Year: Interviewed 1st year in PhD (2023)
Nationality: Japan
Unit: Femtosecond Spectroscopy Unit
Why did you choose OIST as your PhD journey? How did you prepare the admission process? How was the interview?
The reason I chose OIST is that I was attracted to the research environment during the six-month internship at OIST before admission. In a field of research that requires experiments, I believe that the laboratory facilities determine the quality of the research. Through my internship, I felt that I could achieve world-class research by taking advantage of the strengths of OIST's experimental units, which led me to aspire to submit the applications. I took a six-month leave of absence from the university I was enrolled in at the time to participate in the internship, but it turned out a great opportunity to think of my future because I was thinking about deciding during this period whether to go on to a Ph.D. program or just do master’s degree at another university.
Regarding the OIST application process, I finished it during the internship period, during which I had the opportunity to have my application documents reviewed by OIST students and practiced interviews with fellow interns. During the actual interview, I responded clearly to questions that are commonly asked, and for other research-related topics, I could discuss them with the professor and receive their guidance for the knowledge I was unfamiliar with. Some of the interviews were so exciting that we lost track of time and went beyond the time.
What did you gain from lab rotation experience?
What I gained from the lab rotations can be summarized as follows: "the ability to produce results within four months," "acquisition of experimental techniques and analytical methods out-of-field," and "adaptability to different research styles." For instance, in the first rotation with the Okada Unit, I did experiments to present the outcomes of the rotation work through poster presentations at conferences organized by the unit. Additionally, under the umbrella of "acquisition of experimental techniques and analytical methods out-of-field," I worked on graphene device fabrication, which is out-of-field for me within the Narita Unit. This allowed me to learn techniques such as lithography, deposition, and etching, which can be applied to future research. Regarding research styles, while Dani Unit followed a collaborative approach with multiple students and postdocs working on a single theme, Okada Unit emphasized individual ownership of research themes. This significant difference between units enabled me to assess compatibility and adaptability over four months, which is one of the strengths of OIST's rotation system.
How is the workload to go through both lab rotations and taking classes at the same time during the 1st year?
Simultaneously conducting unfamiliar lab work and coursework can be quite challenging. In particular, as bachelor’s students, we are required to take twice the number of course units compared to master's degree students. This results in a higher workload, and sometimes I dedicate a significant portion of my weekends to finishing course assignments. However, there are unique advantages to the small class sizes at OIST. For example, when faced with difficulties in understanding assignments, I could openly ask questions about the problem during class and do discussions that led to deeper comprehension. Additionally, as my research primarily focuses on experimental work, establishing connections with students and professors from theoretical units with whom I would not typically meet proved beneficial for my future research project.
How is student accommodation and life in Okinawa in general?
OIST provides students with adequately spacious rooms, and I have the impression that some students choose to work from home. In the vicinity, amenities such as a gym, a small supermarket, and community spaces ensure comprehensive support beyond academics and research. The presence of fellow students and friends living nearby also creates an excellent environment for casual interactions. As for living in Okinawa, it is exceedingly comfortable for someone like me who does not like the cold environment. I have received guidance on local events and recommended places in Okinawa from local shopkeepers who have been kind enough to assist me and senior OIST students. This has contributed to a fulfilling lifestyle.
How is work-life balance?
I personally enjoy doing experiments, so there are times when I visit the laboratory during evenings and weekends. However, I am not compelled or pressured by the professor and other unit members to do so. I live with a partner who is also an OIST student, so I make a conscious effort to prioritize and cherish dinner times and holidays. Talking with other students, it seems they are pursuing research in a style that suits them. Depending on the unit, fortunately, the COVID-19 situation has led to the establishment of a remote environment for conducting some analyses and experiments, allowing for a more flexible research approach. As a result, it has become easier to maintain a balance between research and personal life.
