[No. 206] Mamiko Inamori

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this invaluable opportunity to write for the Keio University alumni Relay Column.

I spent twelve years at Keio University, from my undergraduate admission through my time as an assistant professor. As a graduate of the Faculty of Science and Technology, I would like to share my experiences as a student, as an assistant professor at Keio University, and up to my current work.

My decision to apply to a school of engineering for university was influenced by my father, who is an architect. I had initially wanted to pursue a career in architecture, but after enrolling in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Keio University, when it came time to choose my department in my second year, my father told me, "The technology of electronics and electrical engineering is essential for everything. You won't have trouble finding a job, and it will be very useful." So, I chose the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering.

At that time, there were only five female students entering the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, but I was fortunate to be blessed with like-minded friends and enjoyed commuting to the Yagami Campus every day. Submitting the weekly lab reports was challenging, but my friends and I got through it by studying late and helping each other in the library. Even now, I still get together with those friends and our families.

When choosing a laboratory in my fourth year, I was interested in communications, so I joined the lab of Professor Yukitoshi Sanada, who specializes in signal processing for wireless communications. I remember feeling very happy after being assigned to the lab, as I was given my own desk and a place to belong. During my university years, I was also aiming to obtain a teaching license, so I returned to my alma mater in Kagoshima for a month to do my student teaching. It was also in my fourth year that I gave my first presentation at an academic conference. That year marked the beginning of my life as a researcher, where I discovered what I wanted to continue and devote myself to, and I spent every day feeling fulfilled. I believe it also served as an opportunity to think about my future path.

In graduate school, I was fortunate to have opportunities to conduct joint research with companies and participate in international conferences. The Sanada Lab always had international students, allowing me to spend my research life in an international atmosphere. On the other hand, at my first international conference, I was so nervous that I couldn't answer any questions in English and felt dejected. However, after experiencing a few presentations, I got used to it. I remember being very happy at a later international conference when, after my presentation, researchers from overseas asked me various questions, showing interest in my research topic. I felt as if I had been recognized as a researcher. I also submitted academic papers starting in my master's program, but they were rejected many times. Writing the response letters was difficult, but Professor Sanada guided me carefully, and my paper was successfully accepted. I feel that each of these experiences helped build my confidence. And so, wanting to continue my research further, I advanced to the Doctoral Programs.

While pursuing my own research during the Doctoral Programs, I also participated as a research fellow in a program called the "Global COE Program," a support project by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). This program involved students from the Doctoral Programs of multiple departments and provided opportunities such as weekly lectures and international exchange workshops. Looking back, I think the opportunity for faculty and students from different fields to gather regularly was truly precious. Even now, I sometimes run into senior, junior, and contemporary colleagues from that time in unexpected places. I always believe that these horizontal connections are a strength of Keio University.

After obtaining my Ph.D., through a connection between the university and Sony at the time, I worked as a visiting researcher at Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc. On my first day, Mario Tokoro, the Director and a former professor at Keio University, told me, "Do something outside of your specialty," which came as a great shock. Just as I was wondering what to do, I was invited to join an energy project, which allowed me to gain new experience through research content different from what I had done before. The Research Centers and Institutes was a very unique and interesting place, but I still had a strong desire to become a university faculty member, so for the next three years, I worked as a fixed-term assistant professor in the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Although I was inexperienced as a faculty member, I learned a great deal from many professors, from student guidance to the duties of a university instructor.

Currently, I am conducting research on electric power and communications at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, Tokai University, located in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa. Nearly 20 students, including international students from the fourth year of undergraduate studies and above, are enrolled in my laboratory. Just as my own perspective broadened by meeting international students from various countries in Professor Sanada's lab, I want to create a similar environment for my students. And while I have been involved in education as a science and engineering faculty member at universities, the current situation is that Japan has a low percentage of women in STEM fields compared to the rest of the world, with the number of female students in the electrical and electronic fields being particularly small. To create horizontal connections, we hold gatherings for female students in our department, and within the academic societies I belong to, I am involved in activities to support "Rikejo" (women in science and engineering) by creating opportunities for female engineers to give lectures on their careers and research. Recently, many of these events have been held online, and I am energized by the large number of participants, both male and female.

Yukichi Fukuzawa also preached early on about the importance of giving both men and women equal opportunities to study. This foundation is deeply rooted at Keio University, and during my time as a student, many professors warmly supported my career path. I am truly grateful that I was able to pursue the path I love and choose my career without any hesitation.

The wonderful thing about being Keio University alumni is that wherever you go, there is a network, and you can quickly become friends. At both the Research Centers and Institutes where I worked and in my current position, I have been supported by senior colleagues who are also from Keio University. From now on, I hope that I can be of help to someone else. I sincerely support you in realizing your dreams.