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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
I wanted to participate in the JSPS Science Dialogue for several reasons. I had experience doing high school outreach when I was an undergraduate and in graduate school, and I remembered how rewarding it could be for everyone involved. Programs like these allow us to guide and inspire younger people through our own experiences, and as such are invaluable. I also wanted to give back to JSPS and the Japanese people for giving me the wonderful opportunity to work here. Finally, I wanted to see what life was like in a Japanese high school!
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
I wanted it to be interesting, and I wanted to reach the students at a level where they could really take something away from my talk. To this end, the teachers at the host high school were invaluable in telling me what the students might want to hear about, and I made sure to listen to what they had to say.
3. Did you find it difficult to give a lecture in English to Japanese students? Could you give some advice to future lecturers on how to facilitate communication with Japanese students?
The students actually had great English skills, so I was very lucky. I would suggest that future lecturers speak slowly and simply. If you know some Japanese, throw in a few Japanese words here and there to keep the students' interest. Also, during the lecture, you can spontaneously ask the students to say some of the English words in your lecture in Japanese- this makes them pay attention, and it gives them a chance to show off their language skills.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
I had a great time. I would do it over again in a heartbeat.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
The program was definitely meaningful in terms of my fellowship activities, because I felt that I could give something back to the community that is supporting my research. Additionally, an essential part of being a postdoctoral fellow anywhere is contributing to the education of others, whether they are in your lab or elsewhere. Being a postdoctoral fellow in a foreign country brings with it the added responsibility of serving as an ambassador for your home country. I feel that the JSPS Science Dialogue program was meaningful in that it fulfilled these roles.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
I hope that the students came away from the talk with a heightened interest in science and in research, and perhaps a better understanding of what a career in science is really all about.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
Participate! It's a lot of fun, and very rewarding.
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