Dosen Fakultas Biologi Ikuti Program Magang di University of California
Dosen Fakultas Biologi Ikuti Program Magang di University of California
Lecturer of Faculty of Biology UGM, Fajar Sofyantoro, M.Sc., obtained the chance to join Lab-Stay Internship Program at University of California, Davis (UCD).
This laboratory internship program was designed for the first year Japanese and international students of the doctoral study program in Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan.The duration of internship lasted for one month, starting from February 5 until March 5, 2018.
As a new lecturer at Animal Physiology Lab in Faculty of Biology UGM, Fajar is currently pursuing a doctoral study program at NAIST. He was selected to join an internship program at UCD along with 15 other students of School of Biology NAIST.
He explained that he was selected to join the internship program in various laboratories at UCD after undergoing an internal selection process at NAIST. Upon the recommendation of Prof. Shiozaki from the laboratory where he is studying now (Laboratory of Cell Signalling), Fajar also joined an internship at the laboratory of Prof. Su-Ju Lin, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Biological Sciences UCD.
“This laboratory research focuses on NAD+ homeostasis regulation and cellular lifespan,” he noted in a written statement on Wednesday (5/2).
Under the intensive guidance of a post-doctoral student, Fajar participated in a purification project and measurement of enzyme activity involved in NAD+ synthesis in cells.
Fajar added a further note that Lab-Stay Internship Program became the main step for NAIST doctoral students to gain experience in conducting research with the experts and scientists at UCD. During his internship, Fajar received hands-on practice and training in various experimental techniques that he had never learned before.
“Communication skills in English as well as effective presentation skills in international scientific forums are also taught.”
In addition to laboratory practices, the interns attended public lectures and laboratory forum every week. Regular laboratory meetings became an opportunity for Fajar to present his study topics at NAIST in front of the professors and lab seniors as well as getting reviews and suggestions on his current research project.
The internship program at UCD, Fajar concluded, was also a strategic way to gain cultural experiences. During the internship, the students lived with the local families of Davis, California, around the campus. As part of the curriculum, this homestay program aimed to familiarize the students with American culture and tradition while improving their daily communication skills in English. (Public Relations UGM/Astrid)