Name: Ilya Rubinshteyn
            Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology

Visiting Period: October 15^th (Tue), 2024 - December 10^th (Thu), 2024

Country: Russia

Q1. Summary of the internship (Description of the research conducted, aim, introduction of lab, and things you learned)

From October 15th to December 10th, 2024, I had the privilege of working at the Sheng Lab under the guidance of Prof. Sheng at IRCMS, Kumamoto University. The primary aim of my internship was to gain insights into early developmental biology and broaden my knowledge of this field by learning new methodologies. My initial goal was to contribute to the lab's project on dosage compensation in avian sex chromosomes. However, I also participated in an avian hibernation study.

During my time in the lab, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data provided by the team. I am deeply grateful to every lab member for their invaluable support and mentorship throughout the internship. Another fascinating task I participated in was related to protein structure modeling, which allowed us to uncover important insights into the project. Although - I had an opportunity to take part in some wet experiments with a chicken embryo.

Q2. What did this experience do for you with respect to your specific career development directions?

This internship was an incredibly transformative experience for my career. It helped me define my professional direction: the application of bioinformatics and machine learning methods in the study of sex and developmental biology. While I cannot say for certain that this will remain my lifelong focus, I now have a clear vision of my next steps and how to achieve them. The experience solidified my understanding of how I can apply my knowledge and clarified the areas where I want to grow, at least for the foreseeable future.

Q3. What did you enjoy about life at Kumamoto University (Kumamoto city or Japan)?

Before arriving in Japan, I hoped to immerse myself fully in the culture, having dreamed of visiting Japan for years. However, as I began working, my focus shifted toward making the most significant contribution possible to the lab. That said, I still took the time to explore and experience Japan, and it was unforgettable. I fell in love with Japan's natural beauty, historic architecture, and the kindness of the people around me. Kumamoto, with its rich history, became a special place for me. Visiting Kumamoto Castle was a highlight, and traveling around the prefecture allowed me to appreciate its breathtaking landscapes, especially the Aso area, which left a lasting impression on me.

Photo1: Kumamoto castle

Message to prospective students

To prospective students considering an internship at IRCMS, my advice is to focus on your work and take full advantage of the opportunities to learn from your colleagues and supervisors. The lab environment is incredibly supportive and provides an excellent space to grow and develop new skills. That said, make sure to explore the local area as well! I highly recommend visiting Kumamoto Castle and, if you have the time, the Aso region--it's an experience you won't regret.

Photo2: Experimental photo