Kamakoti Bhut
From Anna University, India
Stayed at Inoue Lab. (Division of Human Genetics), NIG.

　 The NIG intern program experience was all that I wanted it to be and more. I now have a very good understanding of how it will be if I choose to carry out Research in a professional environment.

　 My work combined aspects of wet lab techniques as well as computational work. It focussed on the identification of a possible candidate gene for a disease (IgA nephropathy) and involved library construction, sequencing, primer design and data analysis. The sequencing of the sample DNA was done using the most modern technology available - the next generation sequencer at Tokai University. This provided me with an opportunity to visit a university and observe the equipments and labs there. I was always free to offer my opinions, or ask any questions. I executed the study with a certain degree of autonomy, something that I had never done before. I was also delighted to be able to visit DDBJ (DNA Data Bank of Japan) and use the equipment there for my experiment.

　 Apart from the work itself, weekly journal club meetings, Biological symposiums in which distinguished professors presented their work and visits to other labs helped in introducing me to the diverse research activities being carried out at NIG. Weekly Japanese lessons were fun and helpful.

　 If the work was fulfilling, it was the friends I made that caused my experience in NIG to be truly memorable. The other interns, students and my lab secretary were the ones that made life at NIG wonderful. The kindness and generosity of all the Japanese people I came in contact with - my lab members, others at NIG and even strangers - left me overwhelmed. Climbing Mt.Fuji, visiting amusement parks with the scariest rides I have ever seen, going to Kamakura, Numazu and Tokyo are all memories I will cherish forever.

　 Initially, I was concerned about the food as I am a vegetarian, but it was not difficult at all. Several of my co-interns were also vegetarians, and it was a lot of fun cooking together. Also, Mishima does have Indian restaurants.

　 In conclusion, I would recommend the NIG program to anyone out there who is looking for a rewarding research experience. The past 10 weeks have been some of the best weeks of my life, and I would like to thank NIG, my professor (Dr. Ituro Inoue) and my guide (Dr. Kazuyoshi Hosomichi) for giving me this wonderful opportunity.