Japanese 
Contact Ping HUANG
- Visiting period
- October 2018 to January 2019
- Visiting university
- The University of Sheffield
- Visiting country and region
- Sheffield, United Kingdom
Content of the study program
I undertook research as an exchange student for three months in the laboratory of Dr. Dana in the Department of Automatic Control and System Engineering at The University of Sheffield. During my period of study abroad, I was involved in the “Origami Robot” project, in which a robot is operated by controlling the magnetic field that arises from sending electric current through a coil. In my research group, I was mainly responsible for the fabrication process, and I aimed to introduce magnetic particles into agaroses and elastomers, which have biocompatibility, so that the robot, which had been controlled by attaching conventional Neo magnets, could use magnetic materials that are biocompatible, thereby lessening the damage to the human body.
Study results
At my recent study abroad destination, I was actually able to come into contact with methods for operating magnetic bodies by controlling external magnetic fields, and obtained not only knowledge relating to magnetic bodies and magnetic field control, but also know-how pertaining to introducing magnetic particles into materials themselves. Going forward, in my own research, I plan to approach Master’s research with a view toward methods for trapping metallic particles with magnetism, as well as methods of trapping with electric fields. In terms of my language ability, now that my 3-month life in the U.K. has ended, I feel that I have managed to improve considerably my everyday conversation, of course, and also my academic English.
My experience abroad
This was an opportunity for me to gain awareness of the differences in thinking and experiences of different cultures, by pursuing life within my homestay family, and interaction with members of my laboratory from differing backgrounds. What impressed me the most was the attitude toward debating with other people, even regarding everyday matters, unrelated to work. Debating like this was not to prove that one is correct, but to get across one’s views to the other person, and so learn each other’s thinking, thereby building a relationship of trust. From this, I felt that in the work culture of the U.K., it is important to proactively state your views and build relationships of trust with other people, to carry out work.
Influence on my future career
Through my recent study abroad in the U.K. and my study up to now in Japan, I have recognized the differences in thinking between these three countries, in relation to working methods and things in general. Each country has its own characteristics, and I have previously felt that I want to become a person who takes advantages of the strengths of the working methods in each country, and its characteristics, in the course of following my career path, so that I can be active on the global stage. That feeling has become stronger.
