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The key to a well-rounded college career is having a combination of experiential education and academic studies. Participating in National Institute of Genetics' internship program NIGINTERN 2007 allowed me to experience, for the first time, the act of carrying out basic scientific research in an independent environment. The two greatest benefits of this experience for me were networking and learning the "dos" and "don'ts" of scientific research. I formed lasting friendships with many of my coworkers, both NIG students and other interns. The work environment was very conducive and helped me to focus on my research better. |
I believed that this internship would be a tremendous opportunity for me to gain knowledge and above all motivation and also allow me a chance to possibly contribute in some way to the research and I gained all of these though I hardly contributed anything. |
NIG, I have never known it before until I saw the notice on my university signboard. After that, I found the information about NIG from the website. Itfs very interesting and very famous one of the Genetics Institutes in the world. So, I didn't hesitate to apply for the summer research program and I really hoped to get that chance. I'm lucky. They selected me and provided me with 3 months program in 2 eminent laboratories. One is in DDBJ: DNA Data Bank of Japan and the other is in Division of Agricultural Genetics. I learned how to conduct experiments and how to use a computer for analysis in DDBJ. I had chances to study with many expert researchers. They always gave me many good advices and kindly taught me. For some experiments, I learned how to use the high technology machine. And in the other laboratory, I studied epigenetics in plant by using Arabidopsis as a model. I learned how to study the control mechanisms and function of DNA methylation by mutagenization method. Not only I joined the experiments, I also attended many activities in NIG, for example, poster presentation, intensive class, seminar, journal club and so on. My life in NIG was very impressive. I stayed in the guest house of NIG. It's very convenient and pleasant for exchange student. I went many places around here for sightseeing, temple, off spring, mountain, aquarium, beach and so on. I never feel boring in Japan except rainy day. All researcher and other members are very kind and friendly. We did many activities together like BAR-B-Q party, Shabu Shabu party, Japanese pizza party, Thai food party, traveling, singing, drinking, etc. When I had free time, I went to play tennis. There are many tennis players to teach me and play with me. Three months in Japan and live in NIG is too short for me. Of cause, I really enjoyed. It's very wonderful memory. Thank you NIG. |
Before I came here I was afraid of things that will happen in the positive and negative ways, I couldn"t imagine how my life gonna be. Whereas the first day I came here--this institute--I never feel lonely and think about pack my back, the first week I felt bashful on how I should adjust myself for working in this laboratory. So after working hours or weekend I always admired the nature and beauty of this town, but for shortly everything turned up side down I enjoyed while working. Every day so many things happened, keep me learning, growing and know how to manage or solve the problems. Unfortunately many times my project failed and I had to repeat it, but I never give up or tired because I have Professor, Post-doc, technician also student in this laboratory who gave me the suggestions, spirit and delight; they made me feel good on the word "researcher". This place taught me that to be a better researcher is not easy whichever if I have knowledge or how great I am because of sharing the ideas and experiences is the most important. So do I, knowledge may over in the day that ideas and imaginations were gone. |