Yoshifumi Toyama
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
D1
As of January 2024
What's your impression of the chemistry lab?

I feel that there are no age barriers between teachers and students, seniors and juniors, and that we can study academics freely and energetically. I even go out for ramen with one of the associate professors every week. On the other hand, everyone is giving their all when it comes to chemistry. Since joining the laboratory, I have found that my peers and seniors are deeply engrossed in their research, which creates a great environment for mutual improvement.

Please tell me about your research theme and your research. What is the most enjoyable or exciting aspect of your research?

I am conducting research with the goal of synthesizing organic compounds made of carbon and elucidating their properties. In particular, I am pursuing research along two main axes: one is to ‘create molecules with unexplored, beautiful shapes,’ and the other is to ‘develop new chemical reactions to create structures with beautiful shapes.’ Specifically, I am conducting research to create molecules with unique and beautiful shapes, including those with diamond-like substructures, which have never been seen before. In terms of developing new chemical reactions, I am also studying reactions that progress with mechanical stimuli such as hitting and grinding.

The most joyful moment for me is when an experiment I have conceived is successful. The excitement of analyzing experimental results is unforgettable. The thought that my discoveries could rewrite textbooks makes research exciting, and the joy of success after countless failures is incomparable.

What are you thinking about for your future?

I aspire to become a university professor in the future. I find research enjoyable and intend to continue it, but I am also interested in teaching chemistry. During my graduate student life in the Department of Chemistry, I had the opportunity to work as a Teaching Assistant (TA), where I assisted in lectures and experiments. The students I taught then actually entered the Department of Chemistry and my research laboratory. While I will continue to pursue research with full dedication, I also aspire to become a university professor who can instill in students a love for chemistry through education.

Why did you choose the Faculty of Science at Nagoya University for your enrollment? What was the reason for choosing the Department of Chemistry?

I have loved chemistry since high school, so I always planned to attend a university with a strong chemistry program. When considering prestigious universities known for their chemistry programs, the Nobel Prize came to mind first. Many Nobel laureates in fields related to the Faculty of Science have been produced here, so I wanted to study in such an environment.

The main reason I chose the Department of Chemistry was the excellent facilities and equipment for experiments. Additionally, I was drawn to the passionate teaching I experienced in my first year chemistry classes. I wanted to study chemistry in an environment filled with passion, so I decided to enroll in the Department of Chemistry, and I believe it was the right choice.