I meet many students, researchers and other professionals during my travels representing the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). They come from diverse backgrounds, and their careers and fields of interest span a wide range of subjects, but they all love Germany. Our most memorable conversations happen during coffee breaks when I hear personal stories and learn about their unique experiences. I decided to share these coffee talks via a podcast, so that the work and experiences of our DAAD Ambassadors and other inspiring individuals with a German connection reach you, wherever you are. Happy listening!
This podcast is a side project to my daily work as the DAAD representative for the Western region of the United States. This podcast is created, hosted, and edited by me. Opinions voiced in interviews are my own. If you want to know more about the study, research, and funding opportunities in Germany, visit www.daad.org
E51 - RISE Germany | From Internship to a PhD & A Novel | A Conversation with Lili Zeng
After a hiatus from recording and editing, I’m back with an interview with Lili Zeng, a Canadian physicist, recent PhD graduate from McGill University, and author of the debut novel Dear Haider.
Lili reflects on how her 2011 DAAD RISE Germany internship introduced her to research, shaped her academic journey, and inspired the setting for her novel. We discuss the value of exploring different career paths, balancing science and creativity, mental health, and how international experiences foster both personal and professional growth. Lili also shares practical advice for future RISE applicants, memorable experiences traveling through Germany, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can open unexpected opportunities.
Whether you're considering research in Germany, pursuing a career in STEM, or looking for inspiration to follow multiple passions, this episode has something for you. Have a Listen!
Find out more about Lili and her novel https://lilizengphd.com/
7 Nov 2025
E50 - 100 Years DAAD | Conversation with Su Friedrich
Celebrating 50 episodes of Coffee Connections!
For nearly five years, I’ve shared stories from people building bridges between the U.S. and Germany, many supported through DAAD funding. For this milestone — and DAAD’s 100-year anniversary — I spoke with filmmaker Su Friedrich, granddaughter of Carl Joachim Friedrich, one of DAAD’s founders. In a beautiful twist, Su had no idea her grandfather helped create the very program that later supported her own artistic journey.
I’m so grateful for everyone who’s joined me on this path. Here’s to 50 episodes... and many more. Have a listen!
Check out Su's work at https://sufriedrich.com/.
1 Aug 2025
E49 - 100 Years DAAD | Conversation with RISE pro Alumnus Aarish Lakhani
In this episode, I speak with Aarish Lakhani, DAAD RISE professional alumnus.
RISE professional offers summer research internships in Germany to master's and PhD students at companies in non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry. Aarish is a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Illinois, and he participated in the program last year. Aarish shares his experience with the program at Fraunhofer Institute in Bremerhaven, working on wind energy projects, creating a deep learning model for wind turbine power production. He highlights the cultural differences between Germany and the US and the importance of learning German and the benefits of the RISE program for his career. He also emphasizes the value of persistence and the impact of international experience on future opportunities. On a personal note, he shares one of his favorite activities, walking the 40 minutes back home past blackberry bushes and filling his lunchbox with the fruits of late summer.
Have a listen!
A transcript of this conversation is available on www.daad.org.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
86,606
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
36
Social presence
0
YouTube
85
Engagement
75
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