Intern delves into genomic data and disease research in Japan
As a software engineering student with an interest in healthcare and machine learning, University of Canterbury student Angelica Silva jumped at the opportunity to explore how genomic data can transform cancer and infectious disease research. Angelica spent three months in Tokyo interning with NEC’s AI Drug Development (AIDD) Division, where she applied her university studies to real-world research while gaining insights into Japanese society and culture. The Asia New Zealand Foundation supported Angelica to undertake the internship with funding from Japan’s Nakashimato Co. Ltd.
Angelica: "This internship was truly life-changing, eye-opening, and all the other positive adjectives one could possibly name."
Every so often, an opportunity comes along that you would give just about anything for. The Foundation's internship with NEC’s AI Pharmaceutical Development in Tokyo was one such opportunity.
Living in Japan had long been on my bucket list. Plus, as a software engineering student with an interest in healthcare and machine learning, this internship in AI drug development was the perfect chance to experience something unique, yet relevant.
Once the chaos of the final university semester was over, I found myself on a plane bound for Tokyo. I spent the following months working under NEC Corporation, a multinational Japanese tech conglomerate.
NEC’s work spans from submarine cable systems through to space exploration, and NEC Bio is a subsidiary focused on research and development of solutions that help people to be healthier — in particular, research on AI technology to inform drug design for patients with cancer and infectious diseases.
I was in the AI Drug Development (AIDD) Division of NEC. Everyone was knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to answer my questions on topics ranging from biomedical science to the best hikes around Tokyo.
My mentor was kind and offered valuable feedback that helped me to grow technically. I especially enjoyed learning more about immunology.
I came into the internship with minimal knowledge about the immune system apart from my personal experience with food allergies. By the end of the internship, I had a deeper appreciation for the complex processes in human cells, and a great respect for the people who contribute to bioinformatics research.
Angelica worked in the technology team of NEC's AI Drug Development (AIDD) Division
I worked with AIDD’s technology team, carrying out genomic data analysis of patients with cancer and infectious diseases.
I had three different projects over my time at NEC. These involved researching different technologies and writing code to achieve the outcomes set by the project leads. However, I cannot provide too many details about the work I did due to its sensitive nature.
One project involved designing, evaluating and proposing a new strategy for Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) Class II typing methods.
HLA Class II proteins are molecules that let helper cells know when to activate an immune response. The goal was to increase the success rate of one part of the pipeline to help improve the personalised vaccine design process for a patient.
This work gave me insights on the different components of software needed to create a solution tailored for a patient’s specific genetics, and their specific disease.
I further improved my skills in Google Cloud Platform, Linux, Jupyter Notebook, and specialist bioinformatics software platforms and pipelines. I also liked the machine learning aspect of development, particularly in ensemble learning, as well as enabling stakeholders with their statistical evaluation use cases.
I am now better prepared for my career, more confident in international collaboration, and more motivated to continue learning languages of the Asian countries I plan to visit in the near future.
Angelica
Another highlight of my internship was being able to attend a talk from a Stanford researcher titled “AI is better than doctors (at some things). Now what?”. I enjoyed learning about Stanford and Harvard studies on evaluating AI outputs in other healthcare scenarios such as GP diagnoses, and the discussion around ethical implications and governance responsibilities.
Having visited Japan once before, I arrived for my internship with minimal preconceptions. However, one thing that held true was the packed commute to work - a claustrophobic person would not have fun in a morning rush train.
It took about 45 minutes from my sharehouse in Otsuka to the NEC office in Minato. Being crushed with a crowd against the carriage door is genuinely all part of the fun, and overall, I appreciated Tokyo’s well designed public transport system.
Sampling Japan’s local cuisine was one of the many highlights of Angelica’s three months in Tokyo
Of course, food is another important aspect of cultural immersion.
Lunchtime would be a walk to grab mouthwatering tuna sashimi bowls, chicken karaage, or soba noodles with my teammates. Discussion topics included recommendations for attractions to visit, our different experiences growing up in Japan versus New Zealand, and tips on improving my Japanese vocabulary.
Other culinary highlights were meals at Sushiro with friends, trying fresh seafood in Ibaraki, matcha after the thrift shops at Shimokitazawa, and the 24/7 gyudon (beef bowls) at Matsuya.
Outside of work, I visited districts such as Harajuku (snacks), Roppongi Hills (Christmas market with a view of Tokyo Tower), Ikebukuro (food and shopping), and Shinjuku (yummy yuzu shio ramen).
Weekends took me to hikes up Mt. Takao, sunset at Enoshima, Parkrun at Shingashigawa Ukima, and waterfalls and Mt. Fuji views from Shizuoka.
There was also onsen in Hakone, an aquarium in Ōarai, a floating garden at teamLab Planets museum, and many more memories I will treasure. Japan is known for being a hub where innovation and technology meet culture and tradition, and it was incredible to discover this first-hand.
On weekends, Angelica would explore Tokyo and surrounding areas
The days in Japan flew by, making the internship a surreal and formative experience that continues to shape my personal and professional perspective.
All the challenges that come with moving to a new country taught me how being out of one’s comfort zone improves adaptability and allows mistakes to be learning opportunities.
I am now better prepared for my career, more confident in international collaboration, and more motivated to continue learning languages of the Asian countries I plan to visit in the near future.
This internship was truly life-changing, eye-opening, and all the other positive adjectives one could possibly name.
I would recommend this to students who are similarly interested in technological advancements in healthcare and immersing themselves in a new culture.
While it was certainly daunting at first, navigating a country where I didn’t speak the language well, there was always wonderful support from the Foundation and NEC.
Angelica: "Nothing compares to the invaluable experience of working and living overseas"
I am grateful for all the colleagues and friends that I share such amazing memories with. Nothing compares to the invaluable experience of working and living overseas, and I am glad to have expanded my worldview of the possibilities of working beyond New Zealand.
Japan is now at the top of a new bucket list: my list of countries to revisit and continue exploring.
The Foundation's business programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia so they can make the most of opportunities in the region. It also supports to grow the next generation of Asia-savvy business leaders.
Our internship programme helps interns build a better understanding of the people, place and culture of their Asian host country, while developing industry-specific skills that will benefit them as they progress in their careers. This internship was supported by a grant from Nakashimato Co. Ltd.
