1. Can you please briefly summarize the paper?

Our recent work focuses on Eutrema japonicum, otherwise known as wasabi. While the culinary world almost exclusively focuses on the rhizome, our study demonstrates that the leaves are a highly undervalued source of bioactive compounds. We investigated how different cultivation conditions impact their phytochemical profile, specifically identifying their potential for antibacterial and quorum-sensing inhibitory activity. We also performed in silico analyses to examine the possible interactions between selected phytochemicals and relevant biological targets. It’s essentially a study on valorizing an overlooked agricultural byproduct. Our findings highlight the potential value of wasabi leaves, which are often underutilized compared with the rhizomes, as a source of biologically active compounds.

2. Can you please tell us the main difficulties you had in the laboratory work and how you overcame them?

The biggest hurdle was definitely the timeline. I had to get the initial experiments done in Cebu, Philippines, during the holiday season, and I only had a two-week window to get everything off the ground. To manage that pressure, I realized early on that I couldn't do it all alone. I needed to work smarter, not just faster. So, I coordinated with my co-author, Reyna Marie Therese Sanchez, at the University of San Carlos, well before I even landed. We spent time aligning our protocols so that we were perfectly in sync. I effectively split the workload by leaning on her specific expertise in microbiology. Because we had such a clear plan, she was able to knock out the antibacterial and quorum-sensing assays while I focused on the phytochemical side of things. It turned a really tight, stressful deadline into a successful, collaborative project.

3. Please introduce your laboratory, university or organization to bio-researchers in Korea.

I’m part of the Natural Products Research Laboratory at Chung-Ang University, under the guidance of Professor Sanghyun Lee. We specialize in isolating and profiling secondary metabolites from plants and horticultural products. We spend most of our time analyzing how different growing conditions impact the chemical makeup of these plants. Depending on the project, we test for things like anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-atopic, and neuroprotective effect Essentially, we’re trying to move from basic phytochemical analysis to understanding how these compounds can actually be used for health and functional food applications.

4. Please tell us your experiences and your thoughts related to research activities abroad.

To be honest, the transition to living and working in Korea had its challenges. Coming from the Philippines, the language barrier was the first big hurdle, especially in a lab setting where precise communication is everything. On top of that, being away from family and adjusting to a completely different cultural work rhythm was definitely a learning process. But I found that these challenges actually helped me grow. With the language, I learned to be more proactive in clarifying my tasks and building relationships with my lab mates through shared work, not just words. Dealing with the distance from home and the cultural shift made me much more resilient and independent. It taught me how to find my own 'support system' in a new environment. Ultimately, it’s made me a more adaptable researcher, and I’ve learned how to focus on the work and find common ground with people, no matter where I am.

5. Can you provide some advice for younger scientists who have plans to study abroad?

If I had to give advice to a younger scientist planning to move abroad, I’d keep it to three things: First, give yourself grace. Moving to a new country and culture is a massive life change; it’s okay if the first few months feel overwhelming. Second, be over-communicative. Don’t wait for people to explain everything. Proactively ask questions and clarify expectations early, your lab mates will be your best support system. Finally, don't just replicate your old habits. Every research environment does things differently. Instead of sticking to what you know, observe how your new lab mates work and adopt the best parts of their approach. The real value of studying abroad is expanding your toolkit, not just changing your address.

6. Future plan?

I plan to do a PhD program soon. My long-term goal is to lead independent research that bridges the gap between phytochemical discovery and real-world application. I’ve seen the potential in my home country’s biodiversity, and I believe that by gaining the advanced technical and methodological training from a PhD program, I can eventually return home to build a more robust research framework.

7. Do you have anything else that you would like to tell Korean scientists and students?

I’d just like to say how much I’ve valued the rigor and efficiency here in the Korean research community. To my fellow researchers and students: thank you for the collaboration. To those just starting out, I’d encourage you to be resilient because science is definitely challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Above all, never lose your curiosity and always ask 'why' and never lose your purpose. It’s that constant questioning that leads to discoveries and prevents us from just following the standard path. I’ve found that staying open to diverse perspectives and cultures has been the biggest driver of my own development, and I hope to keep these professional bridges open to discuss new ideas and collaborations with you all.