Nationality: Japan
Unit: Neurobiology Research Unit
Year Graduated: 2018
With the history of the Graduate School being so short, what made you choose the OIST PhD Program?
I have never really liked things that are already well established, or systems that are completely developed. So, in the beginning, the feeling of actually creating something was fun. It did become fairly tough in the latter half though. I focused too much energy in the beginning, so in the latter half, it started to become grueling. But the process itself was interesting. Simply having discussions amongst a small group of people about this and that, what is and what’s not, students occasionally gathering to complain, I really enjoyed the atmosphere of it all.
After graduation, was it your first time to seek employment?
No, I tried after finishing my Bachelor’s. I failed, all of them. It was a complete failure. I focused on researcher positions and was not accepted to any of the positions I applied for. I wondered what was wrong. Well, rather, not what was wrong, but there were a lot of others just like me, so from the employers’ point of view, there was nothing to make me stand out from my competitors. So, I wanted to acquire something that would give me additional value. English was definitely one of the first things I wanted to master. Plus, I wanted to acquire expertise, so I’m glad there was a place like OIST. Now, I don’t feel insecure about English anymore. Although I still can’t truly participate in heated discussions, if it’s in the field of my expertise, I can speak confidently even at conferences and presentations.
In your opinion, what type of student is cut out for the OIST PhD Program?
Hmm, I suppose a relatively cautious student who is looking for something bold/daring would be a good fit. Roughly speaking, there are times when we must start up a research project, so caution becomes very important. Perseverance as well. And simply being able to identify the risks. But if that is all, nobody would want to come, and would choose a safe program. But I would encourage someone who would like to explore a little even under such circumstances. So, I think someone who is fundamentally cautious but has the desire to do something a little different, someone who is adventurous would be a good fit… But if it’s all adventure, I think they would probably stumble on the way.
