Vanessa Cool was a Belgian 2025-26 Visiting Scholar in Engineering at Stanford University. Dr. Cool graduated in 2020 with a master in Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven in Belgium. She obtained her PhD in April 2024 within the Mecha(tro)nics System Dynamics research group at KU Leuven. Her doctoral research focused on developing design optimization frameworks for vibro-acoustic sandwich meta-structures, with a particular emphasis on their characterization, reduced order modeling, and topology optimization.
Q: “Can you briefly describe your grant project?”
My research focused on developing advanced computer simulations of fluid flows, specifically situations where two different fluids interact, such as water and air. I worked on improving the accuracy of these simulations by including important physical effects that had previously been neglected, while also making the simulations faster and more computationally efficient. The ultimate goal was to create tools that can be used in future optimization and engineering design applications.
Q: “How did you hear about the Fulbright Program?”
I first learned about the Fulbright Program as a student. What motivated me to apply was the unique combination of academic opportunities in the US and access to the worldwide Fulbright network. I saw it as a chance not only to advance my research and education but also to become part of a community that values international collaboration and mutual understanding.
Q: “What have you accomplished during your time in the USA? What can you tell us about the initial outcomes of your program?”
During my time in the USA, I made substantial progress on my research project and benefited greatly from working in an international research environment. Scientifically, I extended existing numerical methods to include viscous effects in two-phase flow simulations and worked on improving their computational performance. These developments are important for making such simulations both more accurate and more practical for future engineering applications. Equally valuable were the collaborations and exchanges with researchers and students from diverse backgrounds. The experience broadened my perspective, strengthened my research skills, and helped me build an international network that I expect will continue to benefit my work in the future. The initial results of the project are encouraging and provide a solid basis for further research and future applications.
Q: “Can you describe a typical day in your life in the USA?”
A typical day would start with a bike ride to campus along the beautiful Palm Drive and past the iconic Stanford Oval. Once there, I’d grab a coffee and chat with a few colleagues before getting started on my research. Most of the day was spent working on simulations, coding, and discussing ideas with other researchers. The research group was very open, and it was easy to exchange ideas with people from different backgrounds and fields. In the evenings, I would either head home and have dinner with my American and Canadian housemates which often led to interesting conversations about culture, politics, and everyday life, or meet up with other international visitors for drinks or social activities.
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.”
The United States was largely what I expected, both academically and culturally. What surprised me most were the small everyday differences. For example, people were much more likely to start conversations with strangers, whether while waiting for coffee or sitting next to each other at an event. I was also surprised by how car-centered daily life is, even in an area like Stanford where cycling is common.
Q: “What has been your favorite “discovery” in the USA?”
My favorite discovery was probably corn on the barbecue. 😉 It’s such a simple thing, but somehow it always tasted better than I expected. More broadly, I really enjoyed the spontaneous dinners with friends and housemates. Someone would suggest dinner, everyone would bring a dish, and before you knew it there was a full meal and a great evening together. It was a simple but very welcoming tradition that I came to appreciate during my time in the USA.
Q: “What misconceptions do you think other Belgians have about the USA? What do you know now about the USA/Americans that you wish everyone knew?”
I think many Belgians underestimate how open, friendly, and genuine Americans can be. I found that building a real friendship can take some time. However, once you get to know them, they are often incredibly kind, generous, and genuine. That is probably what I wish more people knew: beyond the stereotypes, there are many great people who are genuinely interested in getting to know you and making you feel welcome.
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?”
After my Fulbright grant, I will continue my postdoctoral research in Belgium. My time in the USA exposed me to a different academic culture and showed me new ways of conducting research and fostering collaboration. One aspect that particularly stood out was how naturally researchers from different disciplines interacted and exchanged ideas, often leading to unexpected collaborations and new perspectives. Beyond the research itself, living and working in the United States has broadened my perspective in ways that are harder to quantify. It changes you in subtle ways, whether in how you approach new challenges, interact with people, or view the world around you. Sharing a house with American and international colleagues, building friendships across cultures, and navigating daily life in a different country has made me more confident and adaptable. The experience has also influenced my future research plans. Discussions with researchers at Stanford sparked several new ideas and applications that I had not previously considered, and I look forward to exploring these directions further in Belgium. More broadly, Fulbright reinforced the value of international collaboration and showed me how much can be gained from stepping outside one’s familiar environment, both as a researcher and as a person.
Q: “What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the Fulbright Program?”
Be open-minded and don’t worry if the adjustment feels overwhelming at first. Put yourself out there and interact with as many people as possible as much as possible, you’ll learn just as much from them as from your work experience. Take every opportunity to explore the beautiful country and step outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, enjoy! You’ll make memories and friendships that last a lifetime, and your stay will be over before you know it.
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.