Unit Members

Science is a life-long trek where true rewards come from the journey itself, not from reaching career milestones. We do not reach for the low-hanging fruits of discovery for prospects of wealth or prestige. Instead, we seek to answer fundamental questions even if their impact would be felt only decades later.  

I have been on this road for longer than some others, having been mentored by many, and now it is my turn to help you on your way to become the best scientist you can be. I promise to be tough and demanding; I will not give you easy answers or ready-made goals.  

I believe that nothing of importance can be achieved in science by secrecy, petty competition or selfishness; in addition to hard work, the best scientific achievements demand individual inspiration and motivation as well as teamwork. 

I like cats, chainsaws and single malt whisky.

My scientific interests focus on the neurobiological basis of behavior as well as use of neuropharmacological and genetic tools to modify behavior. I am particularly interested in the function of the endocannabinoid system and effects of its modulation on behavior and physiology. The therapeutic utility of the modulation of the endocannabinoid system has been known for millennia, but only recently-developed tools allow this with minimal side effects. My interests focus on better understanding of the function of this system, which will help in future development of new, more effective therapeutic strategies. Moreover, my interests include neurobiological mechanisms of reward, motivated and goal-directed behaviors, substance abuse, and neuropsychiatric disorders. 

I believe that good science is hypothesis-driven and well-controlled, but also should be efficient, which can be ensured by careful and appropriate experimental design, project management, strategic planning, and project optimization. Moreover, peer mentoring and leadership play a key role in successful project development. Success in science is not only conducting the research but also interpretation and communication of the results, utilization of data and transfer of knowledge.

Neuronal circuit is my main interest. I previously worked in pathological pain field. I wanted to try something different from the PhD study and widen my view in neuroscience. Luckily, I found the nRIM, a little gem in Pacific Ocean, with intriguing projects and fantastic people when I was looking for post doc opportunities. I’m currently investigating the role of activity of inferior olive in movement with in vivo recording methods.

Friends usually call me with my full name, Guo Da (not Gouda, the cheese, though it’s easier to remember), since the given name, Da, is too short. Out of lab, I enjoy playing tennis, holding movie/game nights (usually accompanied with nice tea).

I am interested in the molecular mechanisms of synaptic function using electrophysiological and immunoelectron microscopic techniques, particularly focusing on the physiological role of phospholipid-protein interactions at synapses.

After my brief visit in 2017 I returned to the Netherlands to work on complex procedures and brain implantations in freely moving mice. And now, five years later, I return to the Neuronal Rhythms in Movement Unit to offer my expertise in earnest. Knowing that I won’t lack for interesting projects on which I can release the full extend of my skill means I’m in full support of the ambitions of my colleagues.
Let’s do some science together!

I am very excited to start working at nRIM. I will be involved in a project that combines optical and genetic techniques to study the cellular function of various membrane proteins in neuronal cells. My role will include designing viral vectors to introduce foreign light-sensitive genes into the cells.

Originally having a background in water treatment, I gradually developed an interest in the wonders of biology and am eager to learn more about the molecular mechanisms inside living cells. I enjoy learning about other projects and the opportunity to meet people from different cultural backgrounds.

In my free time, I like cooking, listening to podcasts and watch animals.

I was born and grown up in the heart of Tokyo, gained international work experiences in Tokyo & Canada, then made it to Okinawa - my lifetime dream island in 2011.
Coming from a non-scientific background, being a part of OIST was no small challenge for me, but striving to become a competent RUA to enable our wonderful lab members to focus on their efficient and productive research activities is nothing but fun!

Out of work, I'm obsessed with traveling and listening to vinyl records. Used to dance hiphop over 10years and still can’t live without black music.