Motivation for Participation

My decision to participate in this program was driven by two primary motivations: gaining hands-on research experience in an international setting and deepening my understanding of neuroscience. As a graduate student specializing in computer science, I have always been interested in exploring interdisciplinary applications of my field. My research at Tokyo Tech primarily focuses on human brain activity using non-invasive methods such as fMRI and EEG. However, ethical constraints limit certain experiments on human subjects, which piqued my interest in neuroscience research involving animal models.

Additionally, I recognized that effective communication in English is an essential skill for academic and professional success. Attending international conferences made me realize the importance of confidently discussing research in English. Although I had participated in short-term English workshops, I had never conducted research in a fully English-speaking environment. This program provided the perfect opportunity to bridge that gap.

Overview and Learnings from the Program

The CAMPUS Asia Plus initiative is a collaboration among Tokyo Tech (Japan), Tsinghua University (China), KAIST (South Korea), and Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), aiming to foster global research cooperation. During my participation, I was affiliated with the Cognitive Learning and Dynamics (CoLD) Lab in the Department of Bio and Brain Engineering at KAIST, under the guidance of Professor Ain Chung.

My research focused on behavioral neuroscience, specifically investigating how social experiences during adolescence influence adult social behavior. The study examined differences in brain activity in mice raised under different social conditions (group-housed vs. socially isolated). Using techniques such as optogenetics and extracellular recordings, we analyzed synaptic activity in the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) pathway. Through this research, I gained experience in advanced neuroscientific techniques that are not applicable to human studies.

Beyond research, I attended cognitive neuroscience lectures covering topics such as emotion regulation, psychopathology, and neural mechanisms underlying decision-making. Additionally, I participated in the KAIST-Harvard Symposium and an In Vivo Electrophysiology Workshop, which introduced me to cutting-edge technologies in brain research, including Neuropixels electrodes and fiber photometry systems.

Most Enjoyable Aspects of the Program

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the program was the dynamic learning environment at KAIST. The CoLD Lab members were incredibly welcoming and supportive, which made my transition into a new research field much smoother. The collaborative spirit of the lab allowed me to engage in discussions that broadened my perspective on neuroscience and its intersections with computing.

Moreover, experiencing South Korean culture was an enriching part of my journey. I had the opportunity to visit Gyeongju, a historic city known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites. Exploring ancient temples, learning about traditional Korean craftsmanship such as najeon chilgi (mother-of-pearl inlay art), and trying local cuisine made my experience even more memorable.

Impact on My Future Studies and Career

This program has had a profound impact on my future aspirations in several ways:

1.     Increased Confidence in Conducting Research Abroad Before participating, I had limited exposure to research in an international environment. However, working at KAIST gave me confidence in my ability to adapt to new research settings and communicate effectively in English. This experience has motivated me to seek further international research collaborations and potentially pursue a Ph.D. abroad.

2.     Enhanced Understanding of Interdisciplinary Research My background is in computer science, yet this program allowed me to delve into neuroscience. I now have a deeper appreciation for how computational techniques can be integrated with brain research. This experience has inspired me to explore behavioral or computational neuroscience as a future research direction.

3.     Recognition of the Importance of Taking on Challenges Initially, I was apprehensive about working in an unfamiliar research domain. However, by stepping out of my comfort zone, I realized that embracing challenges leads to significant personal and academic growth. This mindset will continue to shape my approach to future opportunities.