Work

I work with the biophysics department as they research the TOM complex or translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane. They use a fungus called Neurospora crassa to do the mitochondria isolation, and I'm responsible for inoculation, culturing, and harvesting them. I also got to do the mitochondria isolation and purification with column chromatography. And then we have to do the protein determination with a spectrophotometer. Sometimes we also run an SDS PAGE gel to check if anything goes wrong with our strain or process. In addition, I also practiced DIB preparation to make a bilayer for inspection under an electron microscope.

Experience

I live in a university dorm, which is really convenient to get to work. My workplace is in the Vaihingen campus, it's a small town outside Stuttgart. I actually like this town as it's not crowded and the town is very lovely. I have walked around the town a lot and it's really peaceful. I also went to Stuttgart mitte sometimes. I felt that the public transport in Stuttgart is very on time and I like it so much. I have only traveled to Ulm and Strasbourg for now, but I'm planning to travel around in the next month. I usually cook something for myself to save up for my trip, but I have also tried some food here and it's good. I will try some more in the future.

Discover

I have found that some mindset of mine is still falling behind. I could see that I can improve myself in many ways instead of staying in the system. Because my country still has some stereotypes and old-fashion mindsets, I could try to find a new way to improve myself beside of what society told me to do. I also found out that my study course is not fit my interest and the occupation I want to be in. I may have to learn by myself and take a higher education if I want to follow my interest. All in all, I could see myself from a new perspective and I also improved my mindset and habits while I'm here.