Chikahiro Imashiro: Enjoying the Differences in Philosophy

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 by mixing various technologies related to the study of the relationship between acoustics and cells. Up until now, I have conducted my research with the help of people from various fields such as metallic materials, polymer materials, fluids, and heat. I remember being surprised when I visited a certain gathering recently and someone asked me, "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 a 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 of course been able to gain various types of knowledge, but I consider myself fortunate to have been able to experience the differences in the philosophies of each field. It might even be rephrased as differences in what constitutes "justice." Perhaps it is because of my own immaturity, but when talking with people from different fields, our conversations occasionally diverge when we reach a deep level. I feel that the definitions of "good" research, "good" work, and "good" education do not necessarily coincide. When I was even more immature than I am now, I failed constantly because I could not 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, the professors from other departments, my experience 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 due to early completion), the projects I participated in as a Project Lecturer (while concurrently holding a position at another university)... I was allowed to do many other unusual things and had the chance to encounter various ways of thinking. One of my favorite sayings is "Return the favors from those above to those below," so I hope to provide my students with opportunities to enjoy differences as well.