Mai Mukai
Graduate School of Biological Sciences
Plant Metabolic Regulation Laboratory
- Academic year
- Master's degree, 2nd
- Hometown
- Osaka, Japan
- Background
- Department of Food Safety Engineering, Faculty of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kinki University
- University research
- Research on enzymes in intestinal bacteria
- Graduate research
- Transcription factors involved in the regenerative ability of plants
Why I chose NAIST
The main reason was that I could choose my research topic. Whether it is research that is similar to the topic I did at university or research that I am newly interested in, I can think carefully and make a choice after entering the university, which has broadened my horizons. I also wanted to keep tuition fees as low as possible, so the high pay rate for first-class scholarships and the fact that I could live in the on-campus dormitory for 10,000 yen, including common expenses, were also attractive.
Introduction to our lab.
Number of People in the Lab (Unit: Persons)
| Professor | Associate Professor | Assistant Professor | Technical/ Administrative Assistant |
Master's Degree | Doctoral Degree | Researcher |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2(1) | 6(6) | 14(7) | 6(3) | 6(2) |
※The number in parentheses next to the number of people is the number of women.
Using Arabidopsis, poplar, and cultured cells, we conduct research on the creation and use of plants for energy production, environmental regeneration, and increased food production to build a sustainable society.
Each student is given an experimental room. Microscopes and each lab is well equipped.
For lab trips, we went to Mie Prefecture this year and Gifu last year.
In intramural sports competitions, my lab won second place in the relay race and first place in the volleyball tournament.
There are year-end parties, farewell parties, and various other events. We have takoyaki parties and BBQs on and off campus.
The frequency of attending academic conferences varies from lab to lab. This year, I attended two academic societies.
At the Botanical Society of Japan, about 30% of the participants were women. There are relatively more women in the biological field.
I gave an oral presentation at the Plant RNA Researchers Network Symposium.
Extracurricular Activities
NAIST Science School
We held a chemistry experiment class for elementary school students at the Takayama Science Plaza near the university.
Last year we made gel candles, and this year we made snow globes.
As for living in a dormitory, I think it is safe in terms of security because there are surveillance cameras at the entrances to the dormitories. Also, there are no ATMs on campus or in the surrounding areas, so it is a good idea to withdraw cash on the weekends and use it systematically. The bus and train connections from the university to the nearest train station are not good, so sometimes I have to walk to the train station, but it is good exercise for me. The health center on campus is very well equipped, so you can live your student life with peace of mind.
(February, 2018)
