STUDENT INTRODUCTION

  1. HOME
  2. STUDENT INTRODUCTION
  3. Shodai Taguchi
Shodai Taguchi
Fields of study:
Molecular Cell Biology / Laboratory Automation
Mentors:
Dr. Kenji Irie / Dr. Haruka Ozaki

Eccentric Humanics

Since reading Schrödinger's "What is Life?" while in high school, I have been interested in the universality of life. I studied biological science at University of Tsukuba, but this did not satisfy me. The goal of my studies was to understand biological phenomena in an integrated manner by using simple organisms. Knowing that Humanics encourages research that integrates the life sciences with engineering, informatics, and other fields, I decided such interdisciplinary research was the best way to answer my fundamental interests, so I enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Humanics in 2021.

My research projects are (1) The mechanism of spatio-temporal specific mRNA metabolism during gametogenesis in yeast (Irie Lab) and (2) laboratory automation in molecular biology (Ozaki Lab). Although the two research projects seem to be completely independent (indeed, they are currently independent...). However, considering the systems biology research I want to do in the future, both are necessary and important experiences for me. Humanics students have to work twice as fast OR twice as long as regular graduate students, so I am busy, but I am enjoying and fulfilling my research life with the momentum of earning two degrees.

In addition to this, students in Humanics are expected to become global leaders, so they will spend five years not only in lab work but also as program members. With the support from the faculty members and SIGMA office, you will have many opportunities to challenge yourself both inside and outside of the program. Such experience would not be possible in normal other Ph.D. programs. The atmosphere of support for challenges creates a sense of unity among faculty members, SIGMA office, and students.

Though I see myself as an eccentric student who is outside the ideal image of Humanics, I somehow feel secure in that Humanics covers a broad range of research fields and allows students to pursue their own interests endlessly. That sense of security probably comes from institutional aspects, such as fulfilling student support and a double mentor and reverse mentor systems, as well as from the sense of unity of the entire program.

"If you keep knocking on doors, they will surely open someday,"
I recommend this program to anyone who has defined goals and is able to keep challenging yourself.

[Time table of an ordinary day]

10:00
Arrive at Molecular Cell Biology Lab (Irie Lab)/Start yeast incubation
11:00
Check e-mails/Survey newly published articles
12:00
Lunch: Go to convenience store
13:00
Molecular biological experiment
15:00
Go to Bioinformatics Lab (Ozaki Lab)/Tinker with robot
16:00
Discussion with mentors
18:00
Observe yeast with fluoroscent microscopy
20:00
Dinner: Go to Ramen shop
22:00
Summarize lab note book and check experiment schedule
23:00
Read articles or books with beer in hand
24:00
Go home

Observation of yeast RNA binding protein during gametogenesis with fluoroscent microscopy.

Ozaki Lab has 3D printer, robot, and many tools for prototyping of laboratory automation.

I presented at yeast conference at OIST.
Hx program supports the expenses through travel grants.