Aligned with our commitment to enhance the visibility and impact of our researchers, the RBP-ReguNet project’s coordination team has launched a series of interviews to be periodically featured on our website and professional social networks.

In our inaugural interview, we sit down with Yuqing Wang, a doctoral candidate from China, hosted by USC and supervised by Prof. Ashwin Woodhoo. Yuqing shares his academic journey, the challenges and rewards of his current project, and his experiences living abroad. This interview offers a unique glimpse into the life of a young scientist committed to advancing his field.

Q: Where are you from? Since these are mobility grants, are you missing your place? Family, friends, city…

A: I am from Tianjin, China. It is quite far from here. Of course, I miss my city, my family, and my friends. But I think this is a challenge and an opportunity for me to explore different parts of the world.

Q: And what about your new place? What are you liking the most and the least?

A: I am living in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It’s a small city and full of students, giving it a youthful vibe. I like it, but it rains too much here! (laughs)

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your academic and professional background?

A: I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and a master’s degree in Biology.

Q: What motivated you to join this MSCA-DN project?

A: The RBP project aligns closely with my master’s work. I excel in the technology and background related to RBP, and I believe this field has a promising future. I’m genuinely interested in it.

Q: What specific research or training are you focusing on within this project?

A: Firstly, I am focusing on RBP investigation at the molecular level, specifically related to splicing events during nervous system development. Additionally, I have received training in core communication skills, time and project management, and scientific writing, all of which have significantly improved my capabilities. Moreover, the animal training has been invaluable for testing target functions in vivo.

Q: How do you think this project will contribute to your career development?

A: This well-organized project with clear aims offers ample professional guidance, enhancing my academic abilities. It also provides a great opportunity to interact with members from diverse backgrounds, broadening my perspective and deepening my thinking.

Q: What have been some of the most rewarding experiences in your research so far?

A: The first workshop and training session at CiMUS was particularly rewarding. It was a great opportunity to communicate with professors and doctoral candidates from different backgrounds. We presented our projects, discussed them, and received profound suggestions and novel ideas. This event helped us familiarize ourselves with each other and build strong connections.

Q: Can you describe any challenges you have faced during your time in the project and how you overcame them?

A: One significant challenge was working with different cell backgrounds. I previously worked with cancer cells, and there are substantial differences in culturing and treating these cells compared to others. Fortunately, the lab here has a detailed protocol and a well-trained system that helped me address this issue. My lab mates were also very friendly and patient, teaching me step by step.

Q: What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain by the end of this fellowship?

A: I hope to enhance my capability to apply critical and logical thinking to complete projects rigorously.

Q: How do you see the impact of your research on the wider community or field?

A: In my field, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of RBP’s role in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This area of research is quite lacking, yet RBP is essential. The more we understand, the better we can apply this knowledge in clinical settings.

Q: What advice would you give to future fellows or researchers entering this field?

A: Moving to a new environment in a different country can be challenging at first. You have to adjust to lab life and personal life, including language and culture. My advice is to take things slowly and handle them step by step. Don’t assume that any difficulties are due to a lack of personal ability—sometimes, it just takes time.

Q: What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research work?

A: I am interested in fitness, playing sports, and hiking.

Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself that people might not know?

A: I am an outgoing person, but sometimes when I am in an environment full of Spanish speakers, I become quite quiet, like an introvert.

Q: What book, movie, or music album has had a significant impact on you recently?

A: Well, maybe the A2 Spanish book I’m reading for the Spanish lessons? (laughs)

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

A: I want to visit the most renowned universities and institutions in the world, such as Cold Spring Harbor in the US, Oxford University in the UK, and the Max Planck Institute in Germany. I want to learn about cutting-edge research and the latest technology in biology.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the city or country you are currently living in?

A: I really enjoy life in Spain. I find a good balance between life and work here, which allows me to think more deeply about life.

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life, and why?

A: My father. He always encourages me to face challenges and think positively when I am frustrated.

Q: How do you balance your work and personal life?

A: If experiments are not going well, I do something else to refresh myself, like having a talk with lab mates over a cup of beer. I also go outside on the weekends.

Q: What is one thing you have learned about yourself during your fellowship?

A: I have learned that the pursuit of personal value at work does not necessarily conflict with enjoying life.