Natsuko Matsukawa
As I completed my first semester of the second year as a graduate student, I am deeply grateful for the support to continue pursuing my studies in International Development and Global Health.
One of the classes I took this semester was Economic Development. Taught by an economist at the World Bank, I was able to learn applied Economics in the context of international development in the practical way coupled with multiple guest lectures by the professor’s colleagues at the World Bank. Project Design, Monitoring and Evaluation class gave me the opportunity to learn techniques and frameworks used from the beginning to the end of a project. As I started being more interested in Monitoring and Evaluation though my summer internship, gaining those skill sets through using them while working on a hypothetical project was an invaluable experience. Every class I take here makes me realize again that my decision to study at this school for its ability to teach not knowledge but also practical skills was right.
Additionally, I published an Op-Ed “American’s Global Health Retreat is a Gift to Its Rivals” that I co-authored with my professor and classmates through The Globe Post. Our arguments draw on findings from a practicum course at the school during which we collected original data through qualitative research on the impact of U.S. funding withdrawal on the organizations in Tanzania working on HIV/AIDS. We argue that foreign aid is a vital national security tool, and that the U.S. must not step back from its leadership in global health. Instead, we call for America to act as a catalyst: spurring public-private partnerships, unlocking innovation, and strengthening global safety in the long run.
Thespina Yamanis, Elizabeth Lane, Natsuko Matsukawa, and Israel Olu. (2025). America’s Global health Retreat Is a Gift to Its Rivals. (Op-Ed). The Globe Post.
Outside of academic work, I joined a research team at InclusiVibe Foundation as a volunteer. The organization is working towards advocacy and research on NCDs (Non-communicable diseases = Chronic illnesses) and disability particularly on complex neurological conditions including EDS which is one of the conditions I have, as well as support for disabled musicians. I got to contribute to its initiatives through research preparation on the economic impact of delayed diagnosis and designing and conducting a community needs survey for program design. As a chronic illness patient and violinist who is also passionate about public/global health, working closely with the founder applying knowledge and experience I gained through graduate school is such a rewarding experience.
Regarding the violin, I had the privilege to be selected to play solo for a big funding event representing the music school I’m attending. For this upcoming spring semester, I was given great opportunities such as masterclass, competition, solo with orchestra.
As I finished my fall semester and am about to start the last semester for my masters, I’d like to state my sincere appreciation to FUTI and the scholarship. Your continues support makes it possible and genuinely motivate me to keep learning what I’m passionate about and improving myself.