Alumni Profile: Hiroki Fukuda
“I have come to realize that I have many colleagues with which to work, as well as lots of goals toward which I can work outside of Kyoto University.”
Host University: Kyoto University
Home University: Kyoto University
Hometown: Osaka, Japan
Amgen Scholar Year: 2017
Major: Biosensing Engineering
Expected Graduation: 2018
Journey to Science
How did you become interested in science?
When I was a child, my father often took me to the great outdoors, such as the sea and the forest, to go fishing, bird-watching, and so on. It really got me interested in nature. When I finally entered high school, I was first exposed to the studies of physics and chemistry. I realized at that moment that if I studied the sciences more, I would be able to deepen my knowledge of nature. That was the catalyst for my interest in science.
Academic and Professional Ambitions
What’s your ultimate career goal?
I hope to continue my global education by studying abroad once I enter graduate studies. My ultimate career goal is to work on the IoT (Internet of Things) systems in agricultural fields to work toward a sustainable food supply.
My professor recommended the Program to me. I hoped to improve my research skills and make international friends. Kyoto University has one of the best environments for research in Japan.
There were three main aspects: the lab’s activity, the Japan symposium, and the wonderful friends I made.
In the lab, every time I faced a problem, members of the lab kindly discussed the issue with me and provided helped to solve it. I also enjoyed interacting with many international students in my lab. I have come to realize that I have many colleagues with which to work, as well as lots of goals toward which I can work outside of Kyoto University.
For the Japan symposium held in Tokyo, I enjoyed the many activities, including experiencing Japanese culture through sightseeing and dining on the Yakata ship. We also gave poster presentations at the symposium. It was the first time I had ever given a poster presentation and a public speech in English. I enjoyed the experience, and it has become a cherished memory. Some professors from the University of Tokyo gave me advice in regards to my presentation, and I now have more contacts to help me as I continue my research.
Lastly, I met many wonderful friends in this program. We often hung out together and went sightseeing. Sometimes we went to the Kamo River, which is a famous river in Kyoto, and talked about lifer and our future. We discussed ideas and exchanged cultures. I was able to broaden my horizons with the awesome friends I made. I really appreciated the international diversity of the Amgen Scholars Program in Japan. It allowed me to make amazing friends with whom I will maintain contact for the rest of my life.