Wendy Adams

The University of Melbourne, Australia
Exchange to Kunming Institute of Zoology, China

I have been undertaking research towards my PhD in neuroscience at the Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Prof. Yuan Ye Ma at the Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ). Broadly, my research uses animal models to investigate the role of serotonin in schizophrenia. My supervisor, Assoc/Prof. Maarten van den Buuse, had previously hosted a student from KIZ in his laboratory at the Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria (MHRI). I was fortunate to receive an Endeavour Cheung Kong Award to support the reverse exchange. Scientific collaborations as such seem to fit right into the goals of the Endeavour Programme and hopefully with its continuing support we can continue these fruitful exchanges.

Life in Kunming has been challenging both professionally and personally. I had always wanted to live in China, having studied Mandarin at high school and travelled here a couple of times. But travelling to a country is one thing, while living there is another story. Thus far, I can say that my Endeavour experience has already shaped me, as a person and as a budding neuroscientist. I know it will remain to be one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences of my life.

I arrived in Kunming with a blank space ahead of me — not knowing anyone or what to expect doing research in a Chinese laboratory. This was rather unnerving. It took some time to settle in, get busy at the institute and build a network of friends. The beginning happens slowly and then one day you realise you are doing it: you are living in an exhilaratingly different place and you feel at home. It’s a great feeling.

Working in a Chinese laboratory has been educational and eye-opening. Resources are more limited, but it is amazing how inventive and “hands-on” you get in designing experiments and constructing equipment. Chinese science students are remarkably resourceful and I have learned so much from working with them. I feel that my own Australian research background has also contributed. I believe that this captures the essence of what it means to do science: working with like-minded others who are asking the same questions and sharing experience in order to answer those questions. A synergy occurs. It has been a challenging research environment compared to what I had been used to, but consequently it has been immensely rewarding working here. Furthermore, I now fully appreciate the facilities that are available back home. We are incredibly lucky in Australia. I hope that in the future we can host more Chinese students and scientists to do research collaborations, and share our wealth of resources in the pursuit of knowledge.

Language difficulties have pervaded both my professional and personal life. I was shocked to discover how far removed the local Kunmingese dialect is from the Mandarin I learnt at school! Fortunately in the world of science, one must publish in English, making it the language of the field. It has been gratifying to help the Chinese students with their written papers and seeing their spoken English improve day by day. As well as communicating in the lab, learning the language in daily affairs has been a real adventure. I have found that my best Chinese lessons have involved curious taxi drivers! It pleases me to say that there are now a few cabbies around Kunming who are able to say “G’day mate”.

It has been great developing friendships with the local Chinese students, as well as other foreigners living in Kunming. From the Chinese students I’ve learned a lot about what life in China is like. It is invaluable having local friends who can help you with things like mobile phone issues, or even to teach you how to make dumplings! It is also invaluable to share your experiences as a foreigner living in China with others who are in the same boat. The balance between these two very different kinds of friendship has enhanced my time here. I am grateful for all the interesting and inspiring friends that I have made.

Living overseas for the first time has made me realise what it means to be Australian. We have our own unique language, sense of humour and friendliness that people seem to warm to. I had never fully realised it before and have loved being an ambassador for my country here in China. Thanks Endeavour, for allowing me to have this enriching experience. It has been amazing.

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