NC Japan Center Supports Another Summer Cohort of Students in Japan

The NC Japan Center is thrilled to celebrate another intense (and fun) summer of learning in Japan! This season, 20 NC State students headed to Japan for transformative study, research, and internship experiences, all made possible through generous scholarship support.

A total of 17 students received funding from the long-standing Harry C. Kelly Fund, while 3 students were awarded support through a brand-new, annual recurring gift from Mick and Marcy Morita. We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors for opening these life-changing doors for Wolfpack students!

A Diverse Range of Majors & Programs

This year’s cohort again highlights the cross-disciplinary reach of global learning. Our Wolfpack scholars represented a dynamic cross-section of majors and minors, including:

• STEM & Life Sciences: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Genetics, Zoology, and Aerospace & Computer Engineering.
• Humanities, Social Sciences & Education: World Languages & Cultures, English/Linguistics, Psychology, Political Science, Film Studies, and STEM/Science Education.
• Business & Management: Business Administration (Analytics), Accounting, Sport Management, and Engineering Management.

Our students engaged in immersive, high-impact summer experiences across Japan such as:

• Hands-on STEM Research & Internships: Conducting advanced research at Nagoya University’s specialized laboratories—spanning topics like 3D Generative AI, plant signaling, epigenetic regulation in mice, and plant defense mechanisms, as well as leading classroom instruction through the STEM Teaching Internship Program.
• Business & Agricultural Exploration: Immersing in Japanese corporate operations, IT management, global business practices, and interdisciplinary environmental/agricultural challenges.
• Language & Cultural Immersion: Participating in intensive Japanese language and cultural studies at Sophia University, Nanzan University, and Kansai University.

Looking Ahead: Faculty & Graduate Research Support

In addition to regularly funding undergraduate student experiences in Japan each year, The NC Japan Center is always actively looking to support graduate students and faculty pursuing research initiatives in Japan, as well as helping sponsor visiting Japanese scholars conducting research right here at NC State. If you or your department are exploring collaborative opportunities with Japan, please reach out to us!

We are so proud of this summer’s scholars and cannot wait to hear all of their incredible stories, reflections, insights and food adventures as they return to campus this fall. Here’s to continuing to build strong, global connections between NC State and Japan!