Welcoming Our New Intern !：2025-06-04

In May 2025, PtBio conducted an internship program. This time, the internship was held over a 10-day period at the request of Mr. Mitsuo Shintani, who is participating in our organization as an Associate through the Excellent Graduate School Program. The internship provided him with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our company’s operations.

Q. What motivated you to apply for the internship?

At graduate school, I am conducting research on the theme of "gene expression analysis related to plant stress responses," focusing on the relationship between plants and various stressors. Platinum Bio’s ongoing project, Sustainable Greening Development Survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, directly relates to stress factors such as salinity and water scarcity, which are central to my research theme. This alignment inspired me to apply for the internship, as I hoped to be more involved with the project.

Q. What kind of work did you engage in during the internship?

To enable future data-driven turfgrass breeding, it is essential to identify which genes are active when plants face high salinity stress. As part of this effort, I analyzed experimental data on salinity stress available in public databases and compiled a list of genes that are likely to function in turfgrass under such stress conditions.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to join a one-night business trip outside the prefecture together with the company’s CEO, Mr. Okuhara, and my mentor.

Q. What left a lasting impression during the internship?

During the business trip, we visited institutions conducting research on plant drought stress and companies involved in turfgrass production. What left the strongest impression was the meeting held at one of the companies. The discussions centered around how to apply research outcomes to real-world challenges and included visionary conversations about the distant future. It was a stark contrast to the academic atmosphere of experiments, data analysis, and academic conferences. I strongly felt that in order to realize a desirable future, collaboration beyond academic research institutions—including partnerships with private companies—is essential.

That evening, we had a dinner with people at the destination. As it was my first time dining with people I had never met before, I found it difficult to engage in conversation. I realized I need to further develop my communication skills, especially when interacting with senior professionals or new acquaintances in a professional setting.

Q. If you were to rate your performance?

I would rate the overall internship experience at 75 points and the dinner at 10 points (laughs). Personally, I would give myself around 60 points, but I added some bonus points as I received encouraging feedback from my mentor and members of the Business Development Department.

It was an intense and fulfilling two weeks, including the business trip. I only wish it had been two weeks longer.

Message from the Mentor

In terms of data analysis, Mr. Shintani utilized his own unique approach to handle public datasets. During the business trip, he engaged confidently in discussions with corporate representatives and researchers at academic institutions, demonstrating his expertise as a data scientist. I could clearly sense the confidence he has gained through his research experience.

It is quite rare for an intern to participate in a business trip. I hope that this experience will prove valuable not only in your future research but also in your ongoing efforts as an Associate.