USA, BSc Bioanalytics and Cell Biology, Hochschule für Life Sciences FHNW

What made you decide, what motivated you to go abroad?
For me, the idea of going abroad was an exciting challenge and a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. I felt that it gave me the chance to learn new skills that I might not have been able to acquire at home, such as navigating a new city, communicating in a different language, and managing my own budget.

Why did you choose your host institution/country?
Given Hawai'i's geographical location in the middle of the Pacific, between Japan and the United States, it’s unsurprising that it’s a very international place. I've had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and that's probably what I've enjoyed the most.

What does a typical day at the host institution look like?
During the week, my after-work time mainly consisted of playing volleyball with my friends and going for short walks in the evenings. On the weekends, I spent most of my time hiking and exploring the island with my friends. I've been lucky enough to find friends who share many of my interests. I also went climbing every other day and did outdoor climbing on the weekends. Additionally, I did a lot of surfing as I live close to the beach. In this way, I felt that I could really take advantage of this wonderful place and discover new things that I would never have been able to do at home.

Tell us about your research and your research findings during your residency.
I did my undergraduate work at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Our lab's research focuses on the Tcf21 gene and its effects on the physiological development of the heart and lungs. I concentrated on the development and growth of primary mouse cardiac fibroblasts and examined the impact of the Tcf21 gene on their function. We discovered that the Tcf21 gene influences not only the activation but also the survival of these cells, which could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for conditions such as coronary artery disease.

What surprised you the most about your stay abroad?
I had some doubts at first, which is normal. However, this experience has helped me build resilience and self-confidence. Living in another country has also fostered greater empathy and understanding for others. I feel blessed to have learned so much about new cultures and languages and to have overcome various academic challenges.

What tip would you like to give to future exchange students.
If you love the outdoors, Hawai'i is the place for you. Try to connect with as many people as possible by participating in outdoor activities like rock climbing or playing volleyball. This will help you get the most out of your stay.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I really enjoyed exploring the island at my own pace, immersing myself in the local culture, and meeting wonderful people who helped me discover the city from a unique perspective.