Student Voices

I want to be proactive in making interesting discoveries.

Nagi Mizutani (Nagi Mizutani)
Department of Materials Science Doctoral Course

I was exposed to simple and innovative polymer research at the Takuji Uemura Laboratory at the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Engineering, where I became interested in making interesting discoveries with my own hands. Believing that novel ideas are borne from synthesizing diverse existing knowledge, I decided to advance to Frontier Sciences because it offers a cross-disciplinary educational program.

Currently, I am designing a porous material called metal-organic framework (MOF) and developing an unprecedented separation technology for polymers. I think it is unique in that it aims to create new functionality by designing "space" rather than "matter" such as molecules and atoms.

At Frontier Sciences, I have many opportunities for discussion with remarkable staff members and friends, which is a great environment to polish my creativity. In the future, my dream is to use the separation technology I have developed to enable clear identification of high-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight polymers, so that they can be used in the same manner as compounds.

The time to do it is when you want to do it.

Yoichi Suenaga
Kojiro Suzuki Laboratory, Department of Advanced Energy Doctoral Course

After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, I worked for a while, but then I enrolled in Frontier Sciences because I wanted to study aerodynamic simulation in depth. At Frontier Sciences, laboratories engaged in aviation, electricity, plasma, environment, etc. work in close proximity. In addition, there are many international students, working adults, and students from other universities, so I feel that there is an open atmosphere.

As a doctoral student, I am currently conducting simulation research on a new style of aircraft that consists of multiple small aircrafts connected at their wingtips. Eventually, I would like to develop this theme to include not only simulations but also wind tunnel experiments and actual flight experiments. I am also participating in joint research projects such as research on home appliances using fluid mechanics and a small satellite design project, and am enjoying a fulfilling graduate school life.

There are no age or background restrictions on study or research. When you feel like doing something, that's the time to do it! If you are interested, please feel free to visit our laboratory.

Kashiwa Campus Recommended Spots: Sushi Restaurant "Osakana Club Hama"

Seek new knowledge and expand your network with contacts from different fields

Devina Jayadi HON
GGPSS-GLI / Graduate Program in Sustainability Studies - Global Leadership Initiative
Master's course

My research is in sustainability science, sepecifically on effective disaster recovery strategies under the dynamism of decision-making processes in particular.

At Frontier Sciences, students can acquire diverse knowledge and build networks among different disciplines to research and develop new creative ideas. Given today's complex environmental and social problems, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to produce innovative research results. Research on disaster recovery involves not only social and environmental aspects, but also engineering aspects. By collaborating not only within Frontier Sciences but also with the Graduate School of Engineering, I was able to acquire a wide range of knowledge.

If you want to explore new knowledge, I suggest studying at Frontier Sciences! You may discover new ideas that you hadn't thought of before. It is also a good opportunity to expand your network with contracts from different fields.

Developing medical devices to restore nerve function.

Wang Yen Po
Department of Human and Engineered Environmental Studies, Laboratory of Human and Environment Informatics, Doctoral Program

When I was an undergraduate student, I participated in the University of Tokyo Summer Internship Program (UTSIP) with Frontier Sciences, and I found the professors to be very passionate, kind, and supportive of international students, so I enrolled in Frontier Sciences and am now studying in the PhD program.

At Frontier Sciences, I am doing research to develop new medical devices to treat patients with neurological diseases and restore their neurological functions. The lab is clean, spacious, and has a lot of new equipment. I feel that it is a very high quality laboratory.

I established a medical device company in Japan with colleagues based on my research at the university. I am also a lecturer of medical device development at the University of Tokyo Hospital and an external consultant for a medical device company in Taiwan. I will continue my research on restoring nerve function using implantable neurostimulators.

The University of Tokyo is a world leader in medical device development, and our professors have strong connections in industry and overseas universities. If you are looking for an exciting life career, please come to Frontier Sciences.

Research on peanuts opens up many possibilities.

Shiori Kawamura
Department of Integrated Biosciences Master's Course

When I was a junior high school student, I became interested in growing vegetables and wanted to study it professionally, so I entered the Faculty of Agriculture at Meiji University. During my studies, my interest in "plant pathology" grew, and I decided to go on to graduate school. As I looked for a place to study, I thought that Frontier Sciences, with its philosophy of "cross-disciplinary integration" would be perfect for me, as I have a wide range of interests. In fact, since entering the program, I have had many opportunities to learn about things outside my field of specialization, and with many international students, I have been able to gain valuable experiences that I did not have as an undergraduate.

Currently, I am working on suppressing the expression of allergenic proteins in peanuts. The research involves incorporating some of the plant's genes into a virus to suppress the expression of the target genes.

Frontier Sciences is involved in a wide range of fields, and I think the potential for cross-disciplinary study and research is a major attraction. I have not yet decided on a career path, but I am interested not only in research, but also in initiatives that promote the connection between science and technology and society. Being able to explore various possibilities is one of the reasons why I am glad I entered Frontier Sciences.

Feeling at ease while researching in an environment that is open to challenges.

Taichi Nakamura
Department of Socio-Cultural Environmental Studies Master's Course

I advanced to Frontier Sciences from the Department of Architecture in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo. The Jun Sato laboratory, which I joined in my undergraduate days, was part of Frontier Sciences, so it was natural progression for me. I have always had a vague feeling that it is not possible to grasp things in a systematic manner while restricted to one field. At Frontier Sciences, I am surrounded by students and professors from other fields, and this environment that lets me hear critique from outside perspectives has been most beneficial.

Currently, I am researching how dimpling thin sheets of metal affects its properties. I am also participating in an experimental demonstration of "small mobility" (miniaturized vehicle) in Tateyama, Chiba, and hope to develop technology that will bring happiness to people living in local communities in the future.

The Kashiwa campus is very vast and rich in nature. Perhaps because of this, there is a wonderful atmosphere that tolerates challenges. I am able to relax and feel at ease while working on my research.