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?

My research theme is "Giving Ears to the Silent World: Adaptive Generative AI for the Hearing Impaired". My research focuses on helping people with hearing loss better understand speech, especially in noisy environments. While hearing aids and speech-enhancement tools are widely used, they often fail to make speech clear enough, which can lead to social isolation. To address this, I am developing a real-time, adaptive AI system that uses generative technology to make speech more understandable and personalized. This system learns from each user’s hearing needs and surrounding noise, adjusting speech in real time to improve clarity. Academically, this work brings together speech processing and AI to advance assistive technology. Socially, it aims to improve communication for millions of people with hearing impairments.

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

I decided to pursue a doctoral program because I want to explore how technology can better support individuals with hearing loss. During my master’s studies, I researched hearing aids and became interested in improving their accessibility, personalization, and integration into users’ daily lives. I realized that these challenges are complex and require deeper, interdisciplinary research that goes beyond the scope of a master’s program. After engaging with some researchers and academic literature, I became convinced that a PhD would allow me to contribute meaningful, research-based solutions that bridge technological innovation and real-world impact.

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.

The NAIST Granite program has been especially helpful in supporting both my financial needs and research activities. Living alone in Japan with limited support from my family, the financial assistance has allowed me to focus on my studies without the constant pressure of covering daily expenses. Additionally, the program has supported essential research needs, such as attending academic events and conferences and accessing resources that would otherwise be difficult to afford. Beyond that, being part of the NAIST Granite community has allowed me to connect with fellow Granite awardees—researchers from diverse fields—which may lead to valuable academic exchange and future collaboration.

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.

My goal is to become a researcher who helps improve others' quality of lives through technology. I am interested in areas like speech processing and assistive devices, where my work can make communication easier and more accessible. I also want to be involved in the research community by collaborating with others and sharing what I learn.

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.

For those considering a doctoral program, it is important to take time to reflect on their goals and motivations. They should talk to seniors, current PhD students, or professors, explore ongoing research in their field of interest, and carefully consider whether the path aligns with their long-term plans.