あなたの研究テーマについて教えてください。What is your research theme?

Currently I am working on my research which is entitled "Studies on construction of an N-terminal 3D domain-swapped anti PD-L1 nanobody dimer". The main purpose of this research is to obtain N-terminal domain swapped anti PD-L1 nanobody dimer which is then being evaluated for its structural and functional properties. By using alphafold and protein MPNN prediction, I designed many variants of the original Anti PD-L1 Nanobody.
The selected candidate is then being screened for its expression. All candidates were found in insoluble form which only can be recovered by optimized refolding procedure.

The refolded proteins are then being purified through purification steps. The purified monomer and dimer of the candidate were evaluated for its structural and functional properties. Till date, I can obtain a prospective dimer candidate which showed affinity towards PD-L1. It is expected to improve functional activity of the original nanobody that could be utilized as an alternative anti PD-L1 for anti cancer drug development. Moreover, the findings of this research may provide a basis to create a new hetero nanobody dimer which could be used as a beneficial tool for protein engineering.

なぜ博士課程へ進学しましたか？Why did you decide to pursue a doctoral program?

Since I was young, I fell in love with art and science. I read books and often challenge my perspective and current knowledge with the things I just learned. I like creating things, especially art pieces and drawings. I love learning new things and committed to keep moving one step better from yesterday. Even if the path I've chosen is somewhat not ordinary to many people in my hometown or even society, my genuine curiosity keeps me moving forward. One day, my beloved grandfather passed away after fighting Leukaemia for years.

That was the first time I learned about cancer as a word. I was only nine years old, diving down reading about oncology, cancer therapies, growing empathy for people who are fighting cancer and their family. As I grow older, I start to make an act rooting from my deep empathy. I started to actively participate in volunteering activities with the community for people with cancer.

Also I excel my academics hoping that I could make myself useful finding a cure for these people. Thus I begin to align my purpose and goal in life with my life planning and milestones. I enrolled as a bachelor in Pharmacy and got a chance to actually do research for anti-cancer agents. I found it fulfilling to work on something that I believe will bring impact even though only a small one. I don't classify myself as competitive and ambitious but I keep my pace and perseverance for a long walk. When I get the opportunity to join my current laboratory as a Master's student, I feel like it is a great opportunity to get more insights and perspective which can enrich my long journey living my purpose of life. I try to align my values and things I've learned from a medical and pharmaceutical perspective into my current field. One thing that I am aware of is that due to my various interests in science in general, I found my brain tends to bridge the gap between fields. That is also what I did when I arranged my current research. When I finished my master's degree, I was not able to score a tangible output from my research, that is why I considered continuing for PhD. I think it was not a bad idea to stay longer and actualize those perseverance and resilience for learning some more. I wish that by the end of my PhD, I could make use of gained knowledge, skill, experiences, and insights to give back to society and those people in need.

Graniteの支援で役立っている・助かっていることを教えてください。Please share what has been helpful or beneficial through the support provided by Granite.

Joining Granite has provided me a chance to focus on my research without worrying much about expenses and it really is one of the significant benefits. It put me at ease and concentrates on conducting responsible and impactful research.

Moreover, with the Granite program, they assisted me to actualize skill improvement by only joining their agendas such as regular meetings and internal conferences, internship and lab-stay, and exclusive career consultation.

将来の目標、もしくはあなたが胸に秘めた野望があればぜひ教えてください。Please share your future goals or any ambitions you hold close to your heart.

I hope that everything I am doing right now and years ahead will have an impact not only for better me, but also for better life and society.

博士課程進学を考えている人へのメッセージをください。Please share a message for those considering pursuing a doctoral program.

To everyone that consider to pursue doctoral program, please note that this journey is not for just anyone. The path you will choose is not an easy path so it's good to have a strong determined purpose to keep you moving forward. That way, even if it's a head hard to go through, you can always find a way and find joys along the way. Who knows that at the end of the journey you will find more than what you've been looking for.