Student Testimonials

Current Students

Nanami Tomoda

Nationality: Japan
Unit: Femtosecond Spectroscopy Unit
Year: Interviewed 1st year in PhD (2023)

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.

Click here for the full interview.

Ilhem Nadia Rabehi

Nationality: Algeria
Unit: Nonlinear and Non-equilibrium Physics Unit (Interviewed while in Energy Materials and Surface Sciences Unit)
Year: Interviewed 2nd year in PhD (2023)

What did you consider when choosing your lab?

Before enrolling at OIST, during my master’s, I got the chance to see and assess the impact of solar systems in improving people’s lives in African rural areas. This experience motivated me to deepen my knowledge about solar cells. Hence, I applied to OIST aiming to join the energy material and surface sciences unit (Qi unit). During the lab rotations, I explored various interesting research areas. However, my initial aspiration led me to ultimately choose the Qi Unit, and I consider myself fortunate to have been able to join their team. Now I am enjoying making and characterizing perovskite solar cells.

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Woman standing with arms crossed on outdoors stairs looking down at camera

Tara Helmi Turkki

Nationality: Finland
Unit: Neuronal Rhythms in Movement Unit
Year: Interviewed 3rd year in PhD (2024)

Can you tell us about your research topic?

During my PhD, I aim to study changes in the brainstem as a result of motor learning. More specifically, I study a brainstem region believed to be involved in motor function called the inferior olivary nucleus. It talks to the cerebellum of the brain and has been shown to play a key role in cerebellar learning and movement timing. I hope to quantify the changes in the inferior olive in terms of neuronal morphology and gene expression.

Click here for the full interview.