D5　

Hong Kong

I still remember the moment when I first introduced myself to my current supervisor, Prof. Ueno, after he gave an interesting presentation in HK. After that, I took the entrance examination at NIBB. And now, I’m in the final year of my PhD course, studying the molecular mechanisms of gastrulation, the first major morphogenetic process in embryogenesis, using Xenopus laevis. Coming from Hong Kong just after my Master’s degree was a big challenge for me to continue my PhD study in Japan. It took some time to settle down, and get used to the local life, surroundings and a different language. There was a certain amount of time at the beginning where I feel homesick and I have to adapt, but it gets better when I make more friends. Unlike Tokyo, Okazaki is located in the countryside of Japan. It gives me a completely different impression of Japan where I can explore the traditional culture of Japan. Japanese researchers are enthusiastic about what they are working. They usually work day and night to look for the answers of their research interests. But hard working does have its rewards. Most of the researchers in NIBB have high level of expertise and they have many good publications in many of the reputed international Journals. NIBB provides a stimulating environment for me to improve my knowledge of Biology and clarified my career aspirations in biological field. So far, I do think that doing my PhD in NIBB has been a rewarding and enriching experience. Rebecca Lee 2002-2004: The University of Hong Kong (Master) 2004-2007: The Graduate University for Advanced Studies 2007 ~ The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Posdoc)