Beyond the Lab: Unraveling Research Insights through Tobishima visit

Hello everyone!! I am Shrestha Smarika, a second-year master’s student in public health in our Empowerment Science lab. The rising temperatures this summer have been relentless, and I hope everyone stays hydrated and embrace the joy of summer.

Amidst the scorching heat of summer, this month few of our lab members together with Anme Sensei visited Tobishima village from 13th July to 20th July. First of all, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the staffs of Tobishima village for their unwavering support, kindness, and generosity. We are also thankful towards Anme Sensei for providing us with this valuable opportunity and let us explore the world of possibilities.


The main task during this visit was to conduct Focus Group Interviews and personal interviews with different groups of people during their home visits. In addition to the interviews, we also visited facilities such as community centers, Tobishima school, child health center, and nonprofit organizations. This visit allowed our team to gain a deeper understanding of the daily life in Tobishima.

The participants in the survey were incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. Their active engagement and willingness to share their insights and offer valuable feedback is something I appreciate a lot. By working hand in hand with the participants, the survey was infact a collaborative effort, and it is evident that their dedication and cooperation were instrumental making this visit a transformative and empowering experience for all involved.




From laboratory protocols to communication channels, we explored various aspects during this visit that directly taught us the professional way of conducting research and building a strong team dynamics. It was an immensely rewarding experience which allowed us to gather valuable data, build stronger connections among lab members, and empower ourselves in the journey towards scientific excellence. As we concluded the survey, I believe that the excitement for future improvements and growth among our team members will be even more escalated.