Tell us about the research that you are currently working on at BRI.

Research using genetically modified animals has become an indispensable tool for producing human diseases and elucidating their mechanisms. The main tasks of my research are to create genetically modified animals for the assigned research and to preserve them as bioresources. I also analyze the effects of reproductive manipulation technology of fertilized eggs in the early stages of development on subsequent ontogeny, and study the regeneration of defective organs using the Blastocyst Completion.

What attracted you to a scientist?

I had a sort of longing for a "white coat job," but I never thought about actually becoming a researcher. When I was a student, I was in a lab that studied cell dedifferentiation, and I learned the joy of doing research. There, I met then-professor, Dr Minesuke Yokoyama, who is from my hometown. Since then, I have learned and provided the skills and techniques where I am needed and continue to do so up until now.

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

It is difficult to balance both, but I try to set my working time and manage effectively as much as possible. I am grateful for the support from everyone in the lab. Also, the understanding and cooperation of my family are essential when I have duties on holidays and nights. The nursery facility is located on NU campus and it is very reassuring to me that there are teachers and parents whom I can rely on within the campus.

Any messages to aspiring scientists?

I hope that we can create an environment where people can choose to be a researcher not as a special profession, but as one of many professions.