Maia's internship: National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centre, Osaka

Maia is currently in her third year on our MSci Integrated Natural Sciences degree. During the summer after her second year she took part in a summer placement at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centre in Osaka, Japan. Here, she tells us more.

Maia in the lab at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centre in Osaka

Tell us about your placement and what attracted you to it

My placement was at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centre in Osaka and what attracted me to it was the topic of research and the research facilities close interaction with the hospital. I was interested in seeing how life-altering conditions are researched and how it is similar or differs to the work that the Integrated Natural Sciences course has allowed us to experience.

What was the first thing you did as part of the placement?

The first thing I did was to have a discussion on the research project I would be working on. In the lab, the first course of action was to subculture cells that I was to use in upcoming experiments.

What have you learned as part of the placement?

At this internship I learned the flow and progression of experiments by doing everything from beginning to end myself. Before, I only really knew the individual techniques rather than how they led into each other, as well as the decision-making process leading up to these experiments. It was a joy to truly understand what I am doing and where it may lead to.

Have you enjoyed any experiences outside of the labs?

Having grown up in the UK with a Japanese mother, I have always wanted to experience living in Japan and the working culture in labs there. While I have native fluency in the language, having not had my education in Japanese has meant that I did not know the scientific terminology and this internship has really allowed me to improve in that aspect. It has been a pleasure to converse with lots of different people and further brush up on my Japanese.

What have you enjoyed most?

I have definitely enjoyed conversing with the people at the internship the most, along with being able to improve my lab skills and learn new ones. Hearing of all the different experiences people have had and the opportunities they are taking has inspired me to think more on my own future and the opportunities there are, not only in but also outside of the UK.

How do you think the experience helped you?

This experience has helped me understand investigative techniques and helped me to become confident in my abilities in the lab. I am now a lot less nervous about making mistakes and can enjoy the work a lot more than I could before.

Has this changed the way you think about future options?

Although it hasn’t changed where I would like to be in the future, it has definitely changed my mindset on the future and I feel much more prepared and knowledgeable about the future I am aiming for with the experience to back it up.

Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about summer placements?

My advice would be to just send the email. There’s no harm in trying and you’ll find that most people are more than happy to take you in as long as they are able, and you are enthusiastic enough. Don’t be afraid to email outside of official, publicly available internships.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate, I’d like to go into research and pursue a PhD in a field of study that interests me. While I am still discovering what field I would like to pursue, speaking with people of different backgrounds and experiences has given me lots to think about and I am excited for what the future holds.

Internship support at Warwick

There are various support schemes available for those looking for biomedical internships, both internally and externally: