Small Mammal Biology in Tokyo & Tucson
While in a completely different cultural and ecological environment, students at Japan’s Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) share interests with students in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. In spring 2008, students from TMU visited the University of Arizona campus to connect with Dr. John Koprowski's Lab group. In the fall, graduate students in the Koprowski lab had the opportunity to visit Japan to continue the exchange of ideas – in both cases focused on the use of small mammals as models for questions in behavioral ecology, population ecology, and conservation.
A highlight of their academic experiences, the time in Tokyo engaged SNRE graduate students with cultural mentoring, discussions and presentations. The experience included many visits to research sites, including Mt.Takao, the Tama Forest Science Garden, Kamakura and Mt. Fuji. Guides helped expand students’ knowledge of Japanese ecology. Students made ecological and theoretical connections between their two research labs’ study sites and interests. As evidenced in their comments, the Japan exchange funded completely by the Support Program for Improving Graduate School Education through the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, had a powerful impact on SNRE graduate students both personally and professionally.
"The professors and students at Tokyo Metropolitan University (TMU) were wonderful and provided not only scientifically relevant research and information, but great personal interactions and conversations, as well.”
- Seafha Blount
“The symposia presentations were inspiring and offered a chance to expand
our intellectual horizons to new methods, topics, research questions, and
presentation techniques. The impact of this visit to Japan will far-reaching into each of our lives.”
our intellectual horizons to new methods, topics, research questions, and
presentation techniques. The impact of this visit to Japan will far-reaching into each of our lives.”
- Sandy Doumas
“I benefited from the opportunity to discuss projects and career goals with them and learn about the differences between our counties in the demands and expectations of graduate school and careers in the biological sciences. Additionally, it was very beneficial to present my research to an international audience and receive feedback from other small mammal and squirrel biologists from outside the United States; the opportunity to meet with these scientists and learn about their work was an invaluable experience.”
- Nichole Cudworth
“I was exposed to new science experiments and local examples (i.e. giant Japanese flying squirrel, Reverdin's blue butterfly) which I will use to improve the curriculum and lectures for the classes that I teach. I met prominent researchers and emergent graduate students which has inspired me as a scientist and I am confident will lead to future collaborations.”
- Karen Munroe
“I was honored that our research group was selected to participate in this research exchange. As a mentor, it was rewarding to be able to provide this opportunity to a number of my graduate students and to experience their enthusiasm throughout the exchange both in Tucson as hosts and in Japan as visiting scientists.”
- John Koprowski
