Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science and Faculty of Science, Tohoku University

Why did you decide to enroll in the Department of Physics at Tohoku University?

My previous academic background was heavily theoretic with focus on knowledge and deep understanding instead of practical applications and skills. While I found it very suitable for my undergraduate studies, I did not find it suitable for a PhD. I wanted to do my doctoral degree at a university whose system focuses more on the practical side of things and where I can obtain the research skills necessary for my future career. I was considering multiple options around the world, but I finally decided for Tohoku University where I already spent one semester as an exchange student and liked the experience a lot. Besides the quality of research a key factor was the overall safety and rich cultural life that Japan offers.

What have you actually felt or experienced after enrolling?

Compared to my previous academic experiences Tohoku University became a fresh start that feels like a true prestigious research institute with a clear goal in mind. When it comes to physics and the atmosphere among the students, I was very surprised how often new academic papers and recent research results are being discussed by not only the doctoral students, but also the master and undergraduate students. I have experienced life at Tohoku University before as an exchange student and all of what I experienced at that time still holds now. Having to adapt to a completely different environment, culture and system than I am used to can be often very challenging. But thanks to the perfect support I am receiving and welcoming attitude of everyone my life here is better than I could ever imagine.

What are you currently studying/researching?

Right now I am continuing my research on the topic of cosmological inflation. I was introduced to this topic during my student exchange term and got really interested in it. I specialize in studying gravitational waves that were produced during the period of cosmological inflation in the early Universe. I find the topic interesting because it effectively couples my desire to understand why the Universe and everything in it came to be with the field of gravitational wave astronomy and interesting mathematics as well. After the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, exactly 100 years after Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity which predicts their existence, gravitational wave astronomy became one of the hot topics of physics and my research contributes to its further development and pushing its boundaries.

Do you have any activities outside academics (e.g., student clubs, part-time jobs, hobbies)?

In my free time I am very actively travelling around the country, trying to engage with its culture and traditions and learning the Japanese language. I try to use any chance to step out of my comfort zone and experience something new, discovering myself and new friends on the way. I eagerly participate in various cultural and language exchange events both at the university and outside of the university. Depending on my schedule, next semester I am thinking of joining a club or a circle, most likely one focused on outdoor activities.

How do you feel the learning in this department will connect to your future?

With the onset of the internet and globalization, the academic world has become so interconnected that I cannot imagine starting an academic career without experiencing studying at a foreign university. If I successfully graduate I will be equipped with a lot of precious knowledge and skills not only about my research field and topic itself, but also about the working principles of society, academia, international and intercultural communication and understanding among others. Besides this living in a foreign country whose culture and society is completely different from mine is an incredibly valuable experience for my personal growth as well.

Please write a message to students who are aiming for this department at Tohoku University.

Tohoku University is a great place with very nice and friendly atmosphere, excellent research facilities and amazing student life and support. Studying here is not only an unforgettable experience, but also a great investment for your future. I feel that joining the department of physics here was an important decision that really opened my path towards answering my questions about the Universe and starting my future career, and so will be for yours.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Department of Physics at Tohoku University?

I decided to join the Department of Physics at Tohoku University because of its strong reputation in both physics, as well as its long tradition of high-quality research.

What have you actually felt or experienced after enrolling?

Our cmpt group has not only the excellent research environment but also very kind group members. They help me a lot in the sense of both researching and living.

What are you currently studying/researching?

I am researching non equilibrium physics, especially stochastic thermal dynamics.

Do you have any activities outside academics (e.g., student clubs, part-time jobs, hobbies)?

I like travelling and drawing.

How do you feel the learning in this department will connect to your future?

The education and research training I am receiving in the Department of Physics at Tohoku University are directly shaping both my immediate research capabilities and my long-term career trajectory. The life in Sendai is unforgettable.

Please write a message to students who are aiming for this department at Tohoku University.

I hope every candidates can get the results they want. After enrolling, you will find it worth your toil.

Why did you decide to enroll in the Department of Physics at Tohoku University?

I knew I wanted to do research on Nonlinear-Dynamics in Japan. I did a lot of research and found out that there are a few universities in Japan involved in this research. I chose Tohoku University because of its good reputation and international orientation.

What have you actually felt or experienced after enrolling?

Before enrolling in Tohoku University I was very nervous. I have never lived in a different city, let alone a different country before. However, I received a lot of support and was able to adjust quickly and get to know the culture of Tohoku Unuversity.

What are you currently studying/researching?

I am researching nonlinear dynamics at the moment. It is a very interesting field with a lot of connections to other disciplines. I feel like I am learning something important and fundamental.

Do you have any activities outside academics (e.g., student clubs, part-time jobs, hobbies)?

I spent most of my time hanging out with my friends or travelling.

How do you feel the learning in this department will connect to your future?

I want to pursue a PhD in physics so receiving my Master's degree is very important. I also learned a lot about Japan and intercultural communication in general.

Please write a message to students who are aiming for this department at Tohoku University.

I feel very supported by the university. They helped me with housing and bureaucracy. My professor and my lab mates are also very nice and supportive. I was very lucky and while not everyone will be as lucky as I am, I think it is worth to give it a try.

What did you study and/or research in the Physics Department, Tohoku University?

I studied strangeness physics as part of the experimental nuclear physics group. I was a collaborator on experiments that investigated the process of producing strange particles with a real photon.

How do you feel after the graduation of this department?

My time as a graduate student at Tohoku University was invaluable. The intense research focus coupled with a strong effort placed on frequent conference appearances and publications, has fostered a permanent, deep appreciation, and lasting bond for the department and group members. The experience has profoundly affected and shaped my future career.

Could you please tell us how you decided current career?

I decided, after much deliberation, to accept an appointment at the American Physical Society (APS), in the department of Education and Diversity, as a means to provide opportunities for students from underrepresented groups in physics, to pursue an advanced education in physics and STEM fields. The position allowed me to contribute to the physics community and still have the flexibility to study fundamental physics. It is my intention to obtain a more academic and research driven appointment in the future.

Please write your message to the undergraduate/graduate students and the perspective students who hope to study in the Physics Department, Tohoku University

It is my hope that any prospective student that is considering joining the physics department at the Tohoku University fully reflect upon their reasons for wanting to pursue physics. More importantly, hopefully students will come to realize that studying physics may be a path to understanding the universe, a means for challenging ideas, and an open-ended career path. Physics has the potential to lead to many avenues, but it will require time, devotion, and perseverance. These all characteristics employers are seeking. I challenge you all to rise to your potential and step into the unknown.

Why did you decide to study in the Physics Department, Tohoku University?

Department of Physics, Tohoku University, has outstanding professors who are excellent in their field. Combining with a great chance to get a MEXT scholarship offered by International Graduate Program for Advanced Science (IGPAS), It was a perfect match of learning in a good facilitated university and a good financial support for becoming a graduate student abroad.

How do you feel after the entrance of this department?

It is great. I am grateful with a number of chances to develop my skills in research and communication. We are able to collaborate with many researchers internally within the lab and externally with many people in the world. Many opportunities to go conferences enable us to develop communication and presentation skills.

What is the subject of your present research/study?

Theoretical study of Carbon nanotubes and graphene photophysics. We analyze and perform simulations of light and matter interaction observed by experiment. The calculation techniques is develop from a fundamental quantum mechanical concept that is implemented into a computer program.

What is your future plan after the graduation.

I would like to be an independent researcher either in Japan or outside Japan. My ultimate dream is being a physics professor in Indonesia.

Please write your message to the perspective students who hope to study in the Physics Department, Tohoku University.

Considering Tohoku University is a perfect choice in your carrier. You can get a high standard of research environment and a wonderful international society. You don't have to worry of your Japanese skill, since all the courses is provided in English.

Why did you decide to study in the Physics Department, Tohoku University?

Being interested in the Optics and photonics and I decided to do study in this field in Tohoku University. Tohoko University in Sendai has provided the best faculty and facilities to pursue my dreams. Beside the great academic environment in the university, Sendai is such a city which we are able to experience both modern and traditional life in Japan.

How do you feel after the entrance of this department?

Tohoku University provides a platform which is not only for studying in Japan, but also bridges the whole world. From three years studying in Tohoku University, I realized that how important it is to open your eyes to the whole world and learn various cultures which are totally different from yours.

What is the subject of your present research/study?

Currently I am working on optical properties of metamaterials which are a group of materials we could not find in the nature. These materials allow us to realize very interesting phenomenon, for example, invisibility cloak.

What is your future plan after the graduation.

After graduation from Tohoku University, I would like to continue my researches as a postdoctoral fellow, which let me to be in contact whit scientific communities and even industries.

Please write your message to the perspective students who hope to study in the Physics Department, Tohoku University.

Coming to Japan and studying in Tohoku University is one of the best choices which I have; I learnt so much in this university and got to know so many people who have a big influence in my life. Don't miss any chance to study abroad and change your life. Tohoku University is no doubt a very good choice if you decide to study in Japan. The facilities, the staff, the team works and the experts are great and as an international student with almost zero in Japanese, the international student supports is just at the corner, anytime with open hand.