My favorite phrase: Enjoy change and live gracefully.

Q: Why did you choose this phrase?

When I was in high school, I wanted to work for NASA in the future, studying space. When I entered university, I felt there was a microcosm in the structure of atoms, and became interested in the microscopic world (chemistry). I chose a laboratory in my fourth year to conduct research on liquid crystals, but as it turned out, became involved in a different kind of research (artificial pearl production). As I proceeded with my experiments, unexpected things happened, which led to the birth of new research. In this way, my research subject keeps changing. Life is the same. When you are placed in an unexpected environment, there are hardships, but once you overcome them, you can see a new view. I chose this phrase because I want to continue to enjoy change and encounter the unknown world.

Q: What is your research topic?

I am studying "self-organization," in which matter spontaneously forms an order. Self-organization is a phenomenon universally observed at various scales, from the arrangement of atoms and molecules to pattern formation in nature (clouds, deserts, patterns on the surface of living organisms, etc.), the formation of cities, and formation of galaxies. My research focuses on the self-assembly of molecules and micro-particles at the nanometer scale, with the aim of clarifying their mechanisms and developing them into materials that are useful to society.

Q: When do you realize that research is interesting or rewarding?

I got goosebumps when I looked into an electron microscope and saw a beautiful ordered structure unexpectedly appear in front of me. The process of turning such an accidental discovery into science (scientific investigation) is very exciting.

Q: In April, you became the first female professor at the Graduate School of Engineering. Of course, you are active in research, but I think people have high expectations for you as a role model for future generations. What is your message to young researchers and students?

If you love research, then why not follow your heart and become a researcher? Women, for biological or social reasons, may have a period when their research time is reduced because of life events, which may be frustrating. However, if you steadily carry out original research, even at a low level, you will have a chance to move up. Being in the minority makes it easier for people to remember you and gives you a chance to show off your research. There are always people who are watching you. Let us conduct research with unique characteristics.

Q: The declaration of the state of emergency in Aichi Prefecture because of the spread of the novel coronavirus must have had various impacts on your own life and work. How did you spend your time and how did you relieve stress?

I teleworked from home and spent time with my children (in 2nd and 3rd grade) who were not in school. It was difficult to prepare three meals a day, so half the time, I ordered local delicacies and enjoyed them. I communicated with the students in my laboratory via Slack and Zoom. I was also impressed by the fact that we emailed researchers from different countries about the status of COVID-19. I felt that sharing our difficulties brought us closer together, even though we were physically far from each other.

My stress relievers are listening to loud music and eating good food.

Q: Please tell us about an experience that you can only talk about now.

The triggers vary, but a few times in the past I thought about quitting my job as a researcher. However, I then had the good fortune to have a student report back to me with surprising data, or a research grant application I submitted as a challenge was accepted, which dissipated any feelings of depression. I guess the explosive power of happiness is so great that it compels me to continue my research.　

Q: What are your goals and ambitions for the future?

This April, I was transferred from the Department of Materials Chemistry to the Department of Energy Engineering in the Graduate School of Engineering. Until now, I have been applying self-assembling materials mainly in the life science field, such as cell culture substrates and artificial blood vessels, but in the future, I would like to develop new applications in the energy field as well. By taking advantage of the characteristics of self-assembling materials, which can flexibly change according to the environment, I hope to build a methodology to convert the weak energy around us into energy that can be easily used by humans.