Chikahiro Imashiro: Enjoying Differences in Philosophy

2024/05/23

My main research is the development of technology to manipulate cells using acoustics. Therefore, I named my own laboratory, which started this year, the "Acoustic Cell Engineering Laboratory." However, without sticking to superficial themes, I am proceeding with my research while mixing various related technologies to study the relationship between acoustics and cells. Up until now, I have conducted research with the help of people from various fields such as metallic materials, polymer materials, fluids, and heat. I remember being surprised when someone approached me at a gathering recently and asked, "You're the one doing AI research, right?"

In addition to learning technologies in a wide range of fields, looking at my major research history alone, I have experienced multiple departments, each with different characteristics. Specifically, I obtained my degree from the Department of Mechanical Engineering (Keio University), and after a postdoc at the School of Medicine (Tokyo Women's Medical University), I am currently serving as a Lecturer in the Department of Precision Engineering (The University of Tokyo). Through these experiences, I have not only gained various knowledge but also consider myself fortunate to have experienced the differences in philosophy in each field. It might even be phrased as a difference in "justice." Perhaps it is because of my own immaturity, but when talking with people from different fields, our conversations sometimes diverge when reaching deep topics. I feel that the definitions of "good" research, "good" work, and "good" education do not necessarily align. When I was even more immature than I am now, I failed repeatedly because I couldn't understand these differences, but recently I have finally become able to "enjoy" these differences.

Having been given the opportunity to write this piece and reflecting on my alma mater, I feel deeply that the foundation for my ability to enjoy differences lies in my experiences at Keio University. My academic advisor and department who let me do anything during my student days, professors from other departments, experiences in the Leading Graduate School (GESL = Global Environmental System Leaders Program), the professor who accepted me despite the short period of six months (I had the chance to do a postdoc at Keio University for six months following early completion), the projects I participated in as a Project Lecturer (while holding a concurrent position at another university), and so on... I was allowed to do many unusual things and had the chance to be exposed to various ideas. There is a saying I like, "Repay the kindness from those above to those below," so I hope to provide my students with opportunities to enjoy differences as well.