Jéferson is a PhD student at the University of Sao Paulo who recently completed a 6 month project with the Sumner Lab involving transcriptomics in the neotropical wasp Zethus miniatus

“I am a PhD student in Brazil and I came to develop a project with transcriptomes of the neotropical wasp Zethus miniatus for 6 months (August 2024 to January 2025) to work in the Sumner lab, under the supervision of Prof. Seirian Sumner and Dr. Cintia Akemi Oi.
Learning how to analyze transcriptomes was essential both for the proposed project, but also to help develop new projects in this area in Brazil. The experience here at Sumner Lab was wonderful and unforgettable. I participated in different activities that help us students in our personal and professional development. As a PhD student in Brazil, this experience allowed me to learn about new research tools, new work environments and a new vision of research focused on internationalization. In addition, interacting with PhD students in another country was very interesting and necessary to understand how a laboratory outside Brazil works and how research is done abroad. This experience for a PhD student is enriching and fundamental. Finally, this process is important for all PhD students around the world, because it is an experience that challenges you every minute, not only because the language or culture is different, but because science is universal and you have the skills and knowledge to collaborate with anyone in the world, and that is fascinating.
Participating in the Sumner lab meeting was a great pleasure and a great learning experience. The lab meetings take place every Thursday and it is always a very professional environment, but also very family-like. Every week we have different activities, where students or guests can present their projects or results and receive feedback from the group. This interaction is excellent, because the students have this weekly monitoring with all the members of the lab and individual meetings with Prof. Seirian. The discussions at the lab meeting are always very objective and all members participate, which makes the subject very interesting. This research group is very special. Prof. Seirian is always very enthusiastic and receptive to working on new projects, and this is reflected in all members of the lab. I would say that it is an excellent place to develop new, creative and inspiring projects. I could not fail to mention Dr. Cintia Oi, who was my co-supervisor. Dr. Cintia and Prof. Dr. Seirian share the same energy in planning and developing new projects. They are always ready for any challenge. So, it is always a pleasure to work with people who inspire you, as an example of professionals, but also as people.
Thank you very much to everyone for this experience.”
Good luck with the rest of your PhD Jéferson – we will miss you!
