This is a chance to redefine myself as a researcher.

Q: What was your motivation for joining the program?

When I was considering changing the focus of my studies from engineering to biology, I attended a symposium where I became interested in the integration of biology with engineering and information sciences. When I learned of how biological systems worked according to non-specific, flexible systems in opposition to engineering’s rigid mechanics, I felt an affinity and decided to join the program.

Q: What are your future dreams and goals?

I want to look deeply into the origins of life. I want to apply technologies such as bio-technology and simulations to try to recreate the first life forms. There are also many other topics I would like to look into, such as conditions prior to the development of life forms, and what happened to those things that didn’t develop into life forms. I get excited when I think of all the things that have not yet been researched by anyone else.

In more practical terms, I would also like to participate in the development of household robots. I would like to carry out research and development not in a laboratory, but perform real-life testing in a home environment.

Q: What have you discovered so far from participating in the program?

I have discovered many differences between myself and other participants through my interactions with them. For example, in preparing presentation materials, biologists and information scientists focus on their own interests, but robotics scientists place heavy emphasis on the impact of their work on society. This societal focus is apparent even in their class presentation materials. I hadn’t really thought much about why I want to be a researcher, but this program has given me an opportunity to redefine myself in that regard.