FHS Laboratory Work Experience Programme Helps Local Students Chat Their Future Paths

For many years, FHS has been organising the “Laboratory Work Experience Programme”, aiming to provide local students with opportunities to participate in research work within the faculty’s laboratories, broaden their scientific horizons, and assist them in identifying their future paths. This year, seven students participated in the programme, conducting research under the guidance of FHS professors and researchers.

Among them, Junqian CHEN, an undergraduate student from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has a keen interest in immunotherapy for cancer treatment. He interned in the research project led by Assistant Professor Jiajie HOU. Under the supervision of FHS PhD student Xin PEI, he became familiar with basic molecular biology experimental techniques such as gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Additionally, under the guidance of other members of the research group, he participated in various research topics, learned to use flow cytometry and assisted in processing liver samples from experimental mice. Junqian expressed that these research experiences allowed him to engage with instruments and experiments that are rarely available for him at his university. He was particularly impressed by observing experimental mice with tumours and comparing their conditions before and after drug administration. He was astonished to find that the tumours had almost completely disappeared, deeply appreciating the effectiveness of immunotherapy and its broad application value.

Another undergraduate student from UCLA, Ziqian YIN, joined Prof Wakam CHANG’s research team. Under the guidance of PhD student Yue MA, he embarked on a series of research projects focused on the molecular mechanisms by which taurine regulates the cytoskeleton and repairs ageing defects. Despite having limited prior experience with biological and cellular experiments, he not only learned basic cell culture and gel electrophoresis techniques but also mastered experimental skills for introducing genes into cells using viruses, gaining a wealth of knowledge through intensive hands-on practice.

Junqian noted that the laboratory work experience programme significantly enhanced their interest in biomedicine, and through participating in the professors’ research projects and conducting experiments, he expanded his scientific thinking, improved his experimental skills, and gained a deeper understanding of the essence of researchers’ work, enabling him to better assess his development potential in the field of research. Ziqian believed that the programme provided him with important information and inspiration, helping him define his future direction and make more informed and suitable choices.

Students participating in the “Laboratory Work Experience Programme” engage in research projects across various fields, including big data science, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, and neuroscience; under the leadership of different research teams. FHS is committed to stimulating Macao students’ interest in health sciences, offering opportunities to learn about biomedicine and broaden their research perspectives. Through these internship experiences, students not only enjoy the pleasures of research but also gain a clearer understanding of their learning and career directions.