The College of Staten Island recently wrapped up a busy and enriching five-week program, Research Experiences in Advanced Biomedical Techniques and Biotechnology, funded by the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative. The program brought 20 participants from Taiwan between the ages of 15 and 30 to the CSI campus during the month of August for an immersive experience combining academic exploration, research, cultural exchange, and professional development.
The program was designed to encourage the students to broaden their international horizons and develop a deeper understanding of global opportunities. Through hands-on learning and cross-cultural experiences, the initiative aimed to foster global connections and exchanges, empower young people to drive innovation across diverse industries, and inspire creative ideas and initiatives.
Throughout the five-week program, the trainees were divided into five different groups based on their areas of interest: science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. Each group was supervised by several CSI faculty mentors and guided by Dr. Chang-hui Shen, Chairperson and Professor of the Biology Department, who led the academic component of the program. The Center for Global Engagement coordinated the program’s logistic and administrative components, ensuring the smooth implementation of the program and supporting the trainees throughout their stay at CSI.
The learning experience extended beyond the classroom and laboratory. On weekends, trainees explored the diverse culture, history, and communities of New York City, allowing them to fully immerse themselves into U.S. culture.
Their cultural excursions included attending a Staten Island Ferry Hawks baseball game, visiting the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, touring the Statue of Liberty, and exploring the Museum of Chinese in America. They also participated in guided walking tours of Central Park, Little Italy, Soho, and Harlem.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York also hosted the group during the visit. Ambassador Tom Chih-Chiang Lee, Education Division Director John Lee, and Project Manager Stanley Lee hosted the trainees and CSI officials for a luncheon at their headquarters, complete with Taiwanese bento boxes and snacks.
The program was made possible by the contribution of the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative’s-Summer Research Experiences, the Taiwan Ministry of Education, CSI’s Department of Biology, and the Center for Global Engagement.
The College of Staten Island looks forward to continued collaboration and building a strong partnership with the Ministry of Education and future ventures similar to the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative.
