Studying the Neuroscience Program at Mahidol University is one of my invaluable experiences. Starting with a series of intensive lectures from the very basis to the applications of Neurosciences and several lab rotations in the first year provided us an opportunity to choose the topic of interest and the laboratory to work in. Staff and seniors in the lab were prompt to help and taught us closely in a step-by-step manner. Because the program did not strictly limit the background of students, my class was composed of students from various professions. The best advantage from this was that we shared our experiences based on different backgrounds, thereby broadening our learning perspectives. Therefore, apart from academic and laboratory skills, friendship was another important factor that drove me throughout my study.

Lastly, being trained by experts in various fields, this program not only made me realize the research area I am particularly interested in but also provided me with knowledge and several laboratory skills which are extremely beneficial for pursuing a PhD as well as my future career as an academic staff. I would like to thank all of the staff, friends and colleagues as they contributed to my success and became my Neuroscience family.

Varanya now studies a PhD at Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, UK and also holds a lecturer position at Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University.