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Original text in Lithuanian by Milda Kniezaite

"Lietuvos žinios"

Translation: KFF

„I didn't expect my internship to be related to computers and programming. I thought it would be traditional biotechnology work: you pour something, do the research. I got lucky, even though I admit, it wasn't easy. Everything was so new to me. That's why I learned so much," shares with "Lietuvos žinios" Lithuanian from Chicago Marius Mereckis who did five week internship in Vilnius with microtechnologies company "Droplet Genomics".

Nineteen-year old Cleveland Case Western Reserve University (Ohio) student M. Mereckis was one of "We Connect Lithuania" program's participants. Brand new program that combines internships while discovering modern Lithuania is offered to the Lithuanian youth that grew up outside of Lithuania. Twenty young men and women from Australia, USA and Canada participated this first season.

So New and Advanced

Marius was quite frank, admitting that on his "We Connect Lithuania" application he wrote his preference to do internship at the „Thermo Fischer Scientific“ developing molecular biology products for scientific research and diagnostics. However, they weren't looking for the interns. "I got an offer at the Vilnius University start-up "Droplet Genomics", founded by young scientists dr. Linas Mazutis and dr. Karolis Leonavicius. I looked into their work. High technologies. Quite advanced. So I said I certainly want to do my internship there," recalls the student.

Microtechnologies company "Droplet Genomics" makes various small devices and reagents used for advanced microliquids technologies development. Foreign laboratories and companies purchase their products.

"Five weeks were enough for the first time," says the intern. "It was a good internship and experience considering I just finished my first year in college. In America such internships are available only for the second year students."

Perfect Fit

Marius studies biomedical engineering. Even though Cleveland Case Western Reserve University is quite small, according to the student, there are many opportunities to do the research, and its biomedical engineering program is quite strong. During his first year, Marius studied computer science, physics, math, chemistry and physiological psychology.

"I could choose more advanced courses at the University, because in high school I took advanced placement courses" explained the student.

Education in America, compared to Europe is expensive. But Marius got partial scholarship, his family helps as well. He is already planning his master and doctorate studies. he'd like dedicate his career to science.

Student also shared that in high school he always liked math, physics, as well as biology, so biomedical engineering was a perfect combination of it all.

Neural Network Development

„I'm really interested in neuroscience, what is happening in our brains," shared young researcher. "During the internship at „Droplet Genomics“ we were developing artificial neural network based on human brain activity. It's amazing that you can imitate our brains using computer program."

Lithuania Attracts

Marius' mom Jurate Mereckiene works at the Lithuanian Foundation in Chicago, so he grew up surrounded by the Lithuanian community. It wasn't his first visit in Lithuania. "This is my homeland.  Of course I'll never abandon it," stated young man. "I don't want to repeat the same as everyone else: Lithuania's nature, culture… But for example Vilnius. You won't find such city with such vibe in America. I love it. It's just a pleasure after 11 months in America to find a completely different experience, to change the environment."

Marius has many relatives in Lithuania. He visits his cousins, grandmother. „In Chicago I attended Lithuanian school, from the "Pipiru ratelis" till the 10th, so I do speak Lithuanian, but my realtives in Lithuania taught me the most," shared Marius. "Now, after discovering modern Lithuania thanks to „We Connect Lithuania“ program and learning about so many opportunities, especially in biotechnology area, I want to come back. At least for a couple of years I'd like to live and work here."

Photo: Courtesy of Romas Jurgaitis (LŽ)