Chander's secondment at NIVA

I visited Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo in May and June 2023, for a secondment period of 2 months. The primary objective of my secondment was to assess the potential effects of 2-Ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/intrarenal (HPI) axis, utilizing the zebrafish model and employing RT-qPCR-based toxicogenomic assays. The initial phase of my stay was dedicated to intensive lab training, focusing on mastering the automated PCR reaction setup workstation and the Bio-Rad CFX96 platform for qPCR assays. This groundwork laid the foundation for the subsequent analysis of gene expressions related to the zebrafish HPI axis. The expertise and support of the NIVA teams, especially Li Xie, Simon Schimd, and Knut Erik, proved instrumental in enhancing my understanding of toxicogenomics.

Beyond the laboratory work, my time at NIVA allowed me to immerse myself in the unique blend of spring and summer experiences in Oslo. My secondment at NIVA was not just about scientific exploration but also about personal growth and cultural appreciation. The seamless integration of work and life, coupled with the warm hospitality of the NIVA community, made this experience truly memorable.