During my 18-month research fellowship I had the privilege of joining a network of extraordinary international scientists, both through my interactions with other Humboldtians and within my host institution. I was provided an opportunity to address questions in the field that I would have not otherwise been able to examine, and to collaborate with Drs. Gunther Moll, Hartmut Heinrich, and Oliver Kratz at the Universitätsklinikum Erlangen. I was extremely honored to meet President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the AvH Annual Meeting in Berlin. The research fellowship helped to enhance my scholarship, expanded my knowledge and skills for being a global citizen, and created lasting friendships and an enduring professional network.