＜概要／目的＞
The goal of this activity is to introduce the research activities at Tokyo Metropolitan University to the University of Seoul students. This program can enhance our research experience and skill through learning and studying in various research fields.  

＜方法／企画としての特徴＞
Before coming to Japan, the organizers let the UOS students choose the laboratory according to their own interests. There were 2 UOS students who were interested in staying at the Evolutionary Genetics Laboratory, Han Seunyoung, and Kim Yubin. I introduced them to the research topics in this laboratory, how to maintain fruit flies, did molecular experiments (DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis), and analyzed the sequencing data using the bioinformatic tool.

＜活動内容／具体的成果＞
Day 1 (November 18th, 2022)
Introduction
I picked up two UOS students from Minami-Osawa Station. We walked from the station to the TMU. After arriving at the laboratory, I introduced them to all supervisors and laboratory members. I explained the schedule of experiments in our laboratory to them and gave a mini-tour to introduce the laboratory, the study room, and the fly stock room.

DNA extraction
Before doing experiments, I prepared and explained the protocol for doing molecular experiments (DNA extraction, PCR, electrophoresis) to them. First, I showed them how to maintain fruit flies under laboratory experiments. Then, I taught them how to pick the fruit flies from the glass vial using an aspirator and collected them for the experiment. Next, I demonstrated how to homogenize the flies for DNA extraction. They followed my instruction well. I asked them to do DNA extraction using 6 individual fruit flies for 2 samples each of them. During the experiments, they often asked about the principle of work at every step. They told me that it was the first time for them to extract DNA using flies and they found that difficult to homogenize the flies due to their small size We also discussed our experience in extracting DNA from various tissues such as the brain of mice and the liver of frog, etc. In the last step, we measured the quantity of DNA using Nanodrop. Every sample had good quality and quantity. Therefore, we could use the result of the DNA extraction for PCR and electrophoresis.

PCR and Electrophoresis
After successfully performing DNA extraction, we continued to do PCR and electrophoresis. I got help demonstrating these steps from my Japanese laboratory friend, Taichi Ueda. He taught 2 UOS students to perform PCR reactions using DNA extraction results as DNA templates and confirmed the PCR reaction results using electrophoresis. Each student prepared her or his own PCR mix for PCR reaction and put the PCR result into the gel for electrophoresis by herself or himself. We got clear DNA band images which showed our molecular experimental results were successful.

Welcome party
In the evening, I and my laboratories member held a welcome party for 2 UOS students at Nippon Issyu. Since one UOS student came late from the schedule, he could not participate in the first welcome party with TMU organizers, so it was the first party for him. During the party, we talked, discussed, and shared a lot of things about research, Japanese culture, and Korean culture. This activity could strengthen our friendships and learned many things from each other.

Day 2 (November 19th, 2022)
Learning analyzed sequencing data using Bioinformatic software
On the second day, they learned about analyzing sequencing data using a bioinformatic tool, MEGA software. I asked them to install MEGA software one day before. However, one student could not install the software due to a memory internal problem in her laptop. This lesson was taught by Reika Sato. First, they got a short explanation of the Sanger sequencing method. Then, we lend the laboratory data temporarily for them to analyze on their own laptop. During the practical time, they often asked questions related to some difficulties in the data analysis. In the end lesson, they found the expected result in the sequencing data so that the goal of the study was achieved.

Having lunch ramen together
At lunchtime, I and some laboratory members asked them to have lunch together in a ramen restaurant nearby Horinouchi area. After that, they had free time to explore Tokyo.

Day 4 (November 21st, 2022)
Joining lab seminar activity
Before lunchtime, they joined a lab seminar with Cellular Genetics Laboratory. I took care of them after lunch. I was planning to teach them how to maintain fruit flies in detail after lunchtime. However, one of the UOS students lost his passport. Therefore, I canceled the planning for the laboratory activity.

TMU UOS Bioconference
In the afternoon, we displayed our poster for the preparation of the TMU-UOS Bioconference. After that, we went to building 12-102 for participating in Dr. Lee’s talk and joined in the poster presentation session.

Farewell party
In the evening, we went to Sophia’s home for a farewell party there. Some TMU organizers prepared some food and drinks. We enjoyed the farewell party and talked about UOS students’ s experiences during the exchange program. They looked happy.

＜感想／課題など（企画力／評価力／自主性等の向上を含む）＞
The lab experience went successfully according to the plan. At first, I was worried that I could not handle this alone because I was the only organizer from my laboratory, and I had to be responsible for taking care of two UOS students at once. Nevertheless, I got help from some of my lab members so I was able to handle it well. Unfortunately, the schedule for the laboratory experiment was very limited. Previously, I had arranged a schedule to teach them about the Sanger sequencing experiment. However, due to time limitations and several things that happened beyond expectations, this plan could not be obtained.
Nevertheless, I was happy that UOS students could get good results for molecular experiments which means we achieved the goal of this activity well. For next year, I hope that the schedule for the arrival of UOS students would be starting at the beginning of weekdays for example, from Monday to Sunday. Furthermore, UOS students would get more research experience and new knowledge for their exchange experience so that the real goal of introducing and experiencing research activity from TMU can be achieved better.

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