iCeMS Internship Program Students Wrap Up Their Summer Research

On August 4, five international students participating in the iCeMS Internship Program concluded their summer experience by presenting their research findings. The presentation session began with a welcome message from Prof Kazumitsu Ueda and was attended by theInterns’ lab mentors and other iCeMS researchers.

Over the course of five weeks, the students conducted hands-on research in iCeMS laboratories and presented their results. Huy Quang Do, from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (Vietnam), worked in the Kitagawa Group, developing a triboelectric nanogenerator-based sensor enhanced with a metal-organic framework. Adeyemi Solomon Owoseni, from the University of Ibadan (Nigeria), joined the Kengaku Group to study how a mechanosensitive ion channel influences cortical interneuron migration. Laura Konarska, from the University of Oxford (UK), conducted research in the Uesugi Group, designing synthetic polyphenols that promote oxidative protein degradation. Anes Amor Guelfen, from the National Higher School of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (Algeria), collaborated with the Fujita Group to develop an AI-powered microfluidic system for producing uniform double emulsion droplets. Mari Adachi, from the University of California, San Diego (USA), worked with the Suzuki Group to investigate how scramblase function is regulated.

The final presentation event marked the culmination of the iCeMS Internship Program, celebrating not only the students’ scientific achievements but also the cross-cultural connections fostered during their time in Kyoto. Reflecting on her experience, Adachi shared, “They created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and I really enjoyed being there,” expressing her appreciation for the support she received throughout the internship. Guelfen also spoke with enthusiasm about the future of his project, concluding his talk with the words: “This is not a conclusion — it’s the starting point for a deeper exploration.”