Message from NIG-INTERN 2019

The 13th summer research program for undergraduates,NIGINTERN 2019, was carried out from June 20 to July 31, 2019.
Nine selected participants enjoyed a 6 week-research internship at their host laboratories.

Members

Yogiraj Jakkal
From:Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee
Stayed at:Physics and Cell Biology Laboratory / Shimamoto Group
It was a stunning moment to be selected for NIGINTERN 2019. After so many applications for the internship this was the golden door which opened for me and I got a call for doing the summer internship. However, being disappointed after so many applications this acceptance was like a sigh of relief for me. I was eager to experience my first international internship through this program and having decided to learn as much as I can in these 6 weeks my excitement knew no bounds.
Yuta Shimamoto is a really supporting and encouraging professor who was guiding me throughout the period of this internship. Even though his lab mainly works with xenopus as a model organism, based on my interest he allowed me to work with the mechanobiology in the cancer cells. Although, there is one project going on the same aspect, he provided me with my individual work which was a small project for me. Coming across any problem, he always showed me how to tackle and troubleshoot it. He was interested to teach his work of interest to me and thus he demonstrated and gave me hands on training for the micromanipulation assay as well as calibration of microneedles which gave us many of the different results and allowed us to know different properties of cancer cells.
NIG is a perfect place to acquire research as your career. The Internship Program also allows you for the lab visits. I learnt many new aspects from the field of epigenetics and nucleosome assembly through it. Apart from this, it was relishing to come across many Japanese words.
I am mostly interested in the immunomodulation and molecular oncology but I am really inspired and fascinated by the work I did during my internship as well as the culture of Japan. I am indebted to NIG for providing me with this opportunity.
Sara Abdelnasser Kamal Mohamed Zahran
From:Cairo University
Stayed at:Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology / Kawakami Group
This internship is a dream coming true for me. Which combine between both the Japanese culture that I love and research which I am interested in. And it helped me answer some of the questions that were in my mind like: Do I want to continue in the research path? Am I passionate about it? Do I want to do my masters or PhD in Japan? And I think for students like me who have the same questions, this internship would be a good opportunity.

I was assigned to Kawakami sensei’s lab: The Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology. Thanks to Kawakami sensei my eyes were opened to a new Zebrafish world that I hadn’t experienced before. And thanks to Aki-san and Akira-san I was able to acquire new experimental skills. I will never be able to thank them enough. And each lab member for showing me great kindness and sharing their knowledge with me that guided me as this was very different from my field in University. This lab felt like a family for me.
On these 6 week Journey I learned that it’s okay to feel lost when you are experiencing a new field or situations, because in the end you learn how to be brave to face it all and be smart to learn from it. Every single person I met during the 6 weeks added something to my experience.
I made many wonderful memories and friends. I experienced the Japanese festival vibes, tasty Takoyaki, Fireworks, Japanese cuisine, shrines, and beautiful nature everywhere. I enjoyed the Japanese classes with Miyauchi sensei and the beautiful traditional tea ceremony she made for us. Because of Mishima’s convenient location, I was able to make small trips to Tokyo, Izu, Kamakura, Atami and hike Mt Fuji.
Hiking mt Fuji is one of my 2019 highlights. I learned that it wasn’t not about reaching the top but about what you encounter throughout the whole Journey whether they are people or situations. It’s never easy in the beginning, but it is worth all the efforts in the end.
Special thanks to NIG education team that guided us even before we reached the NIG and during our stay. And to every NIG member who contributed in this internship to give this amazing outcome.
Amanda Nguyen
From:University of California, Davis
Stayed at:Mouse Genomics Resource Laboratory / Koide Group
I still remember the excitement I felt upon receiving the acceptance email. I was sure that given my interest in learning about other cultures and scientific research, this was the perfect program for me. My experience as an NIG Intern went beyond all of my initial expectations. This program not only made me feel more confident about my future in scientific research, but also gave me many great experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life.
My research project was rigorous; however, members of my lab proved to be excellent mentors and with their guidance I felt confident that I could accomplish every task. I learned new laboratory techniques and was also challenged to do some work independently. In addition to technical skills, I also learned how to plan experiments, and how to effectively communicate the results for a final presentation. I was heavily involved in completing all parts of the project which I feel is a very unique experience to have as an undergraduate student.
During the weekends, I had some time to sightsee. I visited several cities, saw amazing fireworks festivals, and even climbed to the Mt. Fuji summit. I was lucky enough not only to experience the beauty of Japan, but also the kind and welcoming nature of its people. Everyone I worked with, as well as the other interns, made NIG feel like home and I cannot thank the NIG team and Koide Laboratory members enough for their hospitality. I highly recommend this program to all students who are considering a career in research.
Raj Magesh Gauthaman
From:Indian Institute of Science
Stayed at:Systems Neuroscience Laboratory / Kubo Group
Six incredible weeks of academic, scientific, technical, social, cultural and culinary exploration – what’s not to love about the NIGINTERN program?
As an intern in the Kubo Lab (Systems Neuroscience), I spent my summer testing the auxin-inducible degron in zebrafish and developing a tool to inactivate specific neuronal populations. After a comprehensive introduction to Danio rerio by Kubo-sensei, my experiments began in earnest.
Cloning several plasmid constructs, designing gRNAs for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in, microinjecting embryos to generate transgenic larvae, two-photon calcium-imaging of the zebrafish retina during a visual stimulus – many of these were completely unfamiliar to me. Thanks to Kubo-sensei’s and Matsuda-san’s excellent mentorship and patient guidance, I successfully learnt these new techniques and applied them to my project!
My time at NIG was immensely productive – not only did I conduct independent research under the supervision of amazing mentors, I also learnt conversational Japanese and traditional customs like the tea ceremony from Miyauchi-sensei and enjoyed oishii lunches and dinners at the cafeteria!
Meeting talented interns from around the world with diverse interests and backgrounds was a delight, from watching movies, playing games, and talking endlessly into the night to experiencing Japanese culture and cuisine together on evenings, weekends and holidays.
With lab members and interns alike, I explored shrines in Mishima, traveled on the Shinkansen, visited temples in Tokyo, relaxed at onsens in Shuzenji, enjoyed fireworks festivals at Numazu and Atami, snacked on yakitori and conveyor belt sushi, climbed Fujisan, slurped ramen at a Michelin 3-star restaurant – an incredible variety of unforgettable experiences!
My sincere thanks to the NIGINTERN organizing committee, the General Affairs/Education Team, the NIG staff, all the other interns, and my dear lab members for making this an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience!
Arigatou gozaimasu!
Siiri Kevät Reinikka
From:University of Helsinki
Stayed at:DNA Data Analysis Laboratory / Ikeo Group
I first became aware of NIGINTERN program while I was finishing the final year of my bachelor’s degree. Japan and its nature and culture has fascinated me for a long time, and hence, the NIGINTERN program naturally came to my mind when I was looking for a summer internship after prefinal year of my master’s degree.
I got accepted to Ikeo group – DNA data analysis laboratory, and my project was focused on phylogenetic analysis of sea urchin species living in the Indo-West Pacific. I am interested in DNA and NGS-data analysis, however, I didn’t have much experience of phylogenetic analysis prior the internship. Accordingly, during my internship I learned a lot about the methodology behind evolutionary and phylogenetic research, including theory, practical data analysis, as well as result interpretation. I can’t thank Ikeo-sensei and Kinjo-san enough for their help and patient guidance through the internship. Besides learning about phylogenetics and related data analysis, I was also attending seminars and visiting to other interesting laboratories to learn and observe research of different fields.
Spending the past six weeks with such a motivated and ambitious group of interns from across the world has truly been inspiring. Besides working on our research projects, we also got a change to travel around. We visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara as well as few other cities, we visited beautiful and peaceful shrines and temples, experienced Japanese culture including firework festivals and Japanese cuisine. I absolutely fell in love with this beautiful country and its amazing nature and kind people.
The internship exceeded my all expectations, I did not even dream to learn so much in such a short time. This experience has definitely shaped me and my goals for the future. I wish to thank everybody working in the DNA data analysis lab, you have all been very kind to me. I also wish to thank the Education Team, you did amazing job to make us all feel welcome and helped us through our internship. Hopefully, in the future I will be able to visit NIG again.
Theresa Maria Sommer
From:Karolinska Institutet
Stayed at:Model Fish Genetics Laboratory / Sakai Group
The opportunity of attending the NIGINTERN programme was much more than I initially expected it to be, in terms of learning outcome and cultural experience.
I joined the lab of Sakai-sensei (Model Fish Genetics) where I was focusing on heterochronic parabiosis in zebrafish and in vitro differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells. As I have not had any experience with zebrafish before, I was trained in handling, mating and genetic manipulation of these animals in parallel to performing my experiments.
I could feel that my colleagues and supervisors were keen on having me in the lab, as I did not only learn but could share memories with them such as enjoying lunch together at a traditional Japanese (Sushi) restaurant or harvesting fruits from the Biwa-tree in front of the lab.
My working hours were quite flexible and therefore I immersed myself in the Japanese culture to the fullest! When we were not biking through Mishima, me and my NIGINTERN colleagues explored Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura – walking the busy Shibuya crossing, enjoying the tasty Ramen broth in the Ramen museum or standing next to the 11 meters tall Big Buddah of Kamakura. However, my personal highlights were the climb of Mount Fuji and the tea ceremony organised by our Japanese teacher. (It is worth mentioning that the Japanese classes were an enjoyable break from the lab work and quite helpful for our excursions)
As my internship is now coming to an end, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the organisation and the management of the NIGINTERN programme! It was an unique adventure and valuable experience –
Arigatogozaimasu!
Ayjan Urazbayeva
From:Nazarbayev University（NU)
Stayed at:Multicellular Organization Laboratory / Sawa Group
NIGINTERN program is a great opportunity for young minds who pursue science. Being part of this program was a truly exciting experience. I am thankful for NIG selection committee and General Affairs/Education team for providing such a unique chance and exceptional organization throughout the internship.
For six weeks I have been working under the guidance of Sawa- sensei, whose lab is currently focusing on asymmetric cell division. The primary objective during the internship was to investigate how several proteins impact Wnt secretion and localization. As it was my first time conducting research with model organism C.elegans, I was instructed in a stepwise manner starting with basic techniques of maintenance proceeding with the analysis of mutant organisms and preparation of mutant strain. Besides providing a thorough insight into theoretical and practical aspects of the research, Sawa-sensei taught me how to interpret experimental results, especially unexpected ones. It would be also challenging to accomplish given tasks without the help of other lab members, who were very friendly and kind. Moreover, I would like to highlight the diversity of research undertaken at NIG with which I acquainted during the lab visits.
My stay in Japan became unforgettable thanks to the warm atmosphere of NIG and people from various parts of the world. It was a pleasure to become friends with other interns, PhD students and lab members, with whom we keep in touch even after the internship. During weekends, we spent time together exploring the enchanting nature of Japan, visiting Yokohama, Hakone, Kamakura, climbing Mt.Fuji and attending the local fireworks display. Yukata day organized by Matsuo-san was also remarkable.
For individuals willing to be committed to science and immersed into Japanese culture, I would recommend this internship without hesitation.
Po-Long Hsiao
From:National Taiwan University（NTU)
Stayed at:Molecular Cell Engineering Laboratory / Kanemaki Group
In retrospect, I was asking myself whether I was ready for the internship when I received the result announcement. On the other hand, I was excited about conducting experiments and learning from different experts at NIG.
The lab I joined was Kanemaki-sensei’s group. Kanemaki-sensei is truly a remarkable researcher and also very kind-hearted. Associate professor Natsume-san, who supervised me with patience during the internship, is certainly a great mentor. He always reminded me that there’s no guaranteed answer to the questions which becomes the appealing part of working in academia. In addition, I was warmly helped by other lab members, and I always relished the talk in our leisure time. It’s definitely my pleasure to have an opportunity to work in Kanemaki-sensei’s lab.
Life in Mishima was cozy, serene, and pleasant. I remember every kind helps from Education Team at NIG. In addition, food in cafeteria was so amazing that I had never tasted before. The Japanese course in NIG also gave the interns a chance to learn some useful phrases in our daily life. For me, NIG is an ideal place to do research in Japan.
I genuinely enjoyed spending time with all other interns. We chatted not only about the experiments we had done, but also the cultural differences between our countries. Additionally, despite the raining season, we travelled to many places on weekends, such as Tokyo, Atami, Numazu, and so on. I’m sure I have made good friends that will last me a lifetime. Undoubtedly, our memories will never fade.
For those who would like to join an internship program, NIGINTERN is absolutely a wonderful choice.
Yu-Fan Huang
From:National Taiwan University（NTU)
Stayed at:Brain Function Laboratory / Hirata Group
First of all, I would like to thank NIG and Hirata sensei for giving me this opportunity to do summer research in Japan. To me, this internship was a rather valuable one, and definitely one that I will never forget.
Prior to the application, I was lucky enough to hear about the working environment and daily life at NIG. I had high expectations, and NIG did not let me down. Seminars and presentation were in English, which created a foreigner-friendly atmosphere and did not cause me any difficulty understanding the content. People worked very hard, but in the meanwhile never lost their politeness, and patience towards people. My supervisor, Kawasaki sensei, was always kind and supportive, and patiently guided me through my research project. I am grateful for joining such a wonderful lab.
Besides working in the lab, other interns and I got to visit plenty of places and try Japanese dishes in our free time. We were even fortunate enough to climb Fuji-san, the national symbol of Japan, in excellent weather. Being abroad for the first time, I cherished every moment experiencing Japanese culture. I thank my fellow interns for being such good company. My stay at NIG would not have been perfect without you.
All in all, the internship at NIG is truly a great opportunity to do research in Japan and enjoy Japanese culture. For any dedicated researcher who wants to experience this beautiful country, I would without a doubt recommend this six-week long internship to you.
I already started missing NIG and Japan since the day I left. Although my internship has ended, my link to NIG is certainly not. I believe that our paths will come across again in the future.