北海道大学大学院 生命科学院では、キャリアパス教育の一環として、学部2、３年生を対象にしたイベント「DCは語る」（DC：Doctoral Course＝博士課程）を定期的に開催しています。博士課程の学生の研究生活や進学経験を聞くことで、進路の一つとして考えてもらうことが目的です。2022年10月27日は、生命科学院 生命融合科学コース 博士1年の松浦 暉（まつうら あきら）さんが２年生を対象に話をしました。
After graduating from School of Science, Department of Biological Sciences (Polymer Functionality), Mr. Matsuura entered the Life Science Life Interdisciplinary Science Course, belonged to the Cell Mechanism Laboratory (Uehara Laboratory), and was also active as a Hokkaido DX Doctoral Fellowship student. doing.
Studies via zebrafish
I am studying cell division using zebrafish. When I entered this lab, there were no zebrafish yet. So I went to a home center and started by buying an aquarium and fish.
In normal cell division, one cell produces two cells with exactly the same number of chromosomes. However, when abnormal division occurs, the number of chromosomes differs from that of the original cell. Chromosome number abnormalities in post-fertilization embryos are said to cause death and malformations in the infant stage.
A drug is applied to the zebrafish eggs and light is applied at a certain timing. Then, abnormal cell division occurs for a specific period of time. Since the mortality rate and degree of malformation change depending on the timing of light exposure, we are trying to investigate in more detail.
I want to pursue what living things are
I joined this laboratory because I was interested in research at the cellular level. I want to elucidate what happens in the body between the birth of abnormal cells and the onset of disease.
In the future, I aim to be a researcher. Originally, I was interested in the boundary between living and non-living things, and the difference between the living and the dead. I am also interested in synthetic biology, which attempts to artificially create living things. After completing the course, I would like to study the field of my original interest and combine it with the knowledge I have acquired so far to conduct original research.
Attractiveness of doctoral programs
Where all activities are for you. If you advance your research, you will acquire the ability to experiment and the ability to think. If you publish a thesis, it will be an achievement that will be remembered by future generations, and if you get a doctorate, you will be qualified to be recognized around the world. You can freely organize your daily schedule, so you can use your time optimally and there is no waste.
Let's go outside!
We encourage you to take part in activities outside of school as well. In my case, it was a very good experience to participate in the seaside practice and learn about experiments in other fields, and to interact with students from other universities through the activities of the Young Researcher's Association (a research meeting where students and young researchers gather). became.
Opportunities to learn are everywhere. Please be active and lead a fulfilling student life.