It was a great honor and a truly unforgettable experience to spend six weeks at the Yamamichi Lab at the National Institute of Genetics (NIG) in Japan. My project focused on computer simulations of population dynamics, and I was amazed at how much I was able to accomplish within this short period. The research with Yamamichi-sensei was both intense and rewarding, and I am confident that the knowledge and skills I gained will benefit me throughout my future career.

This internship at NIG not only strengthened me as a scientist but also helped me to refine my research interests and better understand my desired career path and the field I would like to focus on. I learned a lot about various research fields presented at NIG, experienced its unique scientific environment, and discovered many exciting career opportunities.

Outside of the lab, I was grateful for the chance to experience Japan not only as a researcher but also as a traveler. I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and several smaller towns. One of the highlights of my stay was meeting passionate biology students and researchers from around the world. I would like to give special thanks to Shakhira and Marianna for all the great moments we shared together.

In summary, my summer internship at NIG was one of the best experiences of my life, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in genetics, molecular biology, or evolutionary biology. I am deeply grateful to Yamamichi-sensei and the entire Theoretical Ecology and Evolution Laboratory for their supportive mentorship, and to Saito-san and her colleagues for ensuring such a smooth and enjoyable experience at NIG.