N.N.M.A さん／博士課程1年(D1)
Why did you choose Division of Biological Science at NAIST?
Having my master's degree primarily on the optimization of downstream processing has made me to dive in more towards molecular optimization since both knowledge is interdependent, where the outcome is to maximize the production of recombinant protein. At first, I was not sure whether this skill is needed or not, since most common practice in Malaysia after getting master's degree is to either looking for a job or pursuing study. However, I really wanted to learn the molecular knowledge due to the strong urge of fulfilling my knowledge gap. During the dilemma phase, I was informed through my university email (Universiti Sains Malaysia) that NAIST was conducting a Pre-screening Internship Program for the international students to pursue their study abroad. I took the chance by filling in the required form and was accepted to join the pre-screening process which was held online (through Zoom) on January 16th, 2023. The process was about a week where I had the opportunity to explore the laboratories and to learn about the research that each laboratory provides. I was very interested in Ko Kato laboratory (bioengineering) because the research is focusing on the molecular optimization for the high production of useful proteins, which is what I have been looking for! At the end of the internship, we were required to choose which lab we are interested in and fortunately, after a month of waiting for the result, Ko Kato sensei accepted me to join his laboratory!
What do you like about Division of Biological Science at NAIST?
The Division of Biological Science at NAIST provides a very convenient space for learning and conducting research. There is an area where we can have discussion at every floor, a spacious working space where we can work on our research progress, a leisure space where we can have a break such as drinking coffee or having snacks, a prayer room for my fellow Muslim to fulfill the prayer obligation at the first floor, and the printing system which I like the most. The printing system just requires us to touch our Student ID card on the photocopy machine to print out documents for free at any time. Based on my experience, this system is hard to find at other institutions, because most of the time, students have to print out their documents in the photocopy shops on their own using their own expenses. I did talk about this system to my fellow lab mates in Malaysia and they were surprised too!
What are your tips for enjoying life at NAIST?
In my opinion, tips for enjoying life at NAIST is to at least know basic Japanese, which I am still learning by taking Japanese class provided by NAIST. Besides, you can find some outdoor activities that you like for example, in NAIST, there is a badminton club. Since I used to play badminton during my time in Malaysia, I managed to find a group of students who have the same interest in badminton as me.
How comfortable is the dormitory?
It is comfortable to stay in the dormitory. It is located in the campus; hence it is very convenient to go to the laboratory by walking, and I take it as a form of exercising. Besides, since I am from Malaysia, a tropical country with no distinct seasons, I had difficulty in adapting for the first two months because the tap water in my room is very cold especially during the winter and early spring.
Please praise yourself!
Everyone has different routes and paths in life, and the process to be a better version of ourselves also differs in every individual. Take the process and progress as a worth to learn journey, do mistakes and rebuild, we may eventually learn and instill something worth the lifetime.
(2025年6月 掲載)
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