During my internship, I worked in the Plant Evolution Laboratory, led by Fukushima-sensei. The goal of my project was to express the AGT2 protein of Cephalotus follicularis, a carnivorous pitcher plant, in the model species Nicotiana benthamiana, and visualise its subcellular localisation. My supervisor, Kanamori-san, patiently guided me through the process, from designing primers and producing a new plasmid construct, to agrobacterial culture and transformation of tobacco plants, and finally, visualisation with the FV3000 fluorescence microscope. In just 6 short weeks, we successfully confirmed the trafficking of the carnivorous AGT2 protein to the mitochondria.

During our stay, we interns were also lucky enough to participate in the NIG Retreat, a two-day getaway where members of the institute present their findings. This was my first time attending an academic conference, and it was heart-warming to see the passion and excitement of the presenters across so many different fields. Another bonus was a visit to the hotel hot spring after dark!

Outside the lab, I enjoyed travelling and soaking up the beauty of Japan. My weekends were spent exploring various temples, shrines, and gardens (and spending too much money on mementos). A particularly wonderful trip was that to Kamakura, with peaceful hikes surrounded by lush greenery and delicious street food. I will also miss the quiet days spent in Mishima, especially cooling off in the Genbei River.

The practical experience and new perspective this programme has granted me will undoubtedly serve me well in the rest of my academic career, and I will be forever proud to call myself a former NIG intern.

A big thank you to the Fukushima Lab, and NIG as a whole, for accepting me so warmly and making me feel so welcome!