Hokkaido University Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Department of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Organoelement Chemistry Lab
Doctorate Course, First Year

Jin Mingu

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Specialized Research
Research on solid luminescent materials that demonstrate differing luminosity in response to mechanical stimuli. These materials will likely be applied to force-detecting sensors and high-functionality sensors. However, much room for improvement exists in the explanation of and control over these mechanisms. I am doing research to resolve these issues.

●My Path for Taking the Course
Went to Hokkaido University Aiming to Obtain a Doctorate.
My Eyes Were Opened to Organic Chemistry in Undergraduate Classes.

When I was a high school student, I completed the Advance Party of National Representatives Educational Program in order to participate in the International Physics Olympiad. I aimed to become a university researcher; hence, my desire to accumulate research experience at an overseas university was growing stronger by the day at that time. I took the entrance examination at Hokkaido University, which accepts government-sponsored international students. Hokkaido University’s support for students in various ways in advancing to graduate school also became a deciding factor.
After I started taking undergraduate classes, I gradually warmed up to the fun of organic chemistry. I was placed in the polymer functional chemistry laboratory (now called the polymer chemistry laboratory) in my fourth undergraduate year. Just before I finished undergraduate school, my advisor told me about the Leading Program , which provides generous financial support. I began taking the course from the first year of the Master’s Degree Program.

During my study abroad in America, I enjoyed popular musicals in my off time.

●Deeply Impressive Curriculum 1 
Study Abroad Realizes Direct Dialog With the World’s Top-Class Researchers

Since my undergraduate student days, it has been my dream to do research in America; hence, my primary motivation for attending the Leading Program was the Overseas Internship. Thus, I made use of this program’s Overseas Travel Support, and in 2015, I attended an international academic conference in India by myself. I was stimulated by the research of Professor Miguel Garcia-Garibay, a world-famous chemist from UCLA, and when I directly communicated my desire to go there on an internship, he readily welcomed me.
Thereafter, I got the opportunity to introduce my advisor Hajime Ito to Professor Garcia-Garibay at a different international conference, received formal acknowledgment from both of them, and was then able to go to UCLA on an Overseas Internship.

●Deeply Impressive Curriculum 2 
Never Take Your Eyes Off the Goal.
A Strong Will Produces Results.

When I came to Japan from Korea, I was aware of the fact that there was a mountain of things I could gain from studying abroad. However, every day of the 3 months that I spent at UCLA, beginning in September 2016, was rich in content. Over there, it is all about liberalism and individualism with responsibility and results. That’s why everyone plays for keeps.
I was studying abroad to conduct international joint research with Professor Garcia-Garibay and others that was based on the research content developed from my ideas. To my great delight, I obtained the results that I wanted, and I am now consolidating my thesis.
By all means, please set a goal when you study abroad as well. Doing so will support you through all those days that pass in the blink of an eye.

The ability I acquired from my experience of studying abroad—which demanded strict self-management without core time—is “viability.”

●My Target Future Image 
Increasing Desire to Do Research Overseas.
I Also Want to Grow as an Educator.

Once again, my hope is to advance my next research at UCLA, and I would like to go overseas again if I could do so in the final year of the Doctorate Course. Because of this program, I was able to fulfill my dream of performing overseas research without any economic anxieties. It was truly great that I was able to take the course!
Now, I have one more interest—education. I am still only half a researcher; however, through the image of my father, who was a university professor, and Professor Ito, who gives students the much needed push forward, I began to feel that training the next generation is a worthy endeavor. I want to fully enjoy this program to the very end, while being conscious of both research and education.