Megumi Tsujimoto Seminar

2021.03.31 / Polar Ecology

The core of activities at SFC is the "seminar." Faculty and students think together while conducting cutting-edge research activities, and students acquire advanced expertise by tackling real-world problems.

In the Tsujimoto Seminar, we study terrestrial organisms in polar regions. Instead of large animals like polar bears and penguins that might come to mind, this seminar focuses on animals and plants that generally receive less attention, such as tardigrades, mosses, and inconspicuous flowering plants. Students also utilize data that I personally possess for their research. The Tsujimoto Seminar is looking for students who can join me in advocating for the importance of unraveling the ecosystems of small animals and plants that live resiliently in the harsh environments of polar regions.

What we value in the Tsujimoto Seminar is the "power of self-propulsion"—the ability to research and study independently. Therefore, we constantly encourage students to act proactively. A key feature is that we provide many opportunities for students to speak, helping them develop the ability to formulate their own opinions and communicate them to others. Furthermore, as it is a small seminar, I often provide research consultations myself, and I believe this creates a sense of closeness.

At the same time, what I expect from students through the seminar activities is for them to learn the international perspective necessary to thrive in society. This is because, having spent my undergraduate years in the United States and Australia, I felt there was a significant difference in communication styles between Japanese and international researchers. Believing that an international perspective is best acquired through practice, I have students from the Tsujimoto Seminar participate and present at international symposia related to polar research held every year. Even without going abroad, by participating in international conferences held in Japan, they can connect with researchers from overseas, and I want them to take these opportunities to acquire "international communication skills."

One student was researching *Colobanthus quitensis* (Antarctic pearlwort), a flowering plant native to the Antarctic continent. This student conducted their research using samples collected for my own study, which investigates "whether the reproductive strategies of plants change due to the effects of global warming." While it was actually difficult to detect the effects of warming from a single season's sample data, the student derived results by analyzing external factors such as differences in latitude and meteorological conditions of the growing environment. This research is memorable to me not only because it allowed me to notice new relationships, but also because the student's independent investigation led to a unique conclusion that I had not anticipated.

Underwater diving surveys in the seas of polar regions are frequently conducted overseas, but they are not often undertaken in Japan. Against this backdrop, we have launched a collaborative research project with young researchers to investigate the species diversity and distribution of small marine animals around Syowa Station, Japan's Antarctic research station. Since this research involves activities like diving surveys, it is difficult to bring SFC students along right away, but in the future, I would love to conduct research activities with SFC students in the Antarctic and Arctic.

As I was appointed in 2019, there are no alumni achievements to report yet.

It's a small seminar where students get along well with each other, and the distance to the professor is close.

While we mainly research the ecology of Antarctic tardigrades, there are also students studying the relationship between the reproduction of the plant *Colobanthus quitensis* and climate change. If you wish to research a topic you like, there is an atmosphere that allows you to do so freely. Even if you didn't take biology in high school, the professor provides guidance tailored to each student's level, so beginners are welcome.

The seminar primarily proceeds in a reading group format, where we read through literature on ecology designated by the professor over the course of the semester. We also have opportunities to invite researchers acquainted with the professor as guest speakers to hear about their research.

Regarding individual research, students present on their respective literature in a paper format. Depending on their research topic, some students work at the National Institute of Polar Research, introduced by the professor, or at other locations outside of SFC.

Through my research, I was glad to gain a perspective on the impact of climate change on living organisms and on environmental changes.

Also, since Professor Tsujimoto goes into the field to conduct actual surveys, being able to hear directly about the latest research and voices from the field is another moment I'm glad I joined.

The professor is always supportive and engages with each student individually. Writing my graduation thesis was particularly challenging, but she provided guidance and revised it for me many times, even late at night. Also, when I ask for a consultation, she responds via Zoom, and before COVID, she would have lunch with us at Gulliver Pond (Kamoike). When I'm in trouble, she takes the time to offer advice, which is very encouraging.

Tsujimoto, Megumi, Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Researcher Information Database (KRIS)

In this seminar, we study small creatures like mosses and tardigrades that live in the Antarctic and Arctic. By observing and monitoring the way of life (ecology) of these small creatures, we learn about the ecosystems and climate change in the Antarctic and Arctic, and consider the impact of climate change on local ecosystems and the lives of indigenous peoples. We should be able to learn about a new future from the diverse ways of life of the various creatures on Earth that continue to live in balance, intricately intertwined within the ecosystem. Why not learn, think, and discuss together at SFC the future of the Earth as seen through the lives of creatures inhabiting the extreme environments of the Antarctic and Arctic? (Professor Megumi Tsujimoto)

I feel that one of the appeals of SFC is the "freedom to learn."

For example, suppose you enroll thinking you want to study "A." Later, you decide you also want to do "B." At many universities, it would be difficult to significantly change your field of research due to curriculum constraints and other factors. However, at SFC, you can join seminars in various fields, regardless of whether they are in the arts or sciences, according to your interests at the time. This allows you to proactively pursue and deepen your studies as you see fit. Isn't this breadth of choice a unique strength that other universities don't have?

(Makito Yagyu, 4th year, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies; Kyuto Yoshimura, 2nd year, Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)

Interview and Production Cooperation: Kuwabara Takeo Seminar MC Team