Alumni

MSc. student in Biology, Dept. of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Japan

I have been fascinated by microscopic observations and cultivations of microorganisms. For my undergraduate project, I was focusing on microorganisms inhabiting extreme environments.
During my internship, I would like to put emphasis on wet approaches from Winogradsky Column to high resolution microscopic analysis while keeping a good balance with dry analysis to fulfill the gap in the evolution of microorganisms.
Apart from my research, I like learning languages, playing piano, table tennis, marine activity, and simple work out.

BSc. student in Biology, Dept. of Science, Kyushu University, Japan

My main research interests lie in the evolution of prokaryotes and the mechanism by which microbes with small genomes sustain their life.
The extremely small genome of endosymbionts due to host-symbiont interaction is intriguing, leading me to study at the Husnik Unit.
I also work on projects involving metagenomics and comparative genomics of the commensal mollicutes in corals, and a chromosome-level genome assembly of the 'soft' coral Palythoa tuberculosa.
Apart from the lab, I like watching football, playing basketball, and snorkelling in the beautiful ocean in Okinawa.

I am interested in the role of protists in benthic biogeochemical cycles. My research is especially focused on the effects of anthropogenic disturbances such as anoxia, heatwaves and microplastic pollution on foraminifera and their symbionts. I am studying their ecology, metabolism, behavior as well as their impact on sediment geochemistry to better understand their role in benthic ecosystem functioning. I previously worked as a JSPS fellow at JAMSTEC and as a postdoctoral researcher at Lille University. Besides science, I enjoy rugby, photography, and playing board games.

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I am broadly interested in coral reef microbial ecology and how bacteria and other microorganisms interact with and regulate coral reef ecosystems. Specifically, how coral-associated microbial communities across coral species provide resistance and resilience to both anthropogenic and environmental stressors from the perspective of genetics, spatial patterns, and functional diversity. In particular, my research at OIST relates to uncovering the underlying mechanisms structuring coral microbiomes and elucidating their functional contributions to coral host health and climate resilience. Outside of the lab, you’ll find me hanging out with my dog, Chopper, hiking, biking, and/or exploring any and all food and beverage scenes.

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BSc. student in Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University

My research focuses on the fascinating interactions between cicadas and their obligate endosymbionts, particularly Hodgkinia, which are quite complex and mysterious. During my internship at OIST, I hope to explore the intricate and intertwined interactions within this mutualistic consortium through a combination of microscopy and metagenomic analysis.

Beyond my research, my biggest hobby is sleeping. Actually, I'm not a quiet girl; if you see me sitting quietly, don't worry, I'm just a bit shy due to the language barrier. If you're willing to include me in your activities, that would be great—I’m eager to try anything new!

BSc., MSc in Molecular Life Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands

I am Spanish-Mexican raised among the tulip fields and windmills of the Netherlands (my Dutch is still pretty bad, though). I have a BSc and MSc in Molecular Life Sciences from Wageningen University & Research, where I specialized in Physical Chemistry. My research interests lie in polymer chemistry, nanotechnology and lately also marine biology. I am really excited to do my out-of-field rotation at Husnik’s unit where I will study coral endosymbionts. I am looking forward to acquiring skills in general microbiology and metagenomics. Outside of research, I love drawing, going snorkeling and enjoying surrealistic masterpieces like Spongebob.

BSc. student of Biology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine

I am excited about most aspects of the evolution and biology of microbial life. I am fascinated by protists and enjoy learning everything about them, especially their diversity and phylogenetic relationships. I have a lot of fun microscoping environmental samples. Endosymbiosis and eukaryogenesis are topics that interest me a lot, which is why I started off my studies by investigating the evolution of meiotic genes. For my internship in the Husnik Unit, I intend to study tiny stramenopiles, as well as to culture and identify symbionts of various large benthic foraminifera. Outside of the lab, I am interested in science fiction and enjoy delving into a wide range of art forms, from doodling to musical theater.

Bachelor of Arts (Biology major), International Christian University, Japan

I'm interested in the mechanisms of wound healing and pseudo-organs of giant unicellular green algae for many years. To clarify this interest, I used imaging of the wound healing using fluorescent staining and specific RNA expression for each pseudo-organs using bioinformatics techniques. I enjoyed my research life with feeling the richness of the Okinawan sea through sampling and establishing a stable cultivation method of green algae.

Bachelor of Medicine, Niigata University Japan

After working as a psychiatrist for several years, I am currently studying computational neuroscience at OIST. During my lab rotation at Husnik Unit, I studied behavioral changes of foraminifera in response to light stimulation. Although this was outside my specialty, under the guidance of Dr. Langlet, I was able to deepen my understanding of experimental design and analysis methods, and broaden my knowledge of biology.

BSc. in Biochemistry, King's College London, UK

My main research interests are in microbiology and cell biology. For my undergraduate degree, my dissertation was based on studying the functions of the potential mucin-degrading chitinase enzymes secreted from the pathogenic bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and how they may facilitate invasion into host cells. I have a great interest in microorganisms and would like to spend my time during this internship studying different protists and their symbiotic interactions. Apart from science I enjoy going on walks, reading, and doodling.

BSc. student of Marine Ecosystem and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg, Germany

My main research interest is marine microbiology, especially the role of marine microorganisms in global cycles. During my time at OIST, I want to explore the microbiome of deep-sea foraminifera using FISH and confocal microscopy. In the past, I have worked on a modified dilution experiment to quantify the virus-induced mortality rate of phytoplankton in the Baltic Sea. I also participated in a research cruise on the RV Meteor where we sampled along the African west coast as part of the AtlanTIC project. I love exploring the outdoors, rock climbing, diving, and practicing martial arts.

I joined the unit in June 2021. My role is to provide administrative support to the unit members to ensure the smooth running of the unit. I was born and grew up in Okinawa, and after spending 4 years in Tokyo and 6 years in the U.S., I returned back to my hometown. Outside of work, I enjoy catching fish and bugs with my children.

My research interests are broad areas of cell biology, histology, and various microscopy techniques. During my undergraduate studies, I have been studying S6K1 isoforms to expand our knowledge of cellular signaling. In the Husnik Unit, I will focus on evolutionary cell biology of single-celled eukaryotes. Besides science, I enjoy studying the art of kyudo with the Kyiv archery club "真弓会". Also, I spend my free time playing computer games and learning Japanese.

MRes & BSc. (Hons) in Marine Biology, Plymouth University, UK

I am interested in evolution and the marine environment. I obtained my MRes in 2015 looking at the origin of synaptic transmission in Porifera. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, the outdoors, and playing football with OIST FC.

I joined the Husnik Unit in April 2020 when Prof. Husnik joined OIST. My job as a research unit administrator is to provide administrative support for the unit members. Outside work, I enjoy baking breads and biscuits, and knitting.

MSc. in Animal Bioengineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland

I have a master's degree in animal bioengineering, but I decided to follow the path of cell biology and that is why I had worked at IIMCB in Warsaw for 4 years on a project devoted to receptor tyrosine kinase endocytosis in human cancer cells. I have experience in synthesis of nanoparticles and had tried to use multi-walled carbon nanotubes as a drug delivery system. I also like confocal microscopy and anything that can be fluorescently stained and visualized. At Husnik Unit I am developing my interest in marine microorganisms, in particular, I will focus on imaging of coral symbioses. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors and playing board games with my friends.

MSc. & BSc. in Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, India

I am interested in animal behavior and genetics. I did my master’s project partly at the Seoul National University in South Korea and at the Oklahoma State University in the US. I studied the relationship between MHC-II alleles and kin recognition behavior in Bufo gargarizans tadpoles. During my rotation in the Husnik Unit, my aim is to perform comparative genomics and microscopy of various endosymbiotic bacteria found in bacteriocytes of mealybugs. During my leisure time, I enjoy cooking new cuisines and going out drinking with friends.

BSc. in Biochemistry, Arizona State University, USA

My undergraduate background is in biochemistry, but I am interested in the structure and evolution of various pathogens. For my rotation, I will be studying a class of Radiolaria called Acantharea and their endosymbionts. I want to know more about the changes the endosymbionts undergo and how those changes are triggered and controlled by the hosts. While these are not pathogens, I think Acantharea are amazing and the techniques I will learn in this project will be extremely useful to me in the future. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, drawing, and trying new foods!