Nationality

Japan

Unit

Fluid Mechanics Unit

I am researching turbulence. I'm particularly interested in phenomena created by two-dimensional fluids, whose movement is quite different from three-dimensional ones. I conduct experiments using soap film as well as theoretical research. I chose the Fluid Mechanics Unit not only based on my interest in the research subject matter and methodology, but also because of the captivating professors.

OIST is structured into small classes open to any student in any field creating a fun atmosphere where students in varying specializations can learn from each other. When I first started researching, I sometimes got depressed when faced with my own intellectual limitations, but by completely changing my mindset, I was able to start learning so many things through research that had eluded me. My little bouts with depression ended and I feel such fulfillment when finding answers.

Despite being located off the main island of Okinawa, OIST's network of partner universities and laboratories is not just limited to Japan but spans the entire globe, teeming with exchanges that stimulate us. In the future, I want to continue research activities fully leveraging the knowledge and network I acquired at OIST.

Nationality

Russia

Unit

Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit

Thanks to the great number of courses to choose from at OIST from those that serve to deepen my knowledge of my own specialization to those that allow me to learn other areas of research, I can build my own curriculum while following the advice of my professors. What I like best about OIST is the freedom to elect my own lab and degree thesis research theme and get all the advice I need. What's also appealing is the freedom to use the latest equipment. So if an idea pops into my head, I can immediately experiment with it using all the necessary devices and tools.

I used to be interested in journalism, so my project for the Professional Development Course was to set up a magazine with my classmates. There are many things to deal with when making a magazine like content, design, editing, financing and more. I learned from this project about the importance of deadlines, setting priorities, working as a team, the art of negotiation and the need to compromise sometimes. All of them were valuable lessons that I'm sure to apply in my career. Our endeavor was even reported in a local Okinawa newspaper. That really boosted my motivation.

Nationality

Japan

Unit

Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit

I took an opportunity to join an early enrollment program at OIST. I joined this program after my graduation from the university in March, and before starting the OIST PhD program in September. This program is like an internship program which offers students the chance to become part of a research unit at OIST.

Through this internship I learned how to use research equipment, and improve my English skills. I was put in charge of a small project and during my experience I learned common English conversation phrases (which I had never learned in my previous English course), and I also learned scientific discussion phrases too. This experience will be very useful as I continue into the PhD program.

Currently I am part of the PhD program, and in addition to that I am also taking an English course offered at OIST. This course is open to all non-native English speaker who works for OIST community including their family members, and the course has a native English speaking teacher. According with the theme, we are learning discussion and English conversation. At the end of the semester the teacher provides the students with a feedback survey. I find this survey to be very helpful as it provides flexible information to the instructor which will assist them in learning opportunities which will meet the needs of all students joining the program the following semester.

Nationality

Uganda/UK

Unit

Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit

OIST is very supportive of my research and education. For example, OIST provides financial support which allows me to focus on my research without having financial stress. OIST offers support for business trips both in and outside of Japan. I traveled to London for a conference and OIST supported my trip. At the conference I learned about new technology and built many relationships with different universities. During my research project in France, not only did I get financial assistance from my research unit, I also had an opportunity to meet a professor who is a leading expert in the field of my research. Building a new network here through OIST has been such a wonderful experience.

Moreover, I have been well supported in research aspect. OIST has Research Support Division and they maintain all the state-of-art equipment and they provide researchers and students an access to all the equipment. This environment allows us to carry out our research without any hindrance. The highly skilled specialists at the Research Support Division also offers us trainings at hand for those who are not familiar with certain technologies/ equipment. To this end, I have been lucky to learn electron microscope operation and I am currently learning mass spectrometer operation. Learning how to operate different equipment gives me more flexibility with regards to what direction I can take my research and I am sure it will be beneficial in my future career.

Nationality

Egypt

Unit

Developmental Neurobiology Unit

My child has attended the Child Development Center since he was six months old. The CDC is located within a 5-minute walk from the OIST Campus and I can visit my child anytime during the day.

The CDC providers are professionals in childcare and they are also bilingual speaking both English and Japanese languages. This helps communication go smoothly for everyone.
My husband who is also a student at OIST and myself agree that OIST has been very supportive to our needs, they helped us easily connect with the local community and have made us feel comfortable while living in Japan. The OIST Clinic was also very helpful and provided all things necessary when I gave birth to my child here in Japan.