Name: Chayanon Kitkana 
            Khon Kaen University

Visiting Period: June 12^th (Thu), 2025 - August 8^st (Fri), 2025

Country:Thai

Lab: Laboratory of Multi-dimensional Imaging

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

I worked as a research internship student at the Laboratory of Multi-dimensional Imaging from June 12^th, 2025 to August 8^th, 2025, under the supervision of Dr. Hidenobu Mizuno. Dr. Mizuno's lab focuses on studying neural circuit development using in-vivo imaging on a mouse model. I worked on the project that I proposed, which was to create a mathematical model of barrel cortex activity-dependent development for generating experimentally testable hypotheses. Most of my time was spent in the office developing the model, running simulations, and analyzing results. But I also had opportunities to observe experiments in the lab, including in utero electroporation on mouse embryos. This gave me a clearer picture of the lab's experimental workflow.

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

My long-term career goal is to become a scientist capable of conducting both theoretical and experimental research. During this internship, I had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Mizuno, who is an experimental neuroscientist, and to discuss and receive feedback on my project from Dr. Takashi Hayakawa from the School of Medicine, Nihon University, who is a theoretical neuroscientist. I also presented my project progress at a joint bi-weekly meeting between Dr. Mizuno's lab and Professor Kenji Shimamura's lab from the Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University. Part of my project results was also featured in Dr. Mizuno's poster at the Annual Meeting of the Japan Neuroscience Society in Niigata, and it was a valuable opportunity to contribute to the lab's ongoing research.

This experience has been a huge step forward toward my long-term career goal. It helped me develop many essential skills for working in an interdisciplinary environment, such as communicating between the theoretical and experimental sides, and designing research projects that take both perspectives into consideration. I also made an invaluable connection. Dr. Mizuno and I continue to work on collaborative projects even after this internship. Overall, it was an inspiring and rewarding experience that strengthened my passion for neuroscience and my determination to pursue this path.

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

I really enjoyed my time at Kumamoto city and at IRCMS. The apartment that IRCMS arranged for interns was about 5 minutes away from the Sakuramachi bus station and Karashimacho tram station, and about 15 to 20 minutes away from IRCMS making it easy to get to IRCMS and explore Kumamoto. Since IRCMS is very close to other research institutes, I had many opportunities to meet with PIs, researchers, and graduate students from nearby research institutes. I really enjoyed exchanging experiences about research life and having discussions with other researchers.

Kumamoto also has a diverse geography, from the Aso grassland caldera to the Amakusa archipelago. And since the apartment was close to both bus and tram stations, I could easily reach many relaxing nature spots, all within 20 minutes to 2 hours from the apartment.

Photo2: Parties with lab members and researchers from neighboring research institutes

Message to prospective students

I highly recommend applying to the IRCMS Internship Program, especially if you are interested in the work of PIs at IRCMS. At IRCMS, you will have opportunities to work closely with PIs who are very supportive and open to discussion, so you will learn a lot if you actively engage with your research project. Because of how IRCMS building is designed and where it is located you will also have plenty of opportunities to meet other researchers from both within IRCMS and from neighboring research institutes. IRCMS also takes care of all necessary arrangements like accommodation and flights for its interns, so you can focus entirely on your research and make the most of your time here.

Photo3: Kumamoto nature attractions