Navid - Electrical & Biomedical Engineering
Navid completed a 3-month stay at The University of Osaka in Kiyono Lab, focusing on electroencephalography and detection of cognitive disorders.
I think I developed most in terms of adaptability and resourcefulness. Being in a new country challenged me to step out of my typical routines whether it was having new food with different taste profiles or working in a highly collaborative research lab.
Motivations
What motivated you to apply for the program and complete your BE/ME placement in Japan?
Getting to complete part of my master’s thesis project in Japan was appealing to me as it challenged me to work and integrate within a completely different cultural and academic environment. Japan and specifically Osaka University is world-renowned for its biomedical engineering innovation often partnering with industry partners such as Shimadzu, Omron and Panasonic. I had the privilege of working within the biophysics and data science group which was well aligned with my interests in biomedical signal processing and machine learning.
Personal Development
How have you developed as a person throughout this experience?
I think I developed most in terms of adaptability and resourcefulness. Being in a new country challenged me to step out of my typical routines whether it was having new food with different taste profiles or working in a highly collaborative research lab. I developed new relationships and friendships which were instrumental in my ability integrate within the new environment.
Professional Development
How about professional development? What opportunities did you have and exercise through this experience?
Working in a research lab while different to the typical corporate work setting allowed me to develop collaborative teamwork skills which are transferrable to a range of environments and settings. I felt that teams in Japan are much more close-knit and while professors encourage independence and freedom in research, they are always supportive, and available to help and discuss project related enquiries.
Costs and Funding
How much was your total budget for the program, and how did this compare to your actual costs?
My budget was around $8000 for the program. This was pretty much on par with my expectations. Food and groceries (except some meats) were cheaper than in Australia by around 30-50%. Public transport was more expensive and surprised me the most. Rent was much cheaper as we were placed in a university dormitory. Flights were around $1600 return.
Our placement was funded by an NCP grant of $11,000 which covered the program costs.
Accommodation
What accommodation options were there and how did you manage?
We were offered a place in a shared dormitory owned by the University of Osaka. The dormitory was called Seimeiryo and required an application in advance.
Highlights
What were your top three highlights of the experience?
Working in the Biophysics and Data Science lab (Kiyono lab) with likeminded students and researchers.
Learning about novel biomedical signal processing techniques, meeting the researchers who developed them and insight into their thinking and research processes when solving problems in their field
Visiting the various wonders of Japan on weekends and public holidays.
Advice/tips for future applicants
Research your lab, Japan and learn some Japanese if you can. Try to get involved with the international student activities run at Osaka University such as English and Japanese Hours. Engage with your lab mates and get them to give you recommendations for food and places to visit.
Learn more about completing your BE/ME placement at The University of Osaka