NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The London Olympics drew attention from around the globe, but they weren't the only reason that people with lofty aspirations converged this summer on the United Kingdom.
Tennessee Titans Cheerleader Jessica traveled to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, for the Methods in Molecular Simulation Summer School from July 21 to Aug. 2 at Cardiff University. The program was organized by the Collaborative Computations Project 5 (CCP5) organization and brought together individuals from more than 15 countries.
"I was thrilled to be granted this opportunity," Jessica said. "I am always excited about learning new things and meeting new people, and this experience allowed me to do both."
Jessica, who is in her second year with the Titans, is conducting doctoral research at Vanderbilt in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. She applied for the international program in February and was one of 70 students selected.
The advanced curriculum at the summer school included lectures in the morning and practical sessions in the evening, which kept Jessica busy. She did not see any of the games live but did stay about a 10-minute walk from Millennium Stadium, which hosted eight Olympic football (soccer) matches.
Jessica did have time for a photo in front of the Olympic rings outside of Cardiff City Hall and was able to present the research that she's conducted.
"There was a vast amount of invaluable information to master in a short period of time, however, the experience was enlightening and very advantageous for my research," Jessica said.
