Daniel Deza (Inuiguchi Lab, Undergrad 3)
"As student researcher the FrontierLab Mini Program at Osaka University was an exceptional opportunity to both conduct cutting-edge research and enjoy a summer in a new country. On the academic side, I worked in Inuiguchi Lab on optimization solutions to the multi-armed bandit problem. Both my supervisors and colleagues were extremely helpful while conducting my research by providing their expertise and support. Furthermore, they were quick to accept and befriend me, making going to lab something I looked forward to. Unlike an industry job my hours were very flexible allowing me to really explore not only Osaka but neighboring cities like Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. As a Canadian student there were many new things to discover and even after 3 months it felt like we had so much still left to explore. From the bowing deer of Nara, the dozens of temples in Kyoto, to the incredible firework festivals of Osaka, this was truly an unforgettable summer ! Finally, the incredible staff at Osaka University made housing, transport, and paperwork such a seamless process that I was able to explore and enjoy without any worries. If you're looking for a place to both pursue important research and have an adventure Osaka University is the place for you."
Rozilyn Delenn Marco (Harada Lab, Undergrad 3)
"I have always been interested in studying abroad for graduate school and the FrontierLab Mini Program was the perfect experience to discover what that future could look like for me. My lab and project assignment were completely flexible for what I was interested in learning more about and my lab mates, supervisor, and contact person at the university were very supportive in the entire process. I was not only able to obtain valuable experience that will help get me closer to my academic goals, but was able to spend time learning more about and admiring all Osaka has to offer!"
Katherine Zhu (Kiyono Lab, Undergrad 3)
"This past summer, I was incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in a three-month research exchange at Osaka University's Graduate School of Engineering Science. Through this program, I conducted research with the Biophysics and Data Science Group under the supervision of Professor Kiyono, and employed machine learning techniques to explore the primary indicators of menstruation in female Japanese students. Among others, this experience enabled me to grow academically, as I was able to develop independent research skills as well as apply concepts that I had previously learned, for instance in machine learning and biosignals, within new contexts. Furthermore, collaborating with Professor Kiyono and other students in the laboratory also enabled me to grow as a researcher, as I was able to learn from their expertise and expand my knowledge in the field. Outside of my research work, I had an incredible time living in International House, as well as learning more about Japan's culture and traditions. Among others, some of my favorite experiences included collecting goshuin in different shrines and temples, attending the Gion Festival in Kyoto, and trying street food in various covered markets. Overall, I am extremely grateful to Osaka University for an incredible summer experience and am excited to carry my learnings with me throughout the rest of my academic journey!"
Dhruv Sirohi (Fujii Lab, Undergrad 3)
"I spent the summer studying Quantum Machine Learning in the Fujii Lab at Osaka University. It was an honor to study alongside some of the smartest and most senior researchers in my field - it is all thanks to their mentorship and guidance that I learnt how to do research in this field. Academically, this was an invaluable experience - I learned an immense amount and feel better prepared to approach graduate studies in the field now. My work schedule was also quite flexible, and I found time to explore beautiful destinations across Japan, from Hiroshima to Nara, on a weekly basis with my friends, many of whom were Osaka University students I met on campus! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend a summer immersed in the wonderful culture of Japan and to make friends who I am sure I will stay in touch with for years to come."
Yuchun (Cathy) Feng (Harada Lab, Undergrad 3)
"In summer 2023, I had the pleasure to be an international exchange student at Osaka University. I worked on robotic arm manipulation at Harada Lab where I immersed myself in a research environment that significantly benefited my professional development. I had my best summer research ever in the lab where I was surrounded by so many great minds and get to experience the daily life as a PhD student. The PhD friends I made in the lab are always happy to guide me whenever I needed help on my research, and these bonds of friendship has become my valued professional and personal connections that grow beyond the summer. Outside of the lab, I did a lot of travelling with my friends from Canada who came to visit Japan. Not only we went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji, we even climbed the Fuji Mountain. I was so grateful to have my three months in Japan accompanied by friends and it is truly the best summer ever."
