Master of Social Work program at Columbia University
by Akari Takahashi I submit this report in sincere appreciation to Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou and Friends of UTokyo for your generous financial support throughout the duration of my two-year Master of Social Work program at Columbia University. The experience of studying and growing here at the university for these past two years has been a life-changing one – one which I will hold close in my professional and personal life for years to come. Throughout the last two years, I have been engaged in acquiring knowledge about the core skills, theories, and models that support effective interventions in social work practice. Out of the numerous interventions that I learned, DBT and MI influenced me most. DBT taught me how to balance acceptance and change in assisting clients in processing overwhelming emotions and acquiring effective coping mechanisms. I enjoyed its structured, skill-oriented methodology, particularly in the treatment of those going through complex emotional experiences. MI provided me with the skills of engaging clients where they were at – creating self-efficacy, cooperation, and intrinsic motivation in the face of ambivalence or resistance. Being at Columbia also enabled me to explore the field of liberation psychology and understand the limitations of these clinical practices when they are applied in practice. The use of DBT and MI in our society has a tendency to individualize mental health problems in a way that ignores the political and economic conditions that shape the lives of people. Liberation psychology made me consider more reflectively the manner in which oppression gives rise to so much of people’s emotional and physical suffering. It reminded me that recovery from mental illness is not merely an individual but a political and social process – and that therapy must be situated within the frame of the broader struggle for justice. My internship of two years was pivotal in putting theory into practice. My first-year internship involved me working as a school-based counselor at a middle school in Harlem. There, I conducted individual and group counseling with students who were struggling with a range of issues from academic pressure, interpersonal conflict, to emotion dysregulation. Through this, I sharpened my counseling competencies and heightened my knowledge in understanding how social factors influence youth development. During my second year, I interned as a case worker for a non-profit that serves low-income, Japanese-speaking New York City residents. This internship experience was meaningful to me because it enabled me to apply my language skills to bridge cultural and systemic gaps. My work involved helping clients with applying to health insurance and public benefits, as well as gaining access to mental health services. I learned to practice in city and state-level social service systems and to establish rapport with clients isolated by cultural and language barriers. This enabled me to hone my case management skills and reaffirm my desire to work with immigrant communities. I am pleased to report that I have recently passed the exam to become a Licensed Master Social Worker in New York. In the near future, I expect to keep adding supervised clinical hours towards the eventual attainment of Licensed Clinical Social Worker certification. I also plan to get formal training in DBT to enhance my therapy abilities. In the long run, I wish to return to Japan and be a therapist there. I am most interested in applying therapeutic modalities to fit a different culture and shaping interventions that fit both individual and broader social conditions. I would like to thank Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou and Friends of UTokyo once again for their generosity. I am determined to pay your kindness back by continuing to serve people with compassion, integrity, and commitment to social justice.
My six months stay at NYU, Center for Urban Science and Progress
Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering,PhD 3rd year, Sayaka Sugiyama １．About my stay in NY ２．What I experienced during the stay During my stay, I worked on three research projects. The first project focuses on political interventions in the implementation of irrigation projects in Sri Lanka and constitutes the second chapter of my PhD dissertation. I began data cleaning prior to my arrival at NYU and conducted the data analysis while there. I presented the preliminary results at the Midwest Political Science Association Annual Conference in Chicago in April, where I received valuable feedback from the discussants. I also had an in-depth discussion about this paper with Dr. Rogger from the World Bank’s Bureaucracy Lab, who has written a paper on a closely related topic. The second project examines the impact of natural disasters on eviction rates in the United States. This is a collaborative project with Professor Yabe and a lab member, Vaidehi. Utilizing data from Princeton University’s Eviction Lab and FEMA’s disaster declaration database, we analyze how disasters influence the frequency of eviction filings and how social capital, measured using data from Meta, can mitigate these effects. After obtaining preliminary results, we discussed our findings with Professor Ingrid Ellen from NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, an expert in U.S. housing policy. We are currently refining the theoretical framework and preparing to begin writing the paper. The third project explores the role of places of worship in the implementation of irrigation projects in Sri Lanka, which is the final chapter of my dissertation. In Sri Lanka, local communities often resist project implementation, particularly when there are conflicting interests between different groups. Poor communication among these communities frequently leads to delays and incomplete projects. This study investigates how the geographic distribution of places of worship, which function as community hubs, affects project outcomes. I previously discussed this topic with Professor Daniel Aldrich from Northeastern University and plan to continue collaborating with him. Networking I reached out to several academics and professionals across institutions. These included three professors at NYU’s Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP), one professor at NYU’s Marron Institute, one research fellow at the Governance Lab at MIT, one professor and one research fellow at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, one professor at Northeastern University, one professor at Tohoku University (a former World Bank officer), one student at the University of Michigan, and three current or former officers at the World Bank. I also attended seminars hosted by CUSP and engaged in meaningful conversations with faculty members whose research interests overlapped with mine. Initially, I believed that my research focus of governance in infrastructure development projects in the Global South was too niche, and I found it challenging to introduce myself and my work effectively. However, through these interactions and by immersing myself in CUSP’s urban-focused research environment, I realized that my research encompasses a number of intersecting themes that are relevant across various contexts. Over time, I became more adept at tailoring my self-introduction to the background and interests of the person I was speaking with, which significantly improved my ability to build connections. One notable outcome of this networking was a meeting with Dr. Rogger from the World Bank. After our discussion, he offered me an opportunity to collaborate on the analysis of a new governance-related dataset he had recently obtained. As a result, my CV is now circulating among World Bank staff, and I am hopeful that this may lead to an opportunity to return to Washington, D.C. next year. Engagement in lab activities In addition to attending weekly lab meetings and one-on-one sessions, I took the lead in organizing our lab’s happy hour events, which were held three times during my stay. We also organized a group excursion to the Morgan Library, providing a great opportunity for team bonding. ３．My thoughts on the experiences I am deeply grateful to Friends of UTokyo, Inc., my supervisor in NY Prof Yabe, my supervisor in Japan Professor Morikawa, and everyone who supported and contributed to this research trip. Their encouragement and assistance made this valuable opportunity possible, and I believe it has had a transformative impact on my professional career. During this stay, I had the chance to speak with several professors who are active in both academia and the practitioner world, which is an ideal career path I aspire to pursue. They consistently emphasized that it is indeed possible to bridge the gap between research and practice, as long as one continues to produce tangible outputs such as reports and academic papers. Given my interest in development, I have long hoped to become involved in real-world development projects to deepen my understanding through field experience. The insights and encouragement I received during these conversations motivated me to maintain both academic and practical pathway, rather than feeling pressured to choose one over the other. When I left Japan, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. but the experience turned out to be truly amazing and far exceeded my expectations. Through this journey, I learned the value of stepping outside of our comfort zones and embracing new opportunities. Again, I really appreciate all of those who supported me for this exceptional learning opportunity.
A Summer of Science and Discovery: My Research Experience at Goda Lab
by Chloe Canrong Qiu Under the generous support of the Friends of Tokyo, Inc., I had the opportunity to participate in the UCEAP Summer Science Research Program this summer. I was accepted into Professor Kesuke Goda’s lab in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tokyo, where I was assigned to Professor Walker Peterson’s team. While immersing myself in the vibrant life of Tokyo, I gained invaluable research experience at Goda Lab. The Peterson Team was focused on developing and enhancing a cutting-edge imaging system they had invented – flow zoometry of Drosophila. This foundational technology platform enables high-throughput, large-scale imaging of Drosophila larvae. Despite my initial unfamiliarity with a biochemical lab setting, I soon found my role within the team as a Data Science major. Under Professor Peterson’s guidance, I spearheaded a project aimed at building an automated body orientation analyzer for Drosophila larvae. This project sought to improve the accuracy of downstream tumorigenic classification, where cancerous and non-cancerous larva samples were scanned using the flow zoometry system, highlighting the system’s significance and profound implications. Breaking down the project into a series of manageable tasks, I first coded an Amira microscopy image visualization subprogram, which enables rapid production of 2D snapshots from 3D Drosophila larva image data. Using this subprogram, I processed over 3,100 Drosophila larva samples that our team had previously scanned, creating a dataset with body orientation annotations for the samples. Meanwhile, I identified and categorized some problematic scans as part of the data cleaning process. Based on the dataset I established, I experimented with various machine learning algorithms and developed a high-accuracy binary classifier using the random forest model, boosting downstream tumorigenic classification accuracy to 92%. Research at UTokyo It was a privilege to be exposed to and participate in real-world research projects at a globally renowned institution like the University of Tokyo. Leading my project within the Peterson Team allowed me to expand my knowledge and skills in data analysis and machine learning. During weekly meetings, I honed my communication skills by presenting in front of and learning from both scholars and students. I was particularly happy that my contributions extended beyond my project. For instance, my annotations of the Drosophila samples served as a standard reference for the team’s ongoing tumorigenic classification projects, and the subprogram I developed significantly reduced the image processing time for other team members working on their larva samples. Beyond the laboratory, I explored and enjoyed Tokyo with friends from the UCEAP Program. From museums in Ueno to malls in Ikebukuro, from classic Edo-style sushi with Professor Goda and lab mates to the adorable bear onsen hot pot, from a solitary afternoon walk in the stylish Nakameguro neighborhood to a day trip in Kamakura visiting the Buddha and the seashore with friends… Under the fierce sunlight and occasional unexpected rains, we left our joy and laughter in the city and brought lasting memories home. Life in Tokyo In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Friends of Tokyo, Inc., Professor Goda, and Professor Peterson for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this program. This experience has not only deepened my knowledge in data science and its application in cutting-edge research but also allowed me to forge meaningful friendships with fellow students and researchers. The insights and memories I have garnered during my time in Tokyo are undoubtedly precious, and I leave with a deep appreciation for both the academic and personal growth I have achieved.
My Experience at Columbia University’s SIPA
by Kurumi Onishi This Fall, I was able to take part in the Dual-Degree program with University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Building onto my passion for gender studies and women’s empowerment through a human security lens, I made the decision to pursue a concentration in Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy, while specializing in Gender and Public Policy. Academic Experience and Professional Growth One of the most valuable aspects of studying at SIPA has been learning from professors who are active practitioners in their fields. Their ability to bring real-life cases into the classroom has made abstract concepts tangible and applicable. In Professor Andrew Heinrich’s Human Rights Research and Reporting class, we had the unique opportunity to interview an opposition party leader from an African nation, gaining firsthand insight into how human rights reporting impacts those involved. This experience taught me the critical importance of handling such reporting with care to avoid unintended harm. The diversity of perspectives in SIPA’s discussion-based classes has profoundly impacted my worldview. Engaging with peers from around the globe has shown me how truly vast and varied our world is. In Professor Kristy Kelly’s Gender Mainstreaming class, I joined several other Japanese students in exploring how gender is experienced differently across cultures. It was particularly inspiring to see young Japanese women engaging with these ideas, giving me hope for positive change in Japan’s future. This course helped me understand how cultural context shapes gender experiences and stereotypes. Professor Betsy Apple’s International Human Rights Law course provided practical exposure to legal reasoning through weekly case simulations. Working in groups to analyze jurisdiction and legal frameworks, I learned from her experience as a human rights lawyer about the nuances of law when dealing with fundamental human rights. Similarly, in Professor Yasmine Ergas’s Gender, Globalization, and Human Rights course, I had the opportunity to examine Japan’s position on gender rights in a global context. This analysis has helped me identify potential areas for improvement and change that I hope to address in my future work. Community Engagement and Cultural Enrichment Beyond the classroom, I have found tremendous value in building relationships with other International Dual-Degree students and colleagues who share my concentration and specialization. These connections have been both personally enriching and professionally motivating. Knowing that I am part of a global community of individuals passionate about human rights and gender policy has strengthened my resolve to make meaningful contributions to these fields. Living in New York has also provided rich opportunities for cultural enrichment and exploration. From attending Broadway shows like “The Notebook” to visiting the Museum of Modern Art with fellow GraSPP students, I have immersed myself in the city’s vibrant arts scene. I have also enjoyed discovering different neighborhoods across the city, from visiting friends in Roosevelt Island to exploring the eclectic streets of Williamsburg. A particular highlight was visiting the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, which offered a peaceful retreat from the city’s energy. These varied experiences have complemented my academic growth with cultural perspectives that I believe will enhance my effectiveness as a policy maker. Acknowledgement I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A and Friends of UTokyo, Inc. for this irreplaceable opportunity to study abroad. I believe that this experience fulfilled me with the intellectual stimulation necessary in my endeavor as an aspiring policymaker. Thank you very much!
Design and Technology at Parsons School of Design
by Kaori Ogawa Hello, my name is Kaori Ogawa. I graduated from the University of Tokyo, Department of Economics, as valedictorian and received my Bachelor’s degree in 2022. Last year, I started to pursue my Master of Fine Arts, Design and Technology at Parsons School of Design in New York, thanks to the generous and warm support of Friends of UTokyo and Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship. In my essay for the FUTI Scholarship in 2025, I wrote, “I aspire to convey art’s unique value—its power to spark new perspectives and unite communities—through both quantitative and qualitative approaches,” and I am currently working toward this goal. My artwork has been selected for exhibition at Ars Electronica, a major festival at the intersection of art, technology, and science held in Linz, Austria. The exhibition is in September. Therefore, I would like to explore how to communicate the perspectives I intend to convey through my work to the audience. In this report, I would like to share what I have learned during my first year at Parsons. Please note that, from here on, I will use the term “design” rather than “art,” since in my field the boundary between the two has become blurred. After one year of study at Parsons, I became confident that studying design can be a powerful enabler for people with entrepreneurial mindsets. Design skills provide a useful toolkit to spark innovative ideas, quickly iterate and test whether those ideas are meaningful for specific end users (or even for society), shape the ideas into concrete forms, and communicate compelling stories to the intended audience. Of course, design itself has various meanings. Among the broad world of design, I would like to talk about (1) design to create and communicate new ideas, (2) interaction design, and (3) speculative design in this report. All of these differ from commercially driven design, which is what I used to associate with the term “design” before studying at Parsons. Please note that this report focuses on sharing what I have learned, meaning these are my subjective views and do not necessarily include citations to support my ideas. That being said, I’m passionate about gathering intellectual resources to explore the meaning of learning design further, and this is on my list of future goals. Design to communicate new ideas I believe design is a powerful tool for uncovering innovative cultural and scientific ideas and for presenting them in an engaging way, thereby accelerating discussions and sparking innovation on these topics. With that in mind, I began searching for promising yet underappreciated ideas that could play a key role in shaping a sustainable future. In this process, I learned: In my opinion, design that communicates new ideas is especially powerful for presenting a clear perspective on complex topics—where people’s levels of understanding and awareness differ—to spark meaningful discussion. Furthermore, I strongly believe that we need to rethink our lifestyles to reduce environmental impact, so I began an in-depth exploration of the subject. For example, biodegradable plastics decompose into CO₂ and water in a natural environment once discarded. This material is expected to address the ocean’s microplastic problem by fully breaking down before marine life can mistakenly ingest microplastics. To understand its production process and explore its potential as an alternative to conventional materials, I produced samples of biodegradable plastic at home, experimenting with varying ingredient ratios. However, I eventually realized that designers and researchers have been exploring this subject for as long as ten to twenty years, so I would not be uniquely positioned to offer a significant new contribution. Although I could have devoted many years to this material, two years would not have sufficed. I felt that my role was to demonstrate the tangible impact of design by completing real-world projects and soliciting user feedback. Therefore, I turned my attention to other environmental topics. I explored five different ideas, developing prototypes and conducting user tests for each one when other students were working on one or two ideas. None proved successful for various reasons, including high costs, technical challenges, and lack of novelty. I struggled to find a theme where I could offer unique value. That was when I realized that my background as a Japanese person could be a significant asset. After that, I decided to explore in depth the human–microorganism relationships exemplified by Japanese fermented food makers. For this project, I received the Student Research Fund from my school, and my work was selected for exhibition at Ars Electronica in Austria—one of the largest festivals at the intersection of design, technology, and science. Since I haven’t yet made my work public, please allow me to describe the project in the vague terms above. I will provide a full explanation—along with its connection to my original interest in a sustainable future—after the exhibition. I believed that this process—of taking an idea from conception to a concrete form—might resemble those in academia and in startups, even though I don’t have much experience in either. Interaction design One of the most valuable skills I acquired during my first year at Parsons was interaction design. Interaction design underpinned all of the classes I took that year. Essentially, it involves: For example, in one project, students were tasked with designing an interactive experience in a public space. The rule was to get strangers to do what our team intended without using any spoken or written language. We placed a set of objects in the space to encourage passersby to interact with them in the specific way we had envisioned. We observed people from a distance and were not allowed to interact with the participants ourselves. My team wanted passersby to paint on a canvas we placed in a park. When we initially placed the canvas and painting kit, no one interacted with the setup—people were either indifferent or curious but reluctant to touch what they saw as someone else’s property. To fix this, we drew footprints and arrows leading to the canvas to
UCバークレー留学
by Kanako Nagashima 東京大学法学部四年の永島加南子と申します。現在FUTI奨学金様、東大友の会（FUTI）様のご支援のもと、UCバークレーに留学しております。東京大学では法学を学んでおりますが、法学と国際政治の融合分野とも言われる国際通商専門の弁護士を志していることから、バークレーでは政治学、法学・政治学・経済学の融合分野を多角的に学んでおります。大学三年時に司法試験予備試験、大学四年時に司法試験に合格し、同年夏から一年間の留学に出発した次第です。国際通商分野では法律や国際政治の見識はもちろん、英語力やグローバルな教養も重要と考え、学部在学中に留学することを決意しました。
Why Do We Need to Achieve Just Transition?
“Just Transition” is defined as greening the economy in a fair and inclusive manner. The term is often associated with labor rights, particularly for workers in high-emission industries. More recently, it has also been used in contexts supporting climate-related transitions, especially in the Global South. These developments reflect the expanding scope of Just Transition, emphasizing the protection of human rights in both climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. At SIPA, Columbia University, I had the opportunity to take a wide range of courses exploring the intersection of climate change and human rights. New York City is also home to many environmental justice and Just Transition initiatives. Through academic study and exposure to these local efforts, I came to realize that Just Transition in the US is deeply intertwined with racial inequality. Communities located near power plants and emission facilities are often communities of color, who suffer disproportionately from pollution and related health risks. These conditions highlight that Just Transition is not only a technical or economic issue, but also a matter of social justice. In contrast, racial inequality is less visible in Japan, where other dimensions of inequality shape the Just Transition challenge. Through my research, I began to focus on two key elements that must be considered in the Japanese context. The connection between energy transition and geographical inequality became especially visible after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. One of the damaged nuclear power plants had been supplying electricity to the Tokyo metropolitan area, highlighting how rural communities often bear the burdens of energy production for urban centers. As Japan moves toward decarbonization and plans to shut down fossil fuel power plants, rural communities will face unique challenges. Many of these areas struggle with aging populations and economic decline, limiting their capacity to adapt to new technologies or renewable energy industries. Meanwhile, urban areas, where green jobs are more available and public transportation is widely used, are better prepared for low-carbon lifestyles. This creates a regional imbalance in transition readiness and in the distribution of costs and benefits. Women are known to be three times more likely than men to be injured or die during natural disasters—an increasingly pressing issue as climate-induced disasters grow in frequency. On the mitigation side, green jobs in sectors like renewable energy remain male-dominated. Women are also underrepresented in STEM education, which is crucial for access to emerging green industries. If we expand funding and subsidies in green sectors without addressing these disparities, the benefits of growth will remain concentrated among already-advantaged groups. In the US, men currently account for two-thirds of green jobs, and the sector is also dominated by white men, highlighting overlapping racial and gender inequalities. The IMF has emphasized that economies with a strong supply of STEM-educated workers and higher levels of gender equality are better positioned to transition to a green economy more quickly and at lower cost. A Just Transition is often framed as “ensuring no one is left behind in decarbonization.” But I believe that unless all people are truly included in this process, the decarbonization effort itself may ultimately fail. Exclusion creates resistance and undermines the legitimacy of climate policies. Therefore, Just Transition is not just a desirable principle, but it is a necessary process for building a sustainable and resilient low-carbon society. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Hsun Kwei & Aiko Takizawa Chou Scholarship, as well as Friends of U Tokyo, for your support in giving me the opportunity to study at SIPA. With your generous support, I was able to pursue my academic interests and deepen my commitment to equity and sustainability. To ensure that no one is left behind in the decarbonization process, I remain dedicated to advancing research and promoting Just Transition through corporate initiatives in Japan and more broadly across the Asia-Pacific region, where challenges such as aging populations, gender inequality, and dependence on fossil fuels continue to shape the transition landscape.
FUTI Scholarship Final Report
Natsuko MatsukawaAmerican University, School of International ServiceMA in International Development 【Introduction】As I successfully finished my first year as a graduate student in the International Development program at American University with a passion to contribute to global health, I’m truly grateful for the generous support of the Ito Foundation U.S.A.-FUTI Scholarship. Having achieved greater things in many aspects than I had imagined I was capable of, such as securing summer internship, and acquiring opportunity to attend a program in Tanzania and publishing my paper, I recognize the significant improvement I’ve made as well as practical knowledge and skills I earned as I pursue my career in International Development. I can confidently state that choosing this program was the best choice and I worked to the fullest of my abilities. 【Concentration/Classes】One of my goals during my graduate study was to identify which field specifically I pursue in International Development. Through classes and assignments, conversations with professors and classmates, conferences during the first semester, I set my mind to concentrate on Global Health. Particularly, my experiences with NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases = Chronic illnesses) fueled my passion for addressing health inequities and the growing burden of NCDs in developing countries using medical anthropology. NCDs are long-term health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, influenced by lifestyle, genetics, and environment. Given their rising prevalence in developing countries, tackling NCDs is crucial to achieving sustainable health solutions. In addition to the Global Health concentration in the program, I applied and was accepted to the Health and Culture Certificate program which requires taking classes from multiple departments/disciplines including International Service, anthropology, and epidemiology. During the first semester, I chose global health themes for paper assignments including Economic effect of NCDs on Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs) and colonial effect and global interventions to Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The second paper about HAT was chosen for publication and it will be published in a few weeks from the university. After deepening my understanding in International Development through courses (International Development, Power and Practice in Development, and Introduction to Economic Theory), during the spring semester, I took courses in global health (Design Thinking Public Health, Program Planning in Global Health, Neoliberal Globalization and Health). Those courses sharpened my specialty in Global Health and gave me not only different perspectives and approaches but also practical knowledge and skills in the field. During the spring semester, I applied for and was selected to participate in the Qualitative Health Evaluation Research program in Tanzania this summer conducted by my school. I felt so lucky to be in an environment where I can study with professors and classmates who share the same passion and interest and have many experiences in the field. This fieldwork would provide unparalleled opportunity to gain practical skills and hands-on experience in Global Health particularly related to HIV in clinics and communities. Additionally, I received a certificate of SPI-AP (Social Project Institute Agility Practitioner) through a practical skill course showing my program planning and implementation abilities with effectiveness in limited time through methodology. 【Classes/English】Having to use English in a graduate level including extensive readings/assignments and active participation with classmates many of whom have field experiences, I had no confidence at first in keeping up with classes and classmates and getting good grades. However, through consistent effort and a commitment to excellence, I was able to handle classes, assignments, and exams more smoothly than I had anticipated. Despite having to adapt quickly to the new academic environment, I have established an effective study routine and strategies for taking notes, preparing for classes, and managing assignments and I also refined my time management and organizational skills, focusing on starting tasks early and maintaining high-quality output. For areas where I initially lacked confidence, like presentations and class discussions, I set personal goals such as stating my opinion once per class at least and leading group work and discussions, actively pushing my comfort zone. Emphasis on group projects in classes let me apply theoretical knowledge to real world scenarios and enhances my leadership, teamwork, and intercultural communication skills. As a result, in several courses, some of my papers received the highest evaluations among classmates, with many achieving perfect or near-perfect scores. In terms of English, I focused on improving my speaking, listening, and academic writing skills. Initially, I found some lectures challenging to follow, but consistent effort in each class improved my comprehension over time. I developed a habit of quickly looking up unfamiliar words, participating more actively in discussions, presentations, and group work, overcoming the fear of making mistakes. For writing, I completed several research papers, refining my ability to structure ideas and present arguments clearly. Regular feedback from professors helped me identify and address weaknesses, making my writing more precise and impactful. 【Work/Career】I had an amazing opportunity to work for a professor as a teaching assistant/research assistant. My responsibilities included managing his classes, rebuilding his website, and conducting research on pineapple/banana plantation in Costa Rica, through which I learned new skills of web design and content creation and improved academic research skills. I was also able to contribute to panel discussion event planning and assisting. I was recognized for my problem-solving skills and delivering results that exceeded the expectations set by the professor. Additionally, I sought opportunities by myself and was allowed to start working as a research assistant for a different professor at the Immigration Lab at American University. For this role, I edited drafts of his book on Hispanic health disparities and social determinants of health, which further hone my research skills. In terms of Career development, studying in Washington, D.C., home to many leading International Development and Global Health organizations, enables me to actively connect with alumni, mentors, and experts through networking and international conferences. I applied and got accepted to a mentorship program between current students and alumni who have experiences in the same field. With the help of my amazing mentor, I was able to secure an internship
Columbia Business School
by Suzuho Masago Columbia Business Schoolに留学しております正子涼穂と申します。FUTIからの温かいご支援のおかげで無事に1年目を終了することができました。心より感謝申し上げます。以下にて、入学してからの9か月の歩みをご報告いたします。
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
by Masanari Ikeda 東京大学農学生命科学研究科獣医学専攻の池田優成です。FUTI奨学金のご支援のもと、University of WIsconsin School of Medicine and Public Health で３ヶ月と少しの間留学してきました。滞在中は、Medical Genetics部門のIkeda labで研究していました。Ikeda labは遺伝学的な手法をベースに眼疾患について主に研究しており、私は遺伝的に網膜が早期に老化するマウスを用いて脂質代謝が視細胞の生存に与える影響を研究をしました。