Patrick S. Walsh '26
(Mechanical Engineering and iSTEP)
(Mechanical Engineering and iSTEP)
Patrick graduated in 2026 with a dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and German through the iSTEP program. While most engineering students complete the program in five years, Patrick carefully engineered his path to finish both degrees in four.
During his junior year, Patrick studied at the University of Stuttgart, located in the heart of Germany’s automotive industry. Among the highlights was a driving-simulation course taught by a Mercedes executive.
Patrick also values the transferable skills he developed through iSTEP, including communication, perspective-taking, critical thinking, and intercultural competence. Watch his video to learn how these skills have complemented his training as a mechanical engineer.
Steven Werst '26
(Chemistry and iSTEP)
(Chemistry and iSTEP)
Steven Werst graduated in 2026 with a double major in Chemistry and German through the iSTEP program. He chose UMass Amherst specifically because iSTEP offered him the opportunity to combine his interest in chemistry with language study and an immersive study-abroad experience.
During his junior year, Steven studied at the University of Tübingen, where he also completed a research internship in the laboratory of Professor Monika Fleischer.
Watch Steven’s video to learn more about the benefits of combining chemistry, German, study abroad, and hands-on research through iSTEP.
Daniel Lemos '26
(Neuroscience and iSTEP)
(Neuroscience and iSTEP)
Daniel Lemos graduated in 2026 with a dual degree in Neuroscience and German through the iSTEP program. For Daniel, the iSTEP experience was truly transformative. He embraced every aspect of the program—from learning the German language and exploring German culture to studying abroad, building friendships, and developing connections with people from Germany and around the world.
Daniel studied abroad at the University of Freiburg, where he also contributed to a research project at an eye clinic affiliated with the university.
Watch Daniel’s video to learn how the iSTEP experience broadened his perspective, expanded his international network, and completely transformed his worldview.
Julie Lindfeldt '26
(Biomedical Engineering and iSTEP)
(Biomedical Engineering and iSTEP)
Julie Lindfeldt graduated in 2026 with a dual degree n Biomedical Engineering and German through the iSTEP program. She entered UMass with prior German experience and joined the advanced language courses.
Through the five-year iSTEP pathway, Julie spent a full year at the Technical University of Darmstadt, where she contributed to a research project involving 3D bioprinting in space. The experience gave her access to technologies and tools not available at UMass.
Julie encourages students to give iSTEP a chance and see where it may lead. Watch her video to learn how the program transformed her academic and personal journey.
Haofeng Lin '26
(Biochemistry and iSTEP)
(Biochemistry and iSTEP)
Haofeng Lin came to UMass Amherst to study Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and added German through the iSTEP program in his first semester. He began learning German from scratch and is now trilingual, speaking his native Chinese as well as English and German.
As a member of the Commonwealth Honors College, Haofeng completed an honors thesis during his senior year. His study-abroad experience and research internship at the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tübingen played an important role in shaping that project and informing his research.
Haofeng also highlights the valuable professional connections and networking opportunities he gained through iSTEP.
Conor Morgan '26
(Microbiology and iSTEP)
(Microbiology and iSTEP)
Connor graduated in 2026 with majors in Microbiology and German through the iSTEP program. He began at UMass as an engineering student before switching to microbiology, and despite needing to complete additional coursework, he successfully finished both majors in four years.
During his study-abroad semester at the University of Tübingen, Connor conducted research in Dr. Lars Angenent’s laboratory, where he gained hands-on experience working with bioreactors. He also valued the opportunity to travel throughout Germany and Europe and gain new perspectives.
Connor’s experience was so meaningful that he is now considering returning to Germany for graduate study. Watch his video to learn more about the academic and international opportunities he discovered through iSTEP.
Alexis Haring ‘22
Alexis is a Biology and iSTEP double major on the pre-medical track. She received a coveted scholarship from the DAAD RISE internship program and will be conducting in-person research at the Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf in summer 2021.
Christoph Nuesslein ‘21
Christoph is a Mechanical Engineering and iSTEP, STEM + German double major. In engineering, he is focusing his studies on robotics and prosthetics. As a sophomore, Christoph was able to study abroad at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. After graduation, he will be attending Georgia Tech to pursue a PhD in Robotics.
Christopher Clark ‘20
Christopher is an iSTEP alum who graduated with a dual degree in Environmental Science and iSTEP, STEM + German. During his time at UMass, Christopher has studied abroad at the University of Freiburg and pursued advanced environmental health research on campus. He will be continuing his education at the University of Michigan by pursuing a master's of science in Environmental Health Science in fall 2020.
