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 Identification of Natural HIV Type-1 Inhibitors Using a Computational Approach Based on Ayurvedic Formulations.
In this research, I apply computational methods—including sequence clustering, molecular docking, and bioinformatics—to systematically screen natural products derived from Ayurvedic medicinal formulations. My goal is to identify compounds that can inhibit high-priority HIV-1 proteins, such as protease, reverse transcriptase, envelope glycoproteins, and capsid. This work builds on my previous study, where I successfully published a paper identifying natural products that could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins.
The academic significance of my research lies in its interdisciplinary nature. It combines structural biology, computational drug discovery, and traditional medicine knowledge. This integration allows us to explore natural compounds in a systematic, large-scale, and cost-efficient way—something that is often challenging in experimental-only approaches.
The potential impact on society is twofold. First, it contributes to the discovery of new antiviral candidates that can address urgent health challenges such as drug resistance in HIV. Second, by highlighting natural compounds from traditional medicine, it provides a pathway to sustainable and accessible drug discovery, which could be especially valuable for developing countries. Ultimately, I hope my research will accelerate antiviral drug development and contribute to global health security.
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 further develop my ability to solve complex problems. Since my bachelor’s degree, I have noticed a clear change in the way I think. At the master’s level, I learned how to conduct independent research, but I realized that the doctoral program challenges me to go beyond solving technical questions—it pushes me to define new problems, design methodologies, and generate knowledge that can contribute to society.
In addition, pursuing a PhD gives me the chance to explore a wide range of opportunities, such as collaborating with researchers from different fields, building international networks, and engaging with real-world problems that require interdisciplinary solutions. I see the doctoral journey not only as academic training, but also as personal growth that will prepare me to contribute as both a researcher and a problem-solver in science and technology.
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.
What I find most valuable about the Granite program is that it supports doctoral students in multiple dimensions. Of course, the financial support is important because it allows me to focus more fully on my research without excessive concern about funding. But what has been truly beneficial is the program’s emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary exchange.
Through Granite, I have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from students and mentors across different fields of expertise. This has given me new insights and perspectives beyond my own research area, and I have received wonderful advice that helps me refine my ideas. I also feel that the program values us as innovative doctoral talents, which is very motivating.
In addition, Granite provides platforms to strengthen career development, networking, and exposure to industry and research institutions. These aspects give me confidence that I am not only growing as a researcher, but also preparing myself to contribute to science and society after my PhD.
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.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue bridging science and technology. With my background in software engineering, I have already developed web applications that support researchers in running computational studies like mine. I found it very meaningful to apply my skills not only for academic outcomes but also to create tools that others can use to solve global health challenges.
In the future, I hope to establish my own company that integrates advanced technologies with scientific research, particularly in areas such as computational biology, drug discovery, and health informatics. My ambition is to create solutions that accelerate medical research and make them accessible to a wider community. Through this, I want to contribute both as a researcher and as an innovator, helping to connect academia, industry, 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.
For those considering a doctoral program, my message is that it is a unique journey of growth—not only academically, but also personally. A PhD is not just about producing research results, it is about transforming the way you think, solve problems, and contribute to society.
My recommendation is to take time to reflect on your motivation. Don’t pursue a PhD only because it feels like the next step, but because you are curious, determined, and willing to face challenges. Talk with your professors, peers, and people in industry to understand what opportunities a doctoral program can open for you.
Also, while you are deciding, try small steps: join research projects, attend academic talks, or even try to publish something. These experiences give you a clearer picture of what doctoral life looks like and whether it fits your ambitions.
If you decide to pursue it, you will discover not only new knowledge, but also new strengths in yourself that you didn’t realize before.
