Material Science Special Seminar I

Graduate School of Engineering Studies, Ms. Okazaki

As a preview visit for my future study abroad, I visited two research labs in Illinois, USA, that study solid-state ionics and defect chemistry. I visited Prof. Nicola Perry's group at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on July 20–21, and Prof. Sossina Haile's group at Northwestern University on July 23–24. At both labs, I saw their custom-built equipment and shared facilities, and talked with students about their research, dorm life, and living costs.

Both labs welcomed me with amazing hospitality. It was a truly wonderful experience. They planned detailed tours so I could see every part of their research and equipment, and they seemed very happy that I will be staying there as a visiting student next year.

During the tours, I noticed both labs use a lot of custom-built equipment and clever methods to run experiments efficiently. I especially learned about techniques for observing oxygen surface exchange reactions in thin films, and methods for impedance measurements on thin films. I also saw many shared facilities used across different research fields, which showed me that these universities value collaboration, both within and outside the university, even more than in Japan. I spent a long time in a shared office with students from many different fields, and it felt like I had become part of the lab. This experience showed me the value of an environment where people can discuss ideas across different fields. I also had a great time introducing my research to various students and discussing our work together for a long time. In addition, I had lunch with each professor and talked not only about my study abroad plans during my PhD, but also about my future career vision.

Besides the labs, I also enjoyed walking around both campuses. Both universities have beautiful campuses full of nature and wildlife. Students told me that July, summer season, is the most beautiful time of year, and that a harsh winter is coming soon. I also walked around nearby supermarkets, houses, and dormitories, which helped me imagine what daily life there would actually be like.

Through this trip, I learned about the atmosphere of American labs and their creative experimental methods, while also noticing the strengths and areas for improvement in my own lab. This experience made me even more determined to work in an American lab, both during the next year and after my PhD, and to focus on research related to thin films and devices.

Finally, I want to sincerely thank the professors and students who welcomed me with such wonderful hospitality despite their busy schedules. I also want to express my deep gratitude to everyone at GP-MS and to Prof. Takamura for giving me this precious opportunity.