材料科学特別研修Ⅱ

工学研究科 知能デバイス材料学専攻 Tangさん

Introduction

From November 2024 to April 2025, I participated in the Materials Science Special Seminar II as part of my GP- MS program at Tohoku University through an exchange program at Yale University. I was affiliated with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and joined the Jan Schroers Group, which focuses on metallic glasses and amorphous materials.

Research Activities

During my training, I engaged in research on refractory bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). Under the mentorship of Prof. Jan Schroers, I received comprehensive instruction on key techniques in BMG research, including alloy design, sample fabrication, special characterization, and mechanical testing methodologies. This hands-on training deepened my understanding of amorphous and broadened my experimental capabilities.

Weekly group meetings were held where lab members presented their ongoing research and exchanged feedback. I also had the opportunity to present my own research on Fe–Mg composites prepared via liquid metal dealloying, particularly focusing on their mechanical performance. In addition to group meetings, the lab frequently hosted invited talks from visiting scholars in related fields, further expanding my academic perspective.

Every one to two weeks, I had individual meetings with Prof. Schroers to discuss my research progress and plan upcoming experiments. I found Prof. Schroers to be not only an exceptional scientist but also a remarkably kind and respectful mentor. He provided thoughtful guidance while encouraging independent thinking and self-motivation. My time in his group has been academically

enriching and personally inspiring, and I am truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work under his supervision.

Campus Life and Cultural Experience

Yale University is located in New Haven, Connecticut. During my stay, I lived in downtown New Haven, just one block from campus, and thus spent most of my time within Yale's vibrant academic environment. Founded in 1701, Yale is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States, and its campus features stunning Gothic architecture surrounded by beautifully landscaped courtyards. I often enjoyed walking through the campus, especially after work, as a way to relax and reflect.

Yale offers a rich array of cultural and academic activities. I attended free campus concerts, art exhibitions, and lectures hosted by both internal and visiting scholars. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences regularly organized academic seminars across disciplines, offering opportunities to broaden my intellectual horizons.

For daily meals, I often visited the Yale common dining halls and explored the diverse range of food trucks and restaurants near campus. The vibrant campus atmosphere and the charm of New Haven made my stay memorable and enjoyable. In addition to everyday campus life, I participated in several community events organized by Yale University. Notably, I attended the Yale Engineering End-of-the-Year Party, which was held in the museum.

Life in the United States and Travel Experiences

Compared to Japan, the overall cost of living in the United States— particularly housing and dining out—is relatively higher. However, the financial support provided by the GP-MS program sufficiently covered my living expenses during the training period.

Beyond academic work, I also had the opportunity to travel during weekends and holidays. New York City, just a two-hour train ride from New Haven, became a frequent day-trip destination. Additionally, I explored other parts of the U.S., from Buffalo City to Washington D.C., From San Francisco to Las Vegas. These experiences allowed me to immerse myself in American culture and history while building friendships and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Summary

This Materials Science Special Seminar I/II was a truly valuable experience. From an academic perspective, I acquired a deeper and more systematic understanding of bulk metallic glasses through hands-on research and discussions with Prof. Schroers and his group. I also experienced a new lab culture and research environment, which broadened my view of international scientific collaboration.

On a personal level, I made new friends, embraced cultural diversity, and explored life in the U.S. both inside and outside of Yale. The program not only enriched my research but also contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and will carry the lessons and experiences from this exchange into the next stages of my academic career.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Jan Schroers for his dedicated guidance and generous support throughout my stay at Yale University. I am also thankful to the members of the Schroers Group for their collaborative spirit and warm welcome. My appreciation also goes to the GP-MS, whose financial and administrative support made this valuable overseas experience possible. This exchange would not have been as fruitful and enjoyable without the support of these individuals and institutions.