There is no better testament to the impact and success of the TOMODACHI-STEM Women’s Leadership and Research Program that the further accomplishments of our alumni. From 2016 – 2019, a total 40 Japanese science and engineering undergraduates from Japan have participated in the program. This program was, typically, their first experience doing hands-on scientific research and for many their first experience studying abroad. Many have gone on to pursue further international opportunities worldwide and have continued to pursue graduate study and research in STEM fields.
Click on the tabs below to learn more about the achievements of our program alumni to date. If you are a TOMODACHI-STEM alumnus and would like to share an update with us, please email sphillips@rice.edu.
Program Demographics
20 Participant Universities to Date (2016 – 2019)
Doshisha University |
2 |
|
|
Sophia University |
1 |
Keio University |
1 |
|
|
Tohoku University |
1 |
Kyoto University |
1 |
|
|
Tokyo Institute of Technology |
2 |
Kyushu University |
3 |
|
|
Tokyo University of Science |
2 |
Meiji University |
1 |
|
|
Tokyo Women’s Medical University |
1 |
Nagoya University |
2 |
|
|
Tottori University |
1 |
Ochonomizu University |
1 |
|
|
Toyota Technological Institute |
1 |
Osaka University |
5 |
|
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University of Tokyo |
7 |
Osaka Prefecture University* |
1 |
|
|
University of Tsukuba |
1 |
Shinshu University* |
1 |
|
|
Waseda University |
4 |
* 2 new participant universities in 2019.
Alumni Updates
For information on individual student accomplishments please click the tabs below.
Yukina Chiba (2019 TOMODACHI STEM Participant)
Biological Sciences, Nagoya University
Current Position: Undergraduate Student, Anticipated Graduation in March 2020
Further International Research: In August – September 2019, Yukina will travel to Germany to participate in the 2019 Nakatani RIES Fellowship where she will do research at a German university lab. Congratulations Yukina and best of luck with your second STEM research experience abroad!
Mei Maruo (2018 Participant)
Astronomy: Astrophysics, Kyoto University
Current Position: Undergraduate Student
Impact of TOMODACHI STEM: "Doing actual research at Rice University has given me a strong impact in many ways. By going through that situation, I have more confidence about pursuing a Ph.D. program in the U.S. I was relieved to see more women in my field, and by seeing that situation, I wish this would happen in Japan soon even stronger."
Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication:
Further Research: "This experience helped me choose what kind of research I want to do as my B4 research.At Kyoto University, I now work on developing an optical telescope in Indonesia. It is in a similar field to my research at Rice."
Follow-on Project/Outreach: In May 2018, I held an information session at Kobe Jyogakuin Junior High/ High School where I talked about my experience as an undergraduate. I told them about my research at Rice University, and many students seemed very interested.
Miho Sakuma (2018 Participant)
Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University
Current Position: Medical Student
Impact of TOMODACHI STEM: "My confidence was elevated. After this program, I no longer hesitate to ask any questions everywhere. In addition, I positively speak to other exchange students from other countries who are in Japan and I enjoy sharing Japanese "Omotenashi (Hospitality)". These friendships help me brush up my English skills. In my clinical clerkship at school of medicine, I sometimes give case presentations in English. For my future dream, this program was so helpful. I am amazed at the opportunities for worldwide study and was encouraged me to go abroad while I participated in this program. I plan to study abroad in the future. Before I will go abroad, I have to work as a doctor. So, I am searching for hospital which will cherish the international environment and my new international perspective."
Current Research: In my B4 research, I focused on ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) by using disease model rat neurons at Pathology lab, but I am so busy to study at the hospital. I have no time to maintain neural stem cells, and my research project was sadly stopped. But, I am trying to ask about research in each department I study in during my rotations. The other day, I encountered cardiologist who wanted to diagnose diseases by pathological specimens. Thorough TOMODACHI STEM Program, I became interested in image analysis. So, I asked him whether I can join in his project. He allowed me to participate in it and I am waiting for its start. My MATLAB skills I obtained while at Rice University will be helpful."
Further International Experience: I have been accepted into the 2019 Tokyo Women's Medical University( TWMU) exchange program. From April 1-28, 2019, I will participate in a study abroad exchange program at McGill University Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal, Canada where I will work within the Department of Neurosurgery. I will observe neurosurgical operations, such as epilepsy surgery,have medical interviews and to take physical signs. I also will try visiting their research areas. That program is organized by connection between a McGill University professor and TWMU East Medical Center neurosurgery professor.
Shoko Sano (2018 Participant)
Space Engineering, The University of Tokyo (Anticipated March 2020)
Current Position: Undergraduate Student
Other Research Program in Japan: You never know where you might run in to a fellow alum of a Rice University program! In March 2019, Shoko Sano (2018 TOMODACHI STEM @Rice) and Mari Shishikura (2018 NK RIES) were both at the OIST Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University participating in the OIST Research Internship Program. Shoko was working in the Jun Tani Unit on Cognitive Neurobiotics and Mari was working in the Computational Neuroscience Unit with Prof. De Schutter! Great to see you both again and happy you got to meet up at OIST!
Mari Sato (2018 Participant)
B.S., Engineering – Artificial Intelligence – Algorithm, Doshisha University, March 2018
Current Position: M.S. Student, Informatics, Kyoto University, Anticipated March 2020 Advisor: Adam Jatowt, https://www.db.soc.i.kyoto-u.ac.jp/
Impact of TOMODACHI STEM: "My favorite experience in the US was meeting new people and expanding my human network. I especially enjoyed attending lunch meetings of CSters: Women in Computing at Rice University. I found the community of groups like this very helpful. After coming back to Japan, I started to apply for internships and I had several opportunities to meet people working in industry. My TOMODACHI STEM @ Rice University experience helped me a lot to talk with new people so I can share what I am interested in, what I would like to achieve in my career, and so on."
Mayu Shibata (2018 Participant)
Bioengineering: Structural and Developmental/Bioinformatics, Ochonomizu University
Current Position: Master's Student
Impact of TOMODACHI STEM: "[This was an] eye-opening experience. I never realized I was limiting my future possibilities until joining this program."
Further International Research: In May – August 2019, Mayu will return to Rice University to conduct a second research internship in the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics. Congratulations Mayu! We look forward to seeing you back at Rice University!
Awards and Scholarships: May and June 2018: Dean's Commendation Award and Scholarship from Ochanomizu University for excellence in academic and research achievement.
Follow-on Project/Outreach: In August 2018, Mayu held an information session at Ochanomizu University where she talked with B1~B4 science and food science undergraduate students and encourage them to apply for the TOMODACHI STEM program. During this session, she talked about the program design, my research experience at Rice, and the cultural engagement and leadership training opportunities available through this program. She hopes this session will encourage other students from her home university to apply in the future.
Utana Umezaki (2018 Participant)
B.S., Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry, Doshisha University (2019)
Current Position: Ph.D. Student, Chemistry, Rice University
Graduate Study in the U.S.: Utana has been admitted to the Ph.D. program in Chemistry at Rice University and will begin her graduate studies in the fall of 2019. Congratulations Utana! We are so excited to have you returning to Rice University as a graduate student!
Aya Kawamura
B.S., Chemistry, Nagoya University, 2019
Current Position: M.S. Student, Chemistry, Nagoya University, Commencing April 2020
Current Research: From April 2020, I will begin my graduate research at Nagoya University where I will be working on the field of "Design of the Nanospace of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Molecular Recognition and Separation".
Further International Experience: After graduating from Nagoya University in 2019, Aya took a Gap Year to participate in the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation's "Vulcanus in Europe" program. This is a one year long program for students in STEM fields held in different EU countries. It consists of two parts: four months of language study following by an eight-month traineeship in a R&D department in a company. Aya was accepted by a German company located in Leverkusen, Germany that produces brake pads for various kinds of vehicles. After learning German in Berlin, she has been working in the Raw Materials Department of this company as a student researcher where she conducted an investigation of how raw materials' physical characteristics may affect the physical behavior of brake pads used in private mobiles.
Yumiko Kimura (2017 Participant)
Bachelor's Degree, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Awarded March 2018
Current Position: Master's Student, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science
In the October 2017 edition of the Tokyo University of Science campus magazine, 2017 TOMODACHI STEM participant Yumiko Kimura wrote about her experience doing research in the U.S. and how this impacted her future academic and career goals. To read the full article, available in Japanese only, click here (PDF.)
As a B4 student at TUS, Yumiko has also continued to conduct research seeking to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that specifically work in "Cancer Stem Cell(CSC)". "CSC" is considered as seed of cancer. In particular, she is working on gene knock out using genome editing which she learned in the Bao Lab at Rice University. In April 2018, she began a Master's degree at TUS and will continue conducting research in this area.
Natsumi Komatsu (2017 Participant)
B.S., Engineering – Applied Physics and Physico-Informatics, Keio University, March 2017
Current Position: M.S./PhD Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University. Advisor: Prof. Junichiro Kono
Program Impact: "Through this program, I had a lot of opportunities to meet people who are working in various fields. Through this, I realized that there were many more career options with graduate degrees in US, which eventually led me to apply for Ph.D. programs abroad. As one of very few female STEM students in Japan, I was very amazed and motivated by the great diversity at Rice University. It is very meaningful for female undergraduate students in STEM to visit a country like US where the perspectives on diversity are more advanced, so that we get to know what has to be done in Japan to reach this level."
Impact on Graduate Studies: "I am currently a Ph.D. student at Rice University. During the program, I had a lot of opportunities to learn about the graduate programs at Rice and their research. Because The unique collaborative environment at Rice and the research I conducted during the program led me apply to Rice University."
Other Major Fellowships and Awards
- April 2017: Funai Overseas Fellowships for Graduate Studies
- April 2017: Texas Instruments Distinguished Fellowship for Graduate Studies
- April 2017: President Prize from Rice University for Graduate Studies
Other TOMODACHI Initiative/US-Japan Council Programs
- In November 2019, Natsumi was invited to speak at the US-Japan Council's Annual Conference in Los Angles, CA on her TOMODACHI Initiative experiences. >> View Video of Presentation Here >> Read Newsletter About Alumni Speakers
- 2018 Japan-Texas Economic Summit (Houston, TX): In May 2018, Natsumi spoke about her TOMODACHI experiences as part of an alumni panel discussion session. "Through these programs, I set my goal towards career in renewable energy, and getting a Ph.D. degree is its first step. Three years ago, I did not even imagine having a career abroad. But TOMODACHI programs led me through a powerful transition that I am daring to pursue a higher degree and opportunities beyond." For more about Natsumi's TOMODACHI Initiative experiences and their impact click here to read the full 'Voices of the TOMODACHI Generation' post.
- 2015 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporations Scholarship: The TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program provides assistance to high-achieving university students with financial need to enable them to study abroad for one year. Sumitomo Corporation’s support is aimed at helping to develop globally-minded young leaders who will serve as active bridges between Japan and the United States. Natsumi used this scholarship to study abroad at Rice University from during the 2015 – 2016 academic year through the Rice-Keio Exchange program.
Sawa Shimokawa (2017 Participant)
B.S., Civil Engineering, Osaka University, 2020
Current Position: Graduate Student, University of Tokyo
Program Impact: "The TOMODACHI STEM Program taught me I can pursue my dream if I wish and try hard. I'm not sure what I will be, but I'm always filled with hope and happiness to learn as much as I hope. For Japanese undergraduate students, particularly women, we are always in the minority. Therefore, if we try hard, many people may get interested in us and support us in many ways. These days, the world is becoming more international, so I hope many female students utilize this opportunities NOW!"
Further Research: "I'm still not sure what type of research I will engage in, but the experience at Rice University taught me there are many choices if I search, and try to study hard. I'm planning to research about geotechnics in University of California, Berkeley from this August as a study abroad study. If I hadn't participated in the TOMODACHI STEM Program, I would have never thought to try research at all."
Follow-on Project/Outreach: In May 2018, I gave a presentation to about 200 engineering students at Osaka University. I presented my experiences in foreign countries including the TOMODACHI STEM program.
Other TOMODACHI Initiative/US-Japan Council Programs
- 2018 Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program
- 2017 USJC Annual Conference: I attended this conference in Washington DC as a representative of all TOMODACHI alumni speakers. While there, I participated in leadership workshop and also presented on my experience at Rice University as part of alumni panel discussion. I met lots of wonderful people there, and still connected. I will meet some of them in US.
- 2017 TOMODACHI Alumni Disaster Resilient Training Program: I learned about the history of disasters in Japan.
Further International Experience:
- 2018-2019 Academic Year Exchange Program at the University of California, Berkeley
- During this program I'm excited to research about geotechnics and learn more about civil engineering deeply with UCB students.
- July 2018: Japan Society of Civil Engineers Study Abroad Program in Venice, Italy.
- I went to Venice to learn about flood disaster prevention for 2 weeks. The Italian government started MOSE project to protect Venezia from flooding. During this program, I discussed with the technical director of MOSE project, citizens in Venezia and experts at tidal forecasting center.
Kana Yoshida
Hometown: Osaka
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Tottori University, 2017
M.S., Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Tottori University, 2019
Program Impact: Since I participated in 2017 TOMODACHI STEM @ Rice University Program, I could make a connection between my home laboratory at Tottori University and my
host laboratories at Rice University and come to Rice again as a visiting student. TOMODACHI Program gave me the great opportunity to study abroad and also to
make a connection in US. It will be helpful to my future career in STEM field.
Other Major Fellowships & Awards: Kana was awarded a 2017 TOBITATE Scholarship to return to Rice University for one-year to continue her master's research in Prof. Tezduyar's lab. Her research focus was the ground effect on the dynamic characteristics of unsteady state delta wing.
Mikiko Iwago (2016 TOMODACHI STEM Participant)
University in Japan: Tokyo University of Science
Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical Engineering, Awarded April 2016
Master's Degree, Mechanical Engineering, Awarded April 2018
Current Position: Yachiyo Engineering Consultancy
After completing the TOMODACHI STEM program in March 2016, Mikiko graduated with her bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and enrolled in the Master's program at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) which she completed in 2018. In March 2018, Mikiko was recognized by the Tokyo University of Science with an award for "Students With Outstanding Research Results'. This award is aimed at students who are deemed to have particularly good outcomes such as research and only 13 TUS students received the award in 2018. The prestigious award recognized the variety of research and international experiences she has pursued while a student at TUS, including participation in the 2016 TOMODACHI STEM @ Rice University program and the 2015 TOMODACHI MetLife Women's Leadership program. TUS also recognized her for the vital role she played in the development and implementation of a 2017 symposium on the success of women in STEM and other career fields.
Yoko Tomo
B.S., Aerospace Engineering, Naogya University 2016
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya University
Current Position: Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Nagoya University >> View Faculty Profile
Check out some of the great Alumni Meet-ups that the TOMODACHI STEM program has had in Japan over the past few years. These informal lunches or dinners, enable alumni from various program years to network with each other and share updates on their academic and career paths with Rice University faculty and staff.
March 2019: OIST Research Internship Program Meet-Up with other Rice Alumnus
You never know where you might run in to a fellow alum of a Rice University program! In March 2019, Shoko Sano (2018 TOMODACHI STEM @Rice) and Mari Shishikura (2018 NK RIES) were both at the OIST Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University participating in the OIST Research Internship Program. Shoko was working in the Jun Tani Unit on Cognitive Neurobiotics and Mari was working in the Computational Neuroscience Unit with Prof. De Schutter! Great to see you both again and happy you got to meet up at OIST!
July 2018: Kyoto and Osaka Area 2018 TOMODACHI STEM Alumni Meet-up
On July 7, Sarah Phillips (Rice University) had the opportunity to meet-up with a few of our 2018 alumni for lunch when she was traveling in Osaka. She got to re-connected with (from left to right) Utana Umezaki (Doshisha University), Eria Imada (Osaka University), and Mei Maruo (Kyoto University). She got to learn more about Mei and Utana's current B4 research and Eria's future research plans for her B4 research which she will start next year. It was great to see y'all and we wish you the best of luck with your future research and graduate school plans!
July 2018: Fukoka TOMODACHI STEM Alumni Meet-Up
On July 4, 2018, Prof. Junichiro Kono and Sarah Phillips (Rice University) had the opportunity to meet-up with two of our Kyushu University alumni when they were traveling in Fukuoka. In addition to catching up with (from left to right) Hee-Yung Woo (2017 Participant) and Yoko Tomo (2016 Participant) they also got to learn more about Yoko's PhD research at Kyushu University and plans to conduct a graduate research internship abroad in Scotland starting in September 2018! Hee-Yung is also currently studying for her graduate school entrance exams. It was great to see y'all and we wish you the best of luck with your future research and graduate school plans!
May 2018: Tokyo-area TOMODACHI STEM Alumni Meet-Up
In May 2018, Prof. Junichiro Kono, Sarah Phillips, and Prof. Naoko Ozaki (Rice University) had the opportunity to have dinner and reconnect with a large number of Tokyo-area alumni from the 2016 – 2017 program years. It was great to catch up with everyone and to see alumni across all of our program years networking and building connections! We wish you all the best of luck with your academic and career pursuits!
2016 Alumni (from left to right): Megumi Sakamoto, Ryota Katsumi, and Mikiko Iwago.
2017 Alumni (from left to right): Yumiko Kimura and Akane Kateyama
2018 Alumni (from left to right): Hiroko Nagafuchi, Shoko Sano, Miho Sakuma, Mayu Shibata, and Yukari Sakano
The following week, Sarah also had the opportunity to meet up with 2018 participant Shoko Sano at the University of Tokyo's May Festival (Gogatsu-sai) where Yoko showed her more about her space related research. It was great to see you too Shoko!
May 2017: Tokyo-area TOMODACHI STEM Alumni Meet-up
In May 2017, Prof. Junichiro Kono and Sarah Phillips (Rice University) were visiting Japan and arranged a Tokyo-area alumni meet-up for 2016 and 2017 program alumni. This dinner enabled us to reconnect with some of our alumni, receive updates on their current graduate school studies or plans for applying to graduate school in the future, and connect multiple generations of our program with each other. In attendance were:
- Front Row (left to right): Kota Katsumi (2016 Participant) and Akane Katayama (2017 Participant)
- Back Row (left to right): Mikiko Iwago (2016 Participant), Junichiro Kono, Mizuki Tabata (2017 Participant), Mio Kamasaka (2017 Participant), Yumiko Kimura (2017 Participant), Sarah Phillips, and Megumi Sakamoto (2016 Participant)
December 2016: Student Organized Alumni Meet-up in Tokyo
In December 2016, a bunch of TOMODACHI alumni and Rice University graduate students organized a student-only alumni meet-up in Tokyo. This was a great way for our alumni to reconnect with a few of the Japanese graduate students they got to know while they were doing research at Rice University and they were able to build connections among the 2016 alumni and some of our recently selected 2017 participants who would be leaving to do research at Rice the following February. This was a great opportunity for the 2017 selected students to ask lots of questions about packing and preparing to do research at Rice University! In attendance were:
- Front Row (from left to right): Mio Kamasaka (2017), Akane Katayama (2017), Yumiko Kimura (2017), and Natsumi Komatsu (2017)
- Back Row (from left to right): Fumiya Katsutani (PhD Student, ECE, Rice University), Kota Katsumi (2016), Megumi Sakamoto (2016), Ryota Katsumi (2016), and Keiko Kato (PhD Student, MSNE, Rice University)
November 2016: Alumni Meet-up in Osaka
In November 2016, Sarah Phillips (Rice University) had the opportunity to meet-up with 2016 participants Shuhei Yoshida and Yoko Amazaki when she was traveling in Japan. We met up at a yummy okonomiyaki restaurant and some of our 2016 and 2017 students were able to connect and learn more about their shared experiences doing research at Rice and update us a bit on what they are doing now. It was great to see you both!
July 2016: 2016 TOMODACHI STEM Alumni Meet-Up in Kyoto
In July 2016, Prof. Junichiro Kono and Sarah Phillips were able to meet-up with 2016 participant Shuhei Yoshida while they were traveling in Kyoto. After completing the TOMODACHI STEM program in March 2016, Shuhei graduated from the University of Tokyo and began his graduate studies at Kyoto University. He has received his Master's in Materials Science & Engineering and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering. He has also received a research fellowship from JSPS for his graduate research. It was great to see you again Shuhei!
July 2016: 2016 TOMODACHI STEM Alumni Meet-up in Tokyo
In July 2016, Prof. Kono and Sarah Phillips hosted the first TOMODACHI STEM alumni meet-up in Tokyo for our 2016 alumni. This dinner brought together alumni from the Tokyo area and Kyushu and was a great way to reconnect and learn more about our student's academic and career plans.
In attendance were:
- Front Row (from left to right): Yoko Tomo, Sarah Phillips, and Makiko Ogino
- Back Row (from left to right): Ruriko Haraguchi, Megumi Sakamoto, Kota Katsumi, Ryota Katsumi, Junichiro Kono, and Yoko Tomo
Alumni Outreach & Engagement
To date, the following alumni have participated in other U.S.-Japan Council or TOMODACHI Initiative events where they have shared their experiences doing research at Rice University and the impact this has had on their academic and career goals. Thank you for sharing your experiences at these events everyone!
Natsumi Komatsu (2017 Participant)
2019 US-Japan Annual Conference Speaker: Natsumi was invited to give a talk highlighting the impact of participation in TOMODACHI Intiative programs at the USJC's Annual Conference held in Los Angeles, CA in November 2019.
2018 Japan-Texas Economic Summit (Houston, TX): In May 2018, Natsumi spoke about her TOMODACHI experiences as part of an alumni panel discussion session.
2015 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporations Scholarship: The TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program provides assistance to high-achieving university students with financial need to enable them to study abroad for one year. Sumitomo Corporation’s support is aimed at helping to develop globally-minded young leaders who will serve as active bridges between Japan and the United States. Natsumi used this scholarship to study abroad at Rice University from during the 2015 – 2016 academic year through the Rice-Keio Exchange program.
"Through these programs, I set my goal towards career in renewable energy, and getting a Ph.D. degree is its first step. Three years ago, I did not even imagine having a career abroad. But TOMODACHI programs led me through a powerful transition that I am daring to pursue a higher degree and opportunities beyond." For more about Natsumi's TOMODACHI Initiative experiences and their impact click here to read the full 'Voices of the TOMODACHI Generation' post.
Sawa Shimokawa (2017 Participant)
- 2018 Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program
- 2017 USJC Annual Conference: I attended this conference in Washington, DC as a representative of all TOMODACHI alumni speakers. While there, I participated in leadership workshop and also presented on my experience at Rice University as part of alumni panel discussion. I met lots of wonderful people there, and still connected. I will meet some of them in US.
- 2017 TOMODACHI Alumni Disaster Resilient Training Program: I learned about the history of disasters in Japan.
To date, the following TOMODACHI STEM alumni have had articles published that highlight their experience doing research abroad at Rice University and the impact this has had on their academic and career goals. Thank you for sharing your experiences everyone!
Peer-reviewed Journal Article in The Astrophysical Journal
- In October 2019, Mei was listed as the third author in a peer-reviewed journal article in The Astrophysical Journal arising from her TOMODACHI STEM research project in the Rice Space Institute.
>> View Rice News Article Overview
>> Read Research Article Abstract
Voices of the TOMODACHI Generation – Natsumi Komatsu
Natsumi Komatsu (2017 Participant)
- In November 2019, Natsumi was invited to speak at the US-Japan Council's Annual Conference in Los Angles, CA on her TOMODACHI Initiative experiences. >> View Video of Presentation Here >> Read Newsletter About Alumni Speakers
- In May 2018, an article about my TOMODACHI STEM @ Rice University experience was published on TOMODACHI newsletter. "Through these programs, I set my goal towards career in renewable energy, and getting a Ph.D. degree is its first step. Three years ago, I did not even imagine having a career abroad. But TOMODACHI programs led me through a powerful transition that I am daring to pursue a higher degree and opportunities beyond." The full article is available in both English and Japanese.
>> English Version
>> Japanese Version
October 2017: Yumiko Kimura Shares Her 2017 TOMODACHI STEM Experience in Tokyo University of Science Magazine
In the October 2017 edition of the Tokyo University of Science campus magazine, 2017 TOMODACHI STEM participant Yumiko Kimura wrote about her experience doing research in the U.S. and how this impacted her future academic and career goals. To read the full article, available in Japanese only, click here (PDF.) At TUS, Yumiko has also continued to conduct research seeking to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that specifically work in "Cancer Stem Cell(CSC)". "CSC" is considered as seed of cancer. In particular, she is working on gene knock out using genome editing which she learned in the Bao Lab at Rice University. In April 2018, she will begin a Master's degree at TUS and will continue conducting research in this area.
October 2017: Kana Yoshida Shares Her 2017 TOMODACHI STEM Experience in Happy Technology Magazine
2017 TOMODACHI STEM @ Rice University participant Kana Yoshida from Tottori University recently shared her experience conducting research in the U.S. in an article published in Happy Technology magazine. The article, available in Japanese, highlights her experience conducting research in Prof. Tayfun Tezduyar’s lab at Rice University from February – March 2017 as a senior undergraduate student. In the article, she highlights her research interests and how the TOMODACHI experience led her to pursue further international opportunities.
“中学時代には数学、高校時代には物理に興味を持ち、大学進学でも理工系を選択しました。私が機械工学科を選んだ理由は、幼いころから自動車が好きだったことと、高校時代に物理を好きになるきっかけになった「力学」を重点的に学べるからです。将来の夢は、世界で活躍する機械・航空宇宙工学系の研究者になることです。そのために、学部生のときから学内の留学プログラムや海外との共同プロジェクトに参加しています。学部4年次にはTOMODACHI-STEM @ Rice University Programに参加。航空宇宙の本場アメリカの理系私立の名門校ライス大学で1か月間の研究インターンシップを経験しました。さらに、トビタテ!留学JAPANの奨学金を獲得し、今年の夏から同じ研究室へ1年間の留学に行く予定です.” >> Read More Online >> Download Article (PDF)
Upon returning to Japan, TOMODACHI STEM Alumni give presentations on their international research experience and the program to science and engineering undergraduate students at their home universities or in their home communities. The goal of encourage other young students in Japan to pursue international opportunities and, in particular, international research experiences in STEM. Thank you for sharing your experiences and encouraging the next generation of students in Japan everyone!
Outreach at Home University in Japan
- Mayu Shibata (2018 Participant): In August 2018, I will hold an information session at Ochanomizu University where I talk with B1~B4 science and food science undergraduate students and encourage them to apply for the TOMODACHI STEM program. During this session, I will present on the program design, my research experience at Rice, and the cultural engagement and leadership training opportunities available through this program. I hope that this session will encourage other students from my home university to apply in the future.
- Sawa Shimokawa (2017 Participant): In May 2018, I gave a presentation about study abroad experiences, including the TOMODACHI STEM program, to a group of about 200 engineering students at Osaka University.
Outreach to Middle and High School Students in Japan
- Mei Maruo (2018 Participant): In May 2018, I held an information session at Kobe Jyogakuin Junior High/ High School where I talked about my experience as an undergraduate. I told them about my research at Rice, and many students seemed very interested.
Graduate Study and Professional Positions in STEM Fields
Graduate Institutions in Japan
To date, 8 TOMODACHI STEM @ Rice University alumni have completed or are pursuing Master's or PhD degrees at 6 different universities in Japan.
- Kyoto University (2)
- Mari Sato (2018 Participant): M.S., Informatics, Kyoto University, Anticipated March 2020. Advisor: Adam Jatowt
- Shuhei Yoshida (2016 Participant): PhD Degree in Materials Science & NanoEngineering, In Progress. Recipient of JSPS Research Fellowship.
- Kyushu University (1)
- Yoko Tomo (2016 Participant): PhD, Aerospace Engineering, Awarded. Current Position: Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
- Nagoya University (1)
- Aya Kawamura (2017 Participant): M.S., Chemistry, Commencing April 2020
- Tokyo University of Science (2)
- Yumiko Kimura (2017 Participant): Master's Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, In Progress
- Mikiko Iwago (2016 Participant): Master's Degree, Mechanical Engineering, Awarded March 2018
- Tottori University (1)
- Kana Yoshida (2017 Participant): Master's Degree, Mechanical Engineering (2019)
- University of Tokyo, The (1)
- Sawa Shimokawa (2017 Participant): Master's Degree, Civil Engineering, In Progress
Graduate Schools in the U.S. (2)
To date, two alumni have enrolled in graduate degree programs in the U.S.
- Rice University (2)
- Utana Umezaki (2018 Participant): M.S./Ph.D., Chemistry, Starting Fall 2019.
- Natsumi Komatsu (2017 Participant): M.S./Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rice University, Starting Fall 2017. Advisor: Prof. Junichiro Kono
To date, the following alumni are now employed in professional position in STEM-related fields.
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Mikiko Iwago (2016 Participant) – Current Position: Yachiyo Engineering Consultancy
- Yoko Tomo (2016 Participant) – Current Position: Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Kyushu University. >> View Faculty Profile
Other International Experiences
To date, 8 TOMODACHI STEM alumni from Japan have participated in other short-term study or research experiences in the U.S. or other countries worldwide
- Yukina Chiba (2019 Participant)
- In August – September, Yukina will travel to Germany as a participant in the 2019 Nakatani RIES Fellowship where she will conduct research at a German university research lab.
- Aya Kawamura (2017 Participant)
- After graduating from Nagoya University in 2019, Aya took a Gap Year to participate in the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation's "Vulcanus in Europe" program. This is a one year long program for students in STEM fields held in different EU countries. It consists of two parts: four months of language study following by an eight-month traineeship in a R&D department in a company. Aya was accepted by a German company located in Leverkusen, Germany that produces brake pads for various kinds of vehicles. After learning German in Berlin, she has been working in the Raw Materials Department of this company as a student researcher where she is conducting an investigation of how raw materials' physical characteristics may affect the physical behavior of brake pads used in private mobiles. After completing this program, she will return to Nagoya University to begin her Master's degree in spring 2020.
- Mayu Shibata (2018 Participant)
- In May – August 2019, Mayu will return to Rice University to conduct a second research internship in the Center for Theoretical Biological Physics.
- Miho Sakuma (2018 Participant)
- 2019 Tokyo Women's Medical University (TWMU) Exchange Program to Canada: In April 1-28, 2019, Miho will participate in a study abroad exchange program at McGill University Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Montreal, Canada. I will work at Department of Neurosurgery at that hospital. Miho will observe neurosurgical operations, such as epilepsy surgery, conduct medical interview, and to take physical signs. She also is planning visits to various research areas within the hospital.
- Yoko Tomo (2016 Participant)
- In September 2018, Yoko will begin a one-year graduate research internship in Scotland at the University of Edinburgh.
- Hiroko Nagafuchi (2018 Participant)
- 2018 Tobitate: Leap for Tomorrow! scholarship to return to Rice University from August – September 2018 to conduct research in the lab of Prof. Jeffrey Hartgerink.
- Sawa Shimokawa (2017 Participant)
- 2018-2019 Academic Year Exchange Program at the University of California, Berkeley: During this program I'm excited to research about geotechnics and learn more about civil engineering deeply with UCB students. Sawa received a 2018 Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship from the U.S.-Japan Council in support of this program.
- July 2018: Japan Society of Civil Engineers Study Abroad Program in Venice, Italy: I went to Venice to learn about flood disaster prevention for 2 weeks. The Italian government started MOSE project to protect Venezia from flooding. During this program, I discussed with the technical director of MOSE project, citizens in Venezia and experts at tidal forecasting center.
- Kana Yoshida (2016 Participant)
- 2017 Tobitate: Leap for Tomorrow! scholarship to return to Rice University and conduct a nine-month graduate research internship in the lab of Prof. Tayfun Tezduyar during the 2017 – 2018 academic year.
Major Fellowships, Scholarships
To date, 1 TOMODACHI STEM @ Rice University alumnus has received a Funai Overseas Scholarship 募集要項. To learn more, see their website in Japanese or their website in English.
- Natsumi Komatsu (2017 Participant): April 2017 Funai Overseas Scholarship for M.S./Ph.D. Program at Rice University
To date, two TOMODACHI STEM @ Rice University alumni have received a トビタテ!留学JAPAN! scholarship. For more information in English see, About Tobitate: Leap for Tomorrow!
- Hiroko Nagafuchi (2017 Participant): Two month research internship at Rice University in August – September 2018.
- Kana Yoshida (2016 Participant): Nine month graduate research internship at Rice University in 2017 – 2018 academic year.
To date, 1 TOMODACHI STEM alumnus has been awarded a Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship for Study Abroad from the U.S.-Japan Council for a semester or year-long study abroad program in either the United States.
- Sawa Shimokawa (2017 Participant): For a year-long study abroad program at the University of California, Berkeley during the 2018 – 2019 academic year.