much more than I imagined. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in American culture, starting with something as simple and iconic as an American football game. Believe me when I say, no one does sports events quite like they do. The energy, the crowds it’s truly something you have to experience to believe. Southern cuisine turned out to be delicious, something I know I’ll always miss.
But these were just drops in the ocean of experiences I gained during my stay. I met many wonderful people and made memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. I also had the chance to travel and explore many incredible places and it’s still not over. Christmas in New York was absolutely unforgettable: walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying a pizza at Juliana’s, browsing the Christmas market at Bryant Park, and spending a day at the Natural History Museum. It’s true what they say, New York is the city that never sleeps. New Orleans was another highlight, a city with soul, alive with music and the scent of freshly baked beignets from Café du Monde. And then there was Florida, the Sunshine State, where I made memories filled with the magic of Disney World, the warmth of Fort De Soto’s beaches, the wild beauty of the Everglades, and the rich history of St. Augustine—the oldest city in the U.S. Rock city, a place where you can see seven states at once was truly remarkable. The beautiful Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, a hidden gem such as Ruby Falls encouraged me to further explore.
I will never be able to fully express my gratitude to all the donors that helped make that Grant possible, for all the committee members that decided that I had the potential to successfully implement proposed project and my mentor prof. Zmijewski whose guidance and help was irreplaceable.
-- Joanna Novak, Exchange to the U.S. Grant Recipient
When I applied for the Kosciuszko Foundation Grant, I thought it was a long shot. But as the interviews progressed, I became determined to get it and to pursue what I imagined as my own version of the "American Dream". When I finally received the news that I had been awarded the grant, I couldn’t have been more thrilled! My destination was a bit different than most—perhaps unexpected, but no less exciting: The University of Alabama at Birmingham, right in the heart of the Deep South.
I was awarded a three-months long Kosciuszko Foundation Grant to explore the how lung pathologies such as fibrosis affect the clearance of dead cells and how uncovering novel therapeutic strategies could enhance that process, and thus, promote fibrosis resolution. This research topic was a refreshing new challenge after completing my Ph.D. dissertation and provided a great research opportunity. It allowed me to master a range of state-of-the-art techniques and significantly broaden my scientific horizons. During my stay at University of Alabama at Birmingham, I had opportunity to present my findings during a poster session at the Annual Research Trainee Symposium, which ensured great scientific feedback on our research. The Kosciuszko Foundation Grant ultimately led to a scientific publication, developed in collaboration with Professor Jaroslaw Zmijewski and his research team. Moreover, it laid the groundwork for me to apply for additional grants, which allowed me to extend my internship at the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, under Professor Zmijewski’s continued mentorship.
When I first landed in Atlanta, several things took me by surprise. First, the intense heat—even in April—felt overwhelming. Then came the humidity, unlike anything I had ever experienced. And finally, the charming Southern drawl, which no amount of English lessons could have prepared me for (ironically, I thought language would be the least of my concerns). That was just my first few hours. Yet, despite a grueling 30-hour journey to my final destination, Alabama instantly felt like home. The first few days flew by in the blink of an eye. Everything was new. I had to sort through endless paperwork, find an apartment, and begin adjusting my "European mindset". Everything felt spacious and big and believe me, shopping for one person was challenging at the beginning. Here, I must express my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Jaroslaw Zmijewski, who made this transition as smooth and welcoming as it could possibly be.
From my very first day at UAB, I knew this internship would be everything I had dreamed of—and even more. The people were incredibly welcoming, the laboratories are well-equipped, and the research potential here feels limitless. After working with the team for some time, there are many things I truly appreciate. Most importantly, being able to focus purely on science—without needing to divide my time between research and teaching—is invaluable. Our division also hosts regular meetings that offer insight into the latest advancements in the pulmonary field. These sessions are an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and stay current with ongoing research.
Beside the scientific experience I’ve gained from Kosciuszko Foundation Grant, my stay in United States proved to be so much more than I imagined. I had the opportunity to immerse myself in American culture, starting with something as simple and iconic as an American football game. Believe me when I say, no one does sports events quite like they do. The energy, the crowds it’s truly something you have to experience to believe. Southern cuisine turned out to be delicious, something I know I’ll always miss.
But these were just drops in the ocean of experiences I gained during my stay. I met many wonderful people and made memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. I also had the chance to travel and explore many incredible places and it’s still not over. Christmas in New York was absolutely unforgettable: walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying a pizza at Juliana’s, browsing the Christmas market at Bryant Park, and spending a day at the Natural History Museum. It’s true what they say, New York is the city that never sleeps. New Orleans was another highlight, a city with soul, alive with music and the scent of freshly baked beignets from Café du Monde. And then there was Florida, the Sunshine State, where I made memories filled with the magic of Disney World, the warmth of Fort De Soto’s beaches, the wild beauty of the Everglades, and the rich history of St. Augustine—the oldest city in the U.S. Rock city, a place where you can see seven states at once was truly remarkable. The beautiful Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, a hidden gem such as Ruby Falls encouraged me to further explore.
I will never be able to fully express my gratitude to all the donors that helped make that Grant possible, for all the committee members that decided that I had the potential to successfully implement proposed project and my mentor prof. Zmijewski whose guidance and help was irreplaceable.