Nationality: Finland
Unit: Neuronal Rhythms in Movement Unit
Year: Interviewed 3rd year in PhD (2024)
Can you tell us about your research topic?
During my PhD, I aim to study changes in the brainstem as a result of motor learning. More specifically, I study a brainstem region believed to be involved in motor function called the inferior olivary nucleus. It talks to the cerebellum of the brain and has been shown to play a key role in cerebellar learning and movement timing. I hope to quantify the changes in the inferior olive in terms of neuronal morphology and gene expression.
How much flexibility do you have to conduct your research?
In general, I think flexibility in research depends very much on the unit and PI at OIST. I'm very thankful for my PI's approach to working hours and flexibility in the lab as it allows me to be more independent in my scheduling and experiments, with the expectation that I will get my work done in a timely manner. On average, I prefer a 9-5 schedule, but sometimes with the nature of animal experiments, I am required to work on the weekends. However, I try to balance it all out the best that I can so that I can also find the time to do fun things around Okinawa.
What are some helpful research support or resources available at OIST?
I am lucky to work with many amazing people in my lab who have taught me so many laboratory techniques, animal handling, and about tools for data analysis. The most helpful support I have received so far, aside from constant help and advice from postdocs or other students in my lab, has been the Scientific Computing and Data Analysis section. They are so patient and willing to help, and to them there are no stupid questions. I am also planning to do some sequencing experiments in the future and appreciate that the OIST Sequencing Section already has some of the (otherwise very expensive) hardware available for us.
Congratulations on your fellowship by the Osk. Huttunen Foundation. Can you tell us more about the fellowship and application process?
I feel so fortunate to have received the Osk. Huttunen fellowship in my third year of the PhD program. I was interested in seeking out funding opportunities aside from applying for JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science), for which most OIST students apply. I heard of the Osk. Huttunen Foundation from a fellow Finnish PhD student, who does not study at OIST and decided to apply because it was directed at Finnish citizens doing their PhDs abroad, although it was aimed at students in the UK. I felt lucky that the JSPS and the Osk. Huttunen fellowship application deadlines were relatively close together, so I worked on them in parallel. The application process included a written application followed by an online interview. I highly encourage looking into international funding opportunities in addition to applying for JSPS or other domestic fellowships.
How is work-life balance?
For me, Work-life balance is definitely a constant challenge. It comes with the nature of doing a PhD to want to work hard for your own research and progress, and at times the pressure can be high, especially during the preparation for the proposal. For me, it takes a lot of work to maintain a healthy working time to avoid burning out and also battle feelings of guilt caused by comparison to others who may be able to work longer hours than me. What has helped me the most is recognizing that consistency is most important for progress, and I can best achieve this by avoiding burnout at all costs and taking care of my mental and physical health. Some things that have really helped with that are hobbies like going to the gym, surfing, climbing, or swimming in the ocean.
What advice would you give incoming students?
Make sure you're ready to live on a remote island. Okinawa is the most beautiful place I have ever lived in, and probably ever will thanks to the endless beaches, gorgeous nature, and great (albeit hot and humid) weather. However, for me, being away from family for extended periods of time and occasionally feeling isolated from the rest of the world was more challenging than I anticipated when I made the decision to join the OIST PhD program. While OIST as a young university offers state-of-the-art facilities and plenty of resources to conduct cutting edge research, being a student at a young and growing university such as OIST sometimes requires resilience and adaptability due to changes in university policies.
