Katsunobu Shigematsu This page introduces students' life and their messages in the Ph.D. Program in Humanics, University of Tsukuba.

Coincidence and intuition led me to Humanics

I originally majored in department of engineering at another university, but I quit it to pursue basic medical research and entered University of Tsukuba to major in medical sciences. And then, I happened to know about Humanics through small talk of a professor in a lecture class. Since I thought that no other program would be such a good match for me, I decided to enter Humanics.

I chose immunology from the biomedical science field and glycomics from physical sciences/engineering/informatics field. Since I got interested in immunology through the lectures, I tried to choose mentors from physical sciences/engineering/informatics field focusing on how I should study immunology with another field. When I was looking at the list of mentors in physical sciences/engineering/informatics field, I happened to notice Dr. Tateno's introduction page at the end of the list. Finally, I decided on sub-mentor based on my intuition that “This is it!”. Since I later learned that glycan and immunity are closely related each other, and I believe my choice was the correct one.

Currently, I am studying the use of glycan to suppress immune cell activity and apply for treatment for atopic dermatitis. I mainly perform my experiments in the Shibuya's lab while receiving guidance from Dr. Tateno on glycomics techniques. It is very innovated that I can receive have different ideas and perspectives by the meeting of each laboratory. Moreover, since I can receive financial support from Humanics, I do not need to worry about tuition fee.

The student who happened to get interested in Humanics and happened to read my self-introduction page, yes, it is you! Why don't you put your coincidence and the intuition that "This fusional research might work!" into action?