海外体験談

派遣先 Norwegian University of Science and Technology(NTNU)
派遣期間 May.25-June.23

 I had studied abroad from May 25th to June 23th in 2008 under Prof. Bjørn Torger Stokke, Department of Physics, Biophysics and Medical technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. NTNU is the second largest university in Norway, with 20,000 students, and has its main focus on technology and the natural sciences. Prof. Stokke’s lab has studied about morphology of polysaccharides and interaction between biomolecules and polymers in nanomerter level.

 I learned two research topics from them. One was about the observation of cationic cycloamylose and plasmid DNA complex (polyplex) using atomic force microscopy. This technique has also learned in Akiyoshi’s lab, but I wanted to get more skill. Through this experiment, I leaned improved preparation of this polyplex. The other was the detection of swelling hydrogel containing hydrophobically modified polysaccharide (we call CHP nanogel) using optical fiber. Recently, Stokke’s lab has established the practice of using an interferometric method for high resolution determination of swelling of polymer gels. I learned the elements of this method. From using this method, we succeeded the detection of swelling of CHP gel by addition of cyclodextrin which interact with CHP gel. Since this was in an early stage of investigation, I’d like to continue this research.

 The NTNU life was exciting for me. I attended seminar held several laboratories and told many researchers. I was very happy to introduce my research and discuss about it. One of them had studied in Japan for several years, and we talked pleasingly about living in a foreign country each other. I also enjoyed Norwegian life with members of Prof. Stokke’s lab and their friends. For example, we went hiking and jazz concert on weekends. Especially, I made the biggest impression about discuss with friends about future plan.

 Studying abroad through “Jinzai-yosei program” was good experience for me and had a positive effect on my carriers. Especially, my attitude for my research has changed entirely since I visited abroad and laboratory of different field. I would make greater efforts in the future! I am grateful to Prof. Stokke, Prof. Akiyoshi, and all members of both laboratories for their kind help during this training. Finally, I express sincere thanks to Jinzai-yosei committee to give me a wonderful chance to study abroad.