Welcome Amidst the Unfamiliar: My Japan Internship Journey
Olivia Wang
Case Western Reserve University
Participated in the 2024 IBRO-RIKEN CBS Summer Program
Presenting my internship project in the CWRU: Intersections symposium
Greetings!
As an intern from the 2024 Summer Program, I recently presented my research at my U.S. home institution, Case Western Reserve University. Reflecting on my experiences, I am very grateful to not only have been welcomed into the RIKEN research community, but also to have explored Japan for the first time!
At first, when my project was being transferred between PIs, I felt lost as to how to proceed given the 8-week timeline. Luckily, I wasn’t alone. The new PI, Dr. Kuniyoshi, and my mentor postdoc, May, guided me through the necessary paperwork to launch my behavioral experiment. Other lab members helped me with language translations and data collection. During our floor’s weekly afternoon teatime, I met many colleagues in CBS; little did I expect that they were more than happy to take time out of their day to assist me as well. Through my project, I have grown to appreciate the collaborative environment that RIKEN facilitates, and I couldn't have accomplished what I did without my lab, friends, or peers with me.
Outside of research, I got the opportunity to sightsee the wonders that the Tokyo area has to offer! I visited the TeamLab museums, ran a 5K relay with colleagues around the Imperial Palace, and enjoyed the simple yet beautiful Wako sunset every day. While the Summer Program marked the first time I ever stepped foot in Japan, it certainly won’t be the last.
Since the conclusion of the 2024 program, I have graduated from Case Western with a B.S. in neuroscience, and I am currently studying Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan this summer. In the fall, I will continue my neuroscience research with the Cleveland Clinic, and I hope to pursue a further degree in the medical sciences.
My best wishes to all the interns and lecture students in this year’s program! I’ve enjoyed seeing the updates on social media, and I’m excited to continue following everyone’s hard work!