In the chemistry department, there’s an atmosphere where you can have frank discussions with anyone. We help each other out with things we don’t understand, so I think we have a good relationship. I feel fortunate to have such great peers.
The Optical Physical Chemistry Laboratory specializes in using pulse lasers, which are short-duration light sources, to measure various properties. Within this lab, I focus on organic thin-film solar cells. I study how these solar cells absorb light, the internal processes that occur, and how they convert absorbed light into electrical current.
Just hearing about the research topic gets me excited, but what’s even more fascinating is when I realize that concepts I’ve studied in the past, which I didn’t fully understand their practical applications, are actually being utilized in our research.
It sounds like you have a strong foundation in chemistry and physics and a clear direction for your future. Pursuing a doctoral program will likely open up many opportunities for you, whether in academia or industry. Both paths have their own rewards and challenges, so it’s great that you’re considering your options carefully. Do you have any specific factors influencing your decision between academia and industry?
When I visited Nagoya University during an open campus event in my second year of high school, I was particularly impressed by how the students there seemed to be enjoying their research. I chose the Faculty of Science because I felt that if I could conduct research here, I would discover something interesting.
I chose the chemistry department because I wanted to experience the joy of conducting research using actual molecules and observing reactions with my own eyes, which would allow me to understand what was happening.