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 focuses on mRNA translation in plants. Translation is a key step in gene expression, and its efficiency can vary widely between different mRNAs and across species. I’m particularly interested in understanding how specific sequences within mRNAs influence translation efficiency. To do this, I use techniques like polysome profiling and long-read RNA sequencing. This work can contribute to optimizing protein production in bioindustrial plants by identifying the factors that enhance or limit translation in different species.

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

In one word—curiosity. Since my undergraduate days, I’ve been fascinated by how gene expression is regulated. I realized that to deeply understand and work with advanced techniques like polysome profiling and computational analysis, I needed to gain more expertise. Pursuing a PhD allows me to build the necessary skills and knowledge to grow in this field.

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.

Granite’s support has been essential, not only in providing financial stability but also in enabling my research. My work involves handling large datasets and computational analyses, and thanks to this support, I’ve been able to access high-spec computers and other resources crucial for data processing and analysis.

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.

After completing my PhD, I aim to become a computational RNA biologist. I plan to integrate high-throughput RNA sequencing with machine learning to explore various aspects of RNA biology—such as RNA degradation, alternative splicing, and post-transcriptional regulation. By developing and optimizing computational pipelines, I hope to contribute to both academic research and practical applications in agriculture and biotechnology, especially in enhancing crop resilience and gene expression strategies.

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.

Take time to find your passion and understand what truly drives you. A PhD isn’t just about research—it's about discovering your unique value and building your identity through challenges and growth. One quote that has stayed with me says, “If you know who you truly are, you can answer that without mentioning your name, profession, or background—because those are things everyone has.” A PhD can be one meaningful path toward that self-discovery.