国際交流・留学

Name: Chiara Ortolani
Home Institution/ Country: University of Trieste, Italy
Year of university: 5th Year
Designated department at Shinshu University: Histology and Embryology
Training Period: from Mar.3, 2024 to Jun.24, 2024
Training: Clinical training

1. What made you come train at Shinshu University School of Medicine and how did you find the School through your stay?
I chose to train at Shinshu University School of Medicine because of the strong collaboration between my home university and Shinshu University, facilitated through the Erasmus program. This partnership provided me with a unique opportunity to engage in a research period that would significantly contribute to my thesis.

2. Please describe your training at host department/lab.
My training at the Department of histology and embryology focused on developing pancreatic organoids using two different protocols. The goal was to create reliable disease models to study acute pancreatitis induced by thiopurines. This involved extensive hands-on work in culturing and maintaining organoids, optimizing growth conditions.

3. Please list what you have gained from your experiences through the training at Shinshu University and the stay in Matsumoto, Japan.
Technical Skills: I developed expertise in culturing and maintaining iPSC and pancreatic organoids. So i improved my research methodology and analytical abilities. I also learnt how to write a degree thesis
Problem-Solving: I honed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills by troubleshooting technical issues in complex biological systems.
Collaboration and Communication: Working with a diverse team improved my ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
Academic and Cultural Growth: this experience in Matsumoto changed my personal and professional life through cultural immersion. I also improved my language skills with english and leaning a little bit of japanese.

4. How do you think you can apply those experiences to your future career?
The experiences and skills I gained during my training will be highly beneficial for my future career. The technical expertise in culturing pancreatic organoids have provided me with a strong foundation in biomedical research. Additionally, collaborating with a diverse team has improved my communication and teamwork skills, which are essential for a multidisciplinary research environment. In my life, I am also interested in traveling to work in the medical field, and these skills in teamwork and communication with people from different cultures are incredibly useful.

5. Advice to those who are interested in studying at Shinshu University.
For those interested in studying at Shinshu University, I highly recommend taking part in this academic and cultural exchange program. Shinshu University welcomed me with enthusiasm and support, making my experience incredibly enriching. The campus is excellent, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant academic environment. My lab tutor was fantastic, providing invaluable guidance and fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Additionally, life in Matsumoto is beautiful, surrounded by nature and rich in culture. The combination of academic excellence and the serene, culturally immersive environment makes Shinshu University an ideal place for international students. I encourage everyone to seize this opportunity for a rewarding and significant experience.