Summer Program Alumni Spotlight

Q. What inspired you to apply in our program?

I was inspired to apply by the institute’s outstanding scientific reputation and by the research topics of the hosting lab strongly fitting my research interests. In addition, the high scientific quality and international profile of the lecture program made the opportunity particularly compelling.

Q. What memory from RIKEN stands out most to you?

The program offered an incredible number of technical and scientific stimuli, all within a truly welcoming and supportive environment. The interaction with participants from all over the world—sharing ideas, perspectives, and cultures—was especially invaluable, deeply enriching and motivating. It was a fantastic and inspiring experience that I still carry with me today.

Q. Did the program change the way you saw science or your future?

I was strongly influenced by my experience at RIKEN, which significantly contributed to shaping both my work and my career direction. Among many factors, I particularly appreciated the scientific and organizational rigor of the laboratory, combined with a strong work ethic within a kind, respectful, and highly collaborative environment, which made the experience especially enjoyable. This experience also contributed to shaping my approach to conducting research in a high-level international setting and how to make the most of cultural and linguistic diversity while effectively working productively across cultural and linguistic differences. The program was tremendously exciting and deeply motivating, as it made me feel part of a truly international endeavor to advance knowledge, reinforcing my commitment to pursuing a long-term career in international research.

Q. How did your experience at RIKEN contribute to your scientific development and career?

The experience at RIKEN in Prof. Mikoshiba's Lab (under the direct supervision of Dr. Chihiro Hisatsune) significantly contributed to my scientific development by providing me with deeper expertise in calcium signaling in the cerebellum. The knowledge and experimental perspective I gained during the program I attended as a Ph.D. student later proved instrumental in my postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago, where I focused on cerebellar calcium-gated potassium channels. This training helped lay important foundations for subsequent research activities and professional milestones in my career, leading to my first independent funding and publications.

Q. How did that experience connect to where you are today?

That experience played a key role in shaping my career path. It strongly reinforced my enthusiasm for research in collaborative and international environments and made clear the importance of teamwork, openness, and global perspectives in science. These principles have guided my professional development ever since and remain central to how I work and collaborate today.

Q. What did you take away from the experience the most?

Above all, I took away a strong appreciation for rigorous, collaborative, and international research, along with a deep admiration for the values I encountered in Japanese culture—respect, rigor, reliability, and a sense of beauty. The experience also reinforced the importance of cultural diversity as a driver of scientific excellence. The program allowed me to build meaningful professional connections and friendships that were important at that stage of my career and beyond. Many of these interactions influenced my perspective on international collaboration and contributed to a strong sense of belonging to a global scientific community.

Q. What is the primary focus of your current research?

My current research investigates the cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal plasticity and learning, as well as their pathological alterations, using the cerebellum as a model system. In particular, my work focuses on structural and functional synaptic plasticity and changes in intrinsic neuronal excitability, examining their contribution to information processing and their dysregulation in neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, including multiple sclerosis, cerebellar ataxias, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The overall goal is to advance our understanding of brain function in both physiological and pathological contexts.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your work?

What I enjoy most about my work is the opportunity to ask creative and meaningful questions about the fundamental nature of brain function and to contribute to the advancement of treatments for diseases, ultimately for the benefit of people. There is a unique satisfaction in exploring mechanisms that are still largely unknown and in observing phenomena for the first time. I also greatly value the daily interaction with curious, highly knowledgeable colleagues in an international research environment, where ideas and perspectives are constantly challenged and exchanged. Finally, it is a privilege to train and mentor the next generation of professionals and scientists, inspiring their curiosity, enthusiasm, and love of science, and supporting them as they develop their own independent paths.

Q. What would you say to students who are thinking about applying?

I strongly encourage students to apply. It was a stimulating and formative experience that I continue to recommend regularly, and I feel extremely fortunate to have had this opportunity. I have actively promoted the program over the years, and I was delighted to see Ph.D. students from my group and department apply and be selected in recent editions—clear evidence of the program’s lasting impact.

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