In scientific research,
The world will change!
"We Love Science!" ~ A Message from Science Students at Aogaku ~
Science is fun because it allows us to unravel the mysteries of "why?" In the first half of this special feature, graduates from the Faculty of Science and College of Science and Engineering who are fascinated by the world of science and are on the path to becoming researchers and space developers talk about why they became interested in science and how they decided to follow their current path. The second half introduces the research that takes place in the Faculty of Science and Technology. In addition to laboratories that are making a variety of impacts on society, we will introduce students who are opening up new possibilities with an eye on the world and the future.
Aoyama Gakuin University College of Science and Engineering Alumni Dialogue
Miki Hasegawa
Aoyama Gakuin University College of Science and Engineering B.S. in Chemistry. Aoyama Gakuin University Graduate School Graduate School of Science and Engineering D. in Chemistry. D. in Chemistry. Aoyama Gakuin University College of Science and Engineering Assistant Professor, Full-time Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biological Science Full-time Lecturer, Associate Professor at the same department, and since April 2011 in his current position. Aoyama Gakuin University Director of the Institute for the Design of Future Materials Chemistry since 2018. He was awarded the Adachi Prize of the Rare Earth Society of Japan in 2011 and the Shiokawa Prize of the Rare Earth Society of Japan in 2023. He specializes in photochemistry of metal complexes.
Saya Kobayashi
Graduated from Department of Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Course College of Science and Engineering Aoyama Gakuin University Graduate School of Science and Engineering Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University Graduate School. Master's degree (Engineering). Joined Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in 2023 and is currently assigned to the Kamakura Plant, Space Technology Department, Technology Section 5.
■ Encounter with science
--When did you two discover the appeal of science? (Titles omitted below)
Kobayashi: I like space, and I was especially interested in artificial satellites and small probes. It all started when I read a book about the asteroid probe "Hayabusa" in the sixth grade of elementary school. In 2010, "Hayabusa" encountered many problems, but it managed to collect samples from the asteroid and return to Earth, which became a hot topic all over Japan. The book introduced ion engines * and attitude control devices (reaction wheels), and I wanted to learn more about technology related to artificial satellites. I think it was also influenced by my father, who is an engineer. Every year, my father took me to the public opening of "JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)," which was near our house. Being close to space and science and technology made me think that I wanted to work in space development in the future.
* A space rocket engine using the electric propulsion system installed on Hayabusa
Saya Kobayashi
HasegawaYou're very lucky to have followed your dream and gotten a job in space development! In my case, I liked reading classical Japanese literature and books, and in high school I wanted to College of Literature. At the same time, I also loved nature. When I was a child walking along the banks of the Tama River, my mother taught me the names of various stones, such as "granite" and "limestone." I remember being so moved when I learned that stones, like flowers and trees, each have a name, that it wasn't just a rock, but a "message from the Earth." Since then, I would pick up beautiful stones and ask my mother about their names. I also liked making things, and I wondered how colors were made and wanted to make my own colors. I learned that colors are related to elements, chemical substances, and chemical reactions, and from there I became engrossed in chemistry. I was fascinated by the mysteries of color and have been researching color ever since. I have also been very interested in elements since high school, and have been collecting items related to the element table, etc., and I have displayed rare ones I found when I went abroad for academic conferences in my lab.
Ms. Miki Hasegawa
■ Opening up possibilities
-Why did you decide to study at Aoyama Gakuin University 's College of Science and Engineering?
Kobayashi Researching satellite attitude control Mechanical Control Laboratory" is the main reason. You can study subjects in the field of aerospace engineering, JAXA Graduate School Collaboration Program So I felt that if I studied here, I could make my dream of space development come true.
Hasegawa I chose Aoyama Gakuin University because I thought it was a university with a strong international flavor. When I actually enrolled, there were fewer foreign students than I expected (laughs). However, I found it interesting that many of my classmates were energetic and unique, doing part-time work in India or traveling alone around the world. International Program in Science and Engineering" and I would definitely recommend it to students who are interested.
--Why did you decide to go to graduate school?
Kobayashi I thought I would need more specialized knowledge and skills to get a job related to space development, so when I decided to pursue a career in space development, I knew I had to go to graduate school.
Hasegawa I obtained a junior high and high school teaching license because I wanted to support the growth of children who will create the future. I thought that my research experience would be useful in high school education, so I went on to a master's course. At the time, I had no intention of becoming a researcher, but I really enjoyed experiments and was absorbed in my research. A teacher who saw me like that asked me if I would like to get a doctorate. Although I knew that I liked science and experiments, I was unsure whether I was suited to being a researcher, but I learned that there were many high school science teachers with doctorates, so I decided to train for another three years and went on to a doctorate. In the end, I became a researcher, but at the same time, I think I was able to fulfill my dream of being involved in education at university.
--Was there anything you learned or was moved by in class?
Through
Kobayashi's classes, my vague dream of space development became clear. In my second year at the Faculty of College of Science and Engineering, I learned four basic mechanical subjects: "Material Mechanics," "Thermodynamics," "Fluid Mechanics," and "Machine Mechanics." I found mechanical mechanics to be the most interesting, and I strongly felt that I wanted to use my knowledge of College of Science and Engineering mechanics to get involved in space development. In addition, regardless of the department I belong to, I study a wide range of subjects in my first year at the Faculty of College of Science and Engineering, such as "Basic Physics Experiments" and "Information Processing Training." In particular, in the "Basic Chemistry Experiments," I learned how to use specialized equipment and acquired basic skills in chemical experiments, while in the "Manufacturing Training," I broadened my horizons by designing and making a metal "pen stand." I also made many new discoveries when I actually joined the laboratory and started my research. I also realized that what I learned in class was needed in unexpected situations and was useful in unexpected places.
HasegawaLooking back on my student days, I am very grateful for the careful guidance of my teachers. Through classes and experiments, I learned that it is difficult to understand just from textbooks, and I also learned how difficult it is to understand and reproduce the chemical reactions written in textbooks. These things were very useful when I later became a leader and built the research itself and the group's concept. Now that my position has changed, I feel pressured when asked if I am able to properly convey the fun and excitement of chemistry in my classes, but please rest assured (laughs). I continue to make efforts every day.
Some of the equipment used in the "Manufacturing Training"
■ Confronting the "why?"
--What impressed you about your research? Also, what were the facilities and curriculum like?
Kobayashi: When I entered university, I had already decided which laboratory I wanted to join, and I had a strong desire to "start doing research as soon as possible!" Therefore, I believe that the experiences I gained in the "Lab Work" and "Advanced Practical Program in Science and Engineering," which allowed me to conduct research in laboratories from the early stages of my second and third years, were extremely useful in my subsequent research activities. In addition, when I went on to graduate school, I was able to receive the "Special Grant Scholarship Graduate School of Science and Engineering." This was a great help as it reduced the burden of tuition fees and eliminated the financial worries that came with going on to graduate school.
At the "Machine Control Laboratory" where Kobayashi was a member. With his mentor, Professor Yoshiki Sugawara
Hasegawa: The people participating in the Advanced Practical Science and Engineering Program are people who are full of the desire to explore, so Kobayashi's single-mindedness in pursuing his dream is refreshing. It's wonderful.
Kobayashi: No, no. When I started researching attitude control of robots for use in space, I was confused by all the things I didn't understand, and I was worried when the research didn't progress. What I remember most is working in the "machine workshop." There, I machined parts for experimental equipment. It was mentally and physically difficult to work carefully, but thanks to advice from the instructors in the workshop on efficient work methods, I was able to complete the difficult parts and feel a sense of accomplishment. In the laboratory, I participated in a "project on the Transformer spacecraft," which is the basis of space robots. It was a valuable experience to discuss with people from JAXA and other universities and to absorb knowledge and technology. These experiences and others made me look forward to "learning things I didn't know," which motivated me to continue my research.
Machine work room
Hasegawa: My laboratory has been in operation for 20 years, but we are constantly confronting the scientific question "why?". In the midst of all this, our university's Center for Advanced Technology (CAT) is equipped with cutting-edge analytical equipment and other facilities, making it a system we can be proud of for advancing research. Another feature is that we have dedicated staff to ensure that equipment that would be difficult to maintain in a single laboratory is in constant operation, accelerating research. Research begins with finding a problem, and after repeated trial and error, we arrive at a proof of the problem. This is called a new discovery, and in any case, it is a task that must be carried out with a positive attitude and without giving up. For example, my research group discovered the phenomenon in which a molecule called "praseodymium," a rare earth, emits light and produces color when it combines with a molecule that is a component of soap, and we elucidated the mechanism behind this. Recently, we have developed spiral molecules containing rare earths that can promote effective luminescence in a variety of environments. These studies have attracted attention, and many researchers from Japan and abroad have offered to collaborate on research projects. Furthermore, the results of my research to date have been recognized, and I have been honored to receive the 2023 Japan Rare Earth Society Award (Shiokawa Award). I am pleased that the efforts of my collaborators and spirited students have borne fruit. It is exciting to think that the discoveries made at Aoyama Gakuin University may one day take flight as a material that will change the world.
The Coordination Chemistry Laboratory is led by Professor Hasegawa. Professor Hasegawa says, "I am excited every day as I conduct research with my students."
--What does it take to become a researcher or developer?
Kobayashi: I am currently working on designing equipment to be installed on artificial satellites. It is still my first year, so I have a lot to learn, but I feel that logical thinking and communication skills are extremely important in research and development. In my current job, I am required to communicate my ideas in a way that others can accept, and my boss taught me the importance of this. However, it is difficult to explain your own ideas logically, so I am working hard every day to improve my skills.
Hasegawa: "Face things with humility," "Make thorough preparations, and proceed in harmony." This is something that applies to any job, not just research. Research cannot be done alone, and there is a lot of discussion and presentations at academic conferences. As Kobayashi feels, it is important to "give explanations that others can understand." Even if you fail, it is also important not to give up, but to change your perspective and keep trying.
■ Cherish the things you love
--What are your thoughts on science?
Kobayashi: I hope there will be more scientists in the world. It is true that some people are forced to give up on science for financial reasons even if they are interested in it. I hope that we can create a society where everyone can pursue the field they are interested in.
I agree with
Hasegawa Kobayashi. There are colleagues in the world whose daily lives and research environments are changing dramatically because of horrific wars. Science should be for health and peace, but it breaks my heart to think that not only research facilities but even schools and universities are no longer functioning. In resource-poor Japan, science and technology are particularly important for supporting the economy. Some people view science as something special, but I think that we adults should have literacy and support science and technology and science education. I would like to be involved in education and research as a scientist.
--Please give a message to junior and senior high school students who are undecided about which science course to choose.
Kobayashi: Cherish your interests and what you like. If you are interested in science but are unsure about continuing on to higher education, I recommend that you identify the reasons why you want to continue and the reasons why you are unsure. Once you have a clear idea of which direction to go, go for it without hesitation. Our university offers a variety of support, including scholarships, so I hope you will make use of them.
Hasegawa: I want you to find something you like, regardless of whether it's humanities or science. Once you find something you like, don't give up and keep trying. Compared to when I was a student, the number of women going on to science has increased, and like Kobayashi, they are active even after graduating. Our university has support systems for graduate students who want to become researchers, such as graduate assistants, scholarships for young researchers, and the AGU Future Eagle Project. However, the current situation is that the ratio of female faculty members at Japanese universities is still low. One of the reasons for this is said to be that many women give up on going on to doctoral courses. I hope that a culture of nurturing excellent human resources will take root, regardless of gender.
150th Anniversary Project "Aogaku Gakuin Mind Opening Up the Future" (AGU LiFE)
A laboratory that will have an impact on various aspects of society
(AGU Life)
[Systems and Control Engineering Laboratory]
So that everyone can live a convenient and safe social life,
Applying control engineering to various fields
Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Professor Jun Yoneyama × Akimi Matsuo
In the Yoneyama Laboratory, we are exploring how to automatically operate machines and robots accurately and efficiently. Many of these technologies are used in our everyday lives. Various research projects are being carried out based on the interests of each student.
VIEW DETAILS →
[Innovation Management Laboratory]
Using data analysis to improve corporate competitiveness
Exploring the factors that influence consumer decision-making
Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Industrial Systems Engineering
Professor Norito Ouchi × Shukari Nanto × Tomomi Yamamoto
Our laboratory has two main themes: "Research on corporate and technological strategies" and "Research on the spread of products and services." By making full use of data analysis, we aim to acquire the knowledge necessary to improve the competitiveness of countries and companies.
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[Wearable Environmental Information Systems Laboratory]
Creating a healthy, comfortable and enjoyable life with wearable devices
College of Science and Engineering Department of Integrated information technology
Professor Lopez, Guillaume × Sae Okubo
In order to support more comfortable and healthy lifestyles, our laboratory is developing next-generation multimedia systems (devices and software). In particular, we are focusing on "wearable devices" that can obtain various information about the wearer.
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Students who open up new possibilities with an eye on the world and the future
(AGU Life)
[Thermal Fluid Control Laboratory]
Research into medical devices began through trial and error.
Single-minded passion and support from others are the driving force
Graduate Graduate School of Science and Engineering Department of Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Course, Master's Program, 2nd year
Aika Ueno
Ueno, who felt the preciousness of life during his high school days, has pursued research with the single-minded desire to "contribute to medical care." Even after entering graduate school, Ueno continues to find new goals and move forward, so we asked him about the appeal of studying at our university's College of Science and Engineering.
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*The years of employment, Position, activities, etc. of the people featured are, in principle, those at the time of the interview, unless otherwise noted.
