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U.S.A. high school student impresses HU researchers

“I’m really sad to think about leaving because it has just been such an amazing experience!”

They are the words of Emily Mayo, an American high school student, who spent July carrying out work experience at Hiroshima University. 

Under the careful guidance of Professor Hidetoshi Tahara, who specializes in researching cancer and aging, 18-year-old Emily was able to carry out important research into cells, using cutting edge technologies and techniques, as part of a one-month internship at Kasumi Campus. 

Emily said that she applied to HU, as she wanted to build off the research she had already been doing at school - in the hope that the skills gained would assist with her future career prospects. 

Such foresight is impressive in one so young - but how does a mature-minded New Jersey kid end up spending the summer working at a Japanese research university?! 

Emily makes it sound very easy, “I decided to send an email and was lucky enough to get my first place at this laboratory. Everybody has been so amazingly generous so I can only be so happy and so thankful that I’m actually here because I didn’t think it was going to happen - I didn’t even think I was going to get a response!”

Professor Tahara who invited Emily over, once he realized the depth of her interest in molecular biology, and Japanese culture, was particularly impressed by this young go-getter’s competence,

“I was really surprised at her technique – almost the same as a master course student! She must be a good scientist in the near future.”

The kind sentiments flowed both ways with Emily praising the staff at Hiroshima for their warmth and attentiveness, 

“It’s honestly an amazing place, everyone is always happy… People will stop what they’re doing to get the English word for me for something, they just really want to make sure you understand.”

Emily, a self-proclaimed Nipponophile, didn’t require too much help with the language barrier - she speaks Japanese! She also loves karaoke, okonomiyaki, and the deer at Miyajima – so she had plenty to keep her occupied when not in Professor Tahara’s lab.

Emily says she is now torn between applying to university in Japan, or continuing her studies in the US.

Whatever Ms. Mayo decides, she can rest assured of having good friends and connections on this side of the pond. We wish her all the best as she returns to the Garden State to begin her next life-chapter - and we hope to see her again in the not too distant future.

[Inquiries about this article]

Public Relations Group, Hiroshima University

E-mail: koho*office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp (Please replace the asterisk with @)


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