Sakura Science Program-Yamagata University-Daily Chronicle: Day 6
On this very morning (22/02/2023), the day started with a clear sky and the temperatures in Yamagata were still cold (-5℃). We began our morning at 8 am as usual, heading to Yamagata University and arriving around 9 am ready to have breakfast brought by Prof. Yokoyama. After another delicious breakfast we all head to the laboratory to prepare our task for the day.
Overnight, the PCR was running and the results were done and ready to be collected. We headed to the PCR DNA laboratory in the 2nd floor lab to get the results. Under the supervision of Prof. Yokoyama, The laboratory assistants helped us to transfer the data files to our computers ready to be processed. We download and install the MEGA 11 application which is used to align DNA sequences. This application is newer than one that we usually use in our faculty.
The results from the PCR were blasted using MEGA 11 and searched through the NCBI database for its correct matches. Our main task was to create a phylogenetic tree from the results collected and compared with its genebank counterparts along with a species with a different genus of the same family. We then took a break at 12 am for a prayer and lunch break before preparing our presentation that afternoon. That was our last luncheon in the program.
The end of lunch was followed by preparations to start the presentation of results. Preparations were made by preparing PPT material containing introduction, methods, results, and conclusions according to the plant genus of each group. The presentation began at 14.00 am. Each group has presented a nicely packaged presentation. There were 5 groups with each genus of orchid plants, namely Bulbophyllum, Vanda, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, and Phalaenopsis. There is a small discussion after each presentation where professors ask about our presentation, the failure, the success, how we interpret and analyze them.
After all the groups presented their worked and answer the questions, Prof. Jun Yokoyama handed us the certificates of achievement for successfully completing the Sakura Science program 2023 to all participants. The certificates were signed by the President of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, Dr. Hashimoto Kazuhito. Prof Yokoyama read the certificate to each of the participants of the Sakura Science program 2023 in that awarding ceremony.
The last day of the Sakura Science Program was then concluded with a small party at the Yamagata University Cafeteria. The small party was attended by the participants of Sakura Science Program 2023, Prof. Jun Yokoyama, Prof. Fujiyama, Prof. Miyazawa, Dr. Kanao, Prof. Naoyuki Fujiyama’s students, and Prof. Jun Yokoyama’s students. Various foods and drinks were served in a small party as the closing of the program. From fruits, cakes, Japanese specialty “Taiyaki”, sushi, sashimi as signs of prosperity, to drinks such as milk tea, ocha, orange juice, tea, and others. We had a merry time at that party, laughing and exchanging pleasantries. After finishing all the dishes we headed back to the hotel to rest and prepare our luggage to start our journey to return to Indonesia tomorrow (Dan&Sab).
