The Tohoku University STEM Summer Program (TSSP) 2024 was held with 29 students from 6 different partner institutes in USA and England. The students underwent a 4-week intensive program focusing on the cutting-edge science and research of Tohoku University as well as the unique culture of the Tohoku Region of Japan. Topics including spintronics, robotics for space exploration, protein folding, aircraft design and synchrotron radiation analysis are just a few of the subjects that were explored in both lectures and laboratory visits. The students also ventured abroad in the Tohoku region, visiting iconic sites such as Shiroishi Castle, the Toyota automotive factory, Chusonji Temple, the Shiroishi Swordsmith as well as Minamisanriku and the surrounding area. Lessons from the great March 11 earthquake and tsunami were discussed, leaving the students with a profound impression of the event and a new respect for the resilience of Japan. Rounding out the event filled program are the cultural activities the students joined including aikido, flower arrangement, meditation, tea ceremony, Japanese language lessons, and many more.
The 4-week program passed swiftly, and although the time was short the students were left with many lasting impressions, a new understanding and appreciation of Japan, and a host of newly forged friendships made along the way. On the final day of the program, each student gave a presentation on their experiences, discussing the impact that the TSSP had on them. Many students reflected on the opportunities ahead of them, as well as a hope to explore Japan more in the future, both in the academic area and culturally. The TSSP continues to enhance the relationships between TU and its partner institutes abroad through exchange and education, enhancing the visibility of the University and alerting students to the graduate education opportunities available to them.