Background
As part of my Neurosciences M.Sc. program, we have to do two different lab projects either within Bremen or anywhere outside. The whole point of this flexibility is to be limited and get as much exposure as we can and explore our interests. And for that reason, I decided to do my first lab rotation in Institute of Neuroinformatics (part of UZH and ETHZ) funded by Erasmus. The experience was amazing to say the least, and while socializing and participating in events, I was able to secure another project that really interested me in the renowned Brain Research Institute. My project was to learn how to process patch-clamp, and corresponding data to investigate a novel phenomenon in the hippocampus. Although, a huge learning curve, it proved to be one of the most fascinating research I have conducted under supervision of most talented people. Moreover, I am currently working towards hopefully contributing in a scientific paper describing the phenomenon called “spikelets”.
Challenges & Erasmus
Getting my first lab rotation and then simultaneously getting the opportunity to work on another one in Zurich while being continuously supported by Erasmus is a career defining support system. The biggest hurdle, as you can imagine, between this opportunity and reality, was financing it somehow in also one of the most expensive cities in the world. That is where Erasmus comes in. The staff at Universität Bremen for the mobility programme was really friendly, and answered all of my queries. The process was fast and as simple as it could be. Even my travelling costs were taken care of (courtesy of Green Travel). As soon as I was done submitting my application, within a week or so I got around 70 percent of the amount in my bank account as well. Which was extremely great to be able to finance a room right away. Applications wise, this Erasmus application was relatively the easiest application to fill out considering the amount that is awarded. So overall, I’d say this was once in a lifetime opportunity only made possible through Erasmus.
Experience at Brain Research Institute (HiFo)
It was such a rewarding experience and an incredible insight into how institutions associated with one of the best universities actually work. My supervisor was extremely helpful and I got to learn a lot during the span of my internship. I attended journal clubs and scientific conferences that were great especially for making new connections and expanding my horizon. Through these opportunities, I was again able to secure a thesis position at an amazing lab in ETH. Learning wise, this was my first time working with Patch-Clamp dataset and performing novel techniques for detection algorithms, place coding, ripple detection and finding out patterns in an exploratory method to deduce the scientific reasoning behind new findings. I also shadowed some experiments and had the opportunity to learn how to make my own scientific poster which I later presented in a conference at my home university in Bremen. I learned quite a lot during these last few months, and got so much understanding about a whole different field of Neuroscience that was not really possible to get at my home university. At least not to the same extent.
Life at INI
Similar to how we have MindTalks, they had colloqiums where professors from different universities around the world come and present their research which gives you the opportunity to broaden your horizon even further. At the end you can talk with them and even ask for a lab rotation at their labs. The connections that I made helped me secure my subsequent thesis in multi-faceted and fascinating Group in ETH, which I also intend to fund through Erasmus. Everyone was extremely helpful, including the staff. The only challenge I faced was probably the Swiss German itself but everyone at the institute also spoke fluent English.
Life in Switzerland
It would be an understatement to say life here in Zurich is great. Especially in the small towns except of the cities. The freedom to go on a hike or a swim, with either being just a few minutes away is something I’d wish everyone to experience at least once. The last few months, especially now that the spring is here, that I spent in Switzerland as part of my lab rotation has been very meaningful in terms of career progression but also in terms of personal satisfaction and contentment. I love the mountains, and lakes, so staying in a country where both of these things are a few minutes away was such a refreshing feeling. The sun comes out, EVEN in WINTERS, which is great. I’d say more but maybe perhaps it is best to show it:
Concluding Remarks
For anyone looking to fund their internship at UZH or ETH, especially in the Brain Research Institute, I would highly recommend the research groups here. They are not only talented but helpful and always willing to collaborate on projects even if they don’t have something at the moment. If any of you have any questions, feel free to reach out. And from my experience, it is always best to explore your options outside your comfort zone especially when it comes to travelling and getting more exposure. And that for me, has only been possible through Erasmus, amazing staff at the international office of University of Bremen, my supervisor at UZH and my co-supervisor at my home university. I am extremely thankful to all of them for this opportunity.
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