Alexander Brandt, GermanyUGAS Ph.D. Programm: Bioproduction Sciences

I spent the last three years as Ph.D. student in Tsuruoka, at the Faculty of Agriculture, which is the smallest but also most relaxed faculty of YU. During my studies I got to know the university as friendly, helpful and interesting institution. Studying in Tsuruoka did not just mean research; there were plenty of opportunities to learn about Japanese culture, the language and festivals. Every student helped to participate in food festivals,prepared sport events at the campus, started lab-parties and organised more live than I ever experienced at the university in my home country. Even in times of Corona, students were still supported and the small city of Tsuruoka had the great advantage that I met many people who were interested in foreign countries and traditions. Yamagata University, and especially Tsuruoka campus were a great chance for me to organise my studies on my own, supported me and especially the University Forest was in summer, but mainly in winter, a great place to go and conduct experiments. The university has not all modern tools or machines, many analysers are old, but with great effort there are always many new chances to do interesting research. I am happy and grateful that I could spend the past three years at YU