Japanese 
Contact Tsubasa SUI
- Visiting period
- August to November 2019
- Visiting university
- University of Cambridge
- Visiting country and region
- Cambridge, UK
Content of the study program
As part of the SGU program, I studied abroad for 97 days at Cambridge University in the UK. I was accepted by the nanomanufacturing group led by Dr. Michael De-Volder at the Institute for Manufacturing, Cambridge University. With the help from the members in the group, I completed my research.
Study results
I created a sensor that can detect sweat components as biological information. I added functionality by depositing a functional film to vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests and applying chemical processing. The nanomanufacturing group led by Dr. Michael De-Volder has a technique for highly efficient electrochemical performance by creating a unique formation of carbon nanotubes in a process of vertical alignment. I used this technique to create a sensor. Because I had no knowledge of electrochemistry, I initially had a difficult time. However, it was a great learning experience. I faithfully attended all weekly group meetings, and twice I presented a summary of my research in Japan and a summary of three-month research in Cambridge; these presentation experiences helped me to mature tremendously. In addition to weekly meetings, there were other meetings to discuss the research direction at least once a week. These meetings also helped improve my English skills.
My experience abroad
The lab I belonged to only had doctoral candidates and postdoc researchers. Everyone took care of me as I was only in the first year of my master’s program. We had lunch together, and I was invited to a formal dinner organized by the college. I had an amazing experience. In Cambridge, almost everyone left after 5 p.m., and I was very impressed with the efficient lifestyle of local researchers as they value their free time to enjoy life and sustain motivation for the next day. Everyone, including professors, was involved in some kind of physical activity. I think that this may also be effective for sustaining motivation. I heard that British people were cold, and I was honestly worried about being treated unkindly. However, this was completely unfounded. Across different labs, everyone was kind and I enjoyed a comfortable environment.
Influence on my future career
Through my 97-day stay, I realized that I strongly desire to pursue my Ph.D. overseas (particularly at Cambridge). Japan is a wonderful place to live, but for my personal development and progress, I feel it is more beneficial to stay overseas for a long-term at least once. Therefore, I am planning how to enroll in the Ph.D. program at Cambridge. This also stems from the fact that Dr. Michael De-Volder told me to come back for my Ph.D., and perhaps there are only few chances in life to spend several years with highly qualified researchers. I also felt the need to study English more. Even though I can make a simple argument, when it comes to deeper discussions, I was frustrated by not being able to say anything many times over the course of this study period.
Other comments
I appreciate all the support I received for my stay. Because of the financial support, I didn’t have to worry about my finances and was able to concentrate on my research. I hope that more Japanese students take advantage of this system to step into the world. In the climate of advancing globalization in contemporary society, it is important to pay attention to overseas. Once again, I appreciate all the support I received.