Jeong-eun Kim and Eun-kyo Hong are two Master students from Andong National University (Republic of Korea) who did a month-long internship in Hong Kong, between the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole and the Centre for Immunology and Infection. Let's hear about their experience!
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your research interest at Andong National University?
Jeong-eun Kim
I am affiliated with the Laboratory of Zoonotic Infectious Diseases at Andong National University, and have completed my second semester of graduate school. My advisor is Professor Sun-woo Yoon.
Currently, I am particularly interested in circulating highly pathogenic zoonotic infectious diseases. My ongoing research focuses on the Nipah virus, which is transmitted via bats. Given that there are no available treatments or vaccines for this virus, I am conducting antiviral screening experiments to identify effective therapeutic solutions.
Eun-kyo Hong
Hello, my name is Eun-Kyo Hong, and I am a master’s student in the Laboratory of Zoonotic Infectious Diseases under Professor Sun-Woo Yoon at Andong National University. My research focuses on the molecular characterization of avian influenza viruses isolated from wild birds, aiming to identify the relationship between sequence variations and viral pathogenicity. Additionally, I investigate the potential for interspecies transmission to mammals and humans. My ultimate goal is to utilize these findings to develop new vaccine strains and innovative diagnostic techniques, establishing a foundation for rapid influenza pandemic prevention and response.
Can you describe what you did during your internship?
Jeong-eun Kim During my internship at the University of Hong Kong, I had the opportunity to observe and participate in a diverse range of experiments, some of which I had prior experience with, while others were entirely new to me.
One of the most intriguing experiments was the PBMC isolation experiment, which involved analyzing blood samples collected from vaccinated patients. These samples, obtained through a collaboration between the Pasteur Institute and the Hong Kong University Hospital, allowed me to observe procedures not commonly performed in my home laboratory.
Additionally, I was encouraged to share my preferences regarding experiments, enabling me to observe studies that had previously been challenging to perform in Korea. Participating in seminars organized by the University of Hong Kong further enriched my understanding of various viruses and provided valuable insights into the research methodologies of other scientists. Moreover, I received detailed explanations on data analysis and interpretation, which have significantly improved my analytical skills.
Eun-kyo Hong
I participated in a one-month internship program, spending two weeks each at the HKU-Pasteur Research Pole and the Centre for Immunology & Infection (C2i).
At the HKU-Pasteur Laboratory, under the guidance of Professor Sook-San Wong’s team, I gained hands-on experience in molecular and serological analysis methods for viruses. I also attended several seminars where students and experts presented their latest research findings.
At C2i, under the supervision of Professor Mark Zanin's team, I learned how to confirm NA activity and inhibitor resistance using the NA Star assay, perform accurate virus quantification with ddPCR, and work with the baculovirus expression system. Additionally, I acquired skills in vaccine purification and concentration techniques.
Did you learn new skills or gain new knowledge during your internship in Hong Kong?
Jeong-eun Kim
During my time at the University of Hong Kong, I gained valuable insights into meticulous laboratory protocols, including sterilization techniques and infection prevention policies. Even for experiments I was already familiar with, I learned about differences in methodology and identified more efficient techniques.
The exposure to advanced experimental equipment and tools also inspired ideas for building a more efficient laboratory environment upon returning to Korea. This experience has broadened my perspective and enhanced my technical expertise.
Eun-kyo Hong
During my internship, I had the opportunity to learn extensively in two institutions with excellent research environments:
At the HKU-Pasteur Laboratory, I focused on phylogenetic analysis and serological analysis, which are critical for vaccine development. Under Professor Sook-San Wong’s guidance, I learned HI assay and ELLA to measure antibody titers in serum and methods for PBMC isolation to identify biomarkers. These techniques were highly beneficial, as they allowed me to develop faster and more accurate phylogenetic trees compared to my previous methods, significantly advancing my master’s research.
At C2i, I learned how to use the baculovirus expression system to produce proteins, as well as the TFF system for their purification and concentration. Additionally, interacting with C2i students allowed me to exchange experimental insights, helping me adopt new techniques and solve research challenges more effectively.
How has this experience contributed to your academic and professional goals?
Jeong-eun Kim The internship at the University of Hong Kong’s Pasteur Institute was an invaluable experience. Observing skilled researchers at work not only deepened my passion for my research but also inspired me to pursue my goals with greater determination.
Although this was my first overseas internship, and I initially felt nervous, the experience sparked my aspiration to work abroad in the future. It has solidified my confidence and broadened my perspective on global research opportunities.
Eun-kyo Hong
This internship was a valuable opportunity for academic exchange with researchers from different countries in the same field. It helped me strengthen my professionalism, broaden my research skills, and enhance my academic perspective. Learning diverse approaches and programs allowed me to achieve more advanced outcomes. By consulting with Professor Sook-San Wong and attending seminars on cutting-edge infectious disease research, I clarified the direction of my influenza virus research during my master’s program.
Moreover, this experience inspired me to strive for impactful research outcomes in state-of-the-art facilities, like the University of Hong Kong and C2i. It also solidified my desire to pursue a Ph.D. in infectious disease research.
What differences did you notice between the research culture in Korea and in Hong Kong?
Jeong-eun Kim The differences between the research environments in Korea and Hong Kong were fascinating. In my lab in Korea, researchers generally work individually in designated areas due to the lab’s smaller size.
In contrast, the Hong Kong lab had separate zones for each experiment, with schedules planned and shared in advance to prevent conflicts over space and resources. This systematic approach struck me as highly efficient. Additionally, I noticed a more flexible approach to lunch breaks in Hong Kong, which allowed researchers to manage their time independently—a refreshing contrast to the fixed one-hour lunch breaks commonly observed in Korea.
Although my internship lasted only two weeks, it was a transformative and unforgettable experience. While I could not conduct experiments directly, observing and learning from the researchers was deeply inspiring.
Their dedication and expertise motivated me to strive to become a researcher of their caliber. I am particularly grateful for the kindness and support of the researchers, who took the time to understand my interests and guide me through the experiments. The techniques and knowledge I have gained will be applied to my future research in Korea.
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