Pieter Nachtergaele was a Belgian 2024-25 Fulbright Research Scholar at the University of California, Davis. He is a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at the Sustainable Systems Engineering Group (STEN) at Ghent University, passionate about advancing the transition to a bio-based and circular economy. He applies process modelling and sustainability assessment to investigate the use of renewable resources in the chemical industry. Pieter is also an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador, a role he uses to have a positive impact by educating and connecting youth and policymakers. Pieter has a passion for storytelling, cultural exchange, and education.
Q: “Can you briefly describe your grant project?”
At UC Davis, I developed a methodology to assess the sustainability of novel biomass-derived chemicals. This method evaluates the environmental performance and economic viability at an early stage of development. For this research I worked with the Mascal Lab, combining my expertise on sustainability assessment with Prof. Mark Mascal’s organic synthesis and upscaling experience. During my stay I organized a seminar for the dissemination of project results and networking.
Q: “How did you hear about the Fulbright Program?
I have always felt a strong connection with the USA, as in high school I was an exchange student in Newport, Oregon. In recent years, I started exploring new opportunities to collaborate with US institutions. I met Prof Mark Mascal of UC Davis at a conference in Latvia in 2023. Prof Mascal is a Fulbright alumni himself, which inspired me to apply for a Fulbright grant myself.
Q: “What have you accomplished during your time in the USA? What can you tell us about the initial outcomes of your program?”
As I am an engineer by training, visiting a chemistry department was a very interesting experience. The scientific focus of engineers and chemists can be very different, but I learned to navigate and connect both worlds successfully during my stay. We are currently writing a scientific paper about the sustainability assessment methodology we developed. The project also allowed me to build an extensive network at UC Davis and in California, which I am certain will result in further collaborations.
Q: “Can you describe a typical day in your life in the USA?”
Every Thursday, I woke up early to play tennis with local friends at the UC Davis tennis courts. After tennis, I went to the chemistry building to work on my project and discuss the progress of my colleagues. For lunch, I typically went to one of the many food trucks spread around the university campus. From burritos, gyros, sushi or cheeseburgers, there were tasty options to be found on campus! On the weekends, I enjoyed the amazing Farmer’s market in town, joined cooking classes or went to sing karaoke with friends.
Q: “Has the United States been what you expected? In what ways has life in the USA surprised you, either for its similarities to or differences from your own culture?”
I was pleasantly surprised by the strong community focus in Davis. For example at the Christmas Lighting event, the different choirs of local schools provided the entertainment, and the fire department was involved in the parade, which is not common in Belgium. My US colleagues were also eager to invite me for dinner to their house, while in Belgium it is more common to meet with colleagues at a restaurant or bar.
Q: “What has been your favorite “discovery” in the USA?”
My favorite discovery was the local farmer’s market in Davis, one of the best in the US! Every Saturday morning I went into town to try local fruits, eat a bagel and drink a coffee from one of the many market vendors. Also, on Wednesday evenings, there was a free concert in the park, where you could enjoy food from local restaurants while listening to musicians from the area.
Q: “What will you do after your Fulbright grant? In what ways has your experience in the USA this year impacted your plans for the future?”
In September, I will start as assistant professor at Ghent University in the field of process monitoring and optimization for advancing the transition to a bio-based and circular economy. My Fulbright stay has inspired me that we must ensure that this transition is just and fair, both in and outside Europe. I will also continue my work on science communication to the broad public, and on strengthening trans-Atlantic partnerships between Belgium, the EU and the US.
Q: “What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the Fulbright Program?”
The culture in the US is strongly focused on work, and it is very normal to highlight your work achievements. At first, this might feel a bit intimidating, as in Belgium we are known to be more modest. My advice to future grantees is to be confident and proud of yourself and your achievements, as this will help you to bring attention to your project and make a large impact during your stay.
Articles are written by Fulbright grantees and do not reflect the opinions of the Fulbright Commission, the grantees’ host institutions, or the U.S. Department of State.