From Alumni

Voice From Alumni

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Dr. Ankit Singh

From

Uttar Pradesh
Degree

2nd year PhD student, School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST)

Message

Please give a short introduction about yourself.

Firstly I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity and it's my pleasure to introduce myself. I am Ankit Singh, pursuing PhD at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) under the supervision of Prof. Noriyoshi Matsumi. My research theme is on enhancing the performance of energy storage devices. I was born and brought up in Uttar Pradesh, India and moved to Delhi for my graduation from Hindu College, University of Delhi in 2009. Later, I went on to do M.Tech in “Chemical Synthesis and Process Technologies” ( A 3 year Dual-Degree International Exchange Program between Delhi University and JAIST). In JAIST, I got an opportunity to join the most intelligent and generous person, Professor Noriyoshi Matsumi. My Masters course at JAIST made me highly confident to seek knowledge and developed research endurance, strengthened my forever loyalty and passion for chemistry and inturn materials science. So, I re-joined Professor Noriyoshi Matsumi’s group for Ph.D as DRF scholar in July, 2015 for continuing research in the field of electrochemical energy storage devices.

What is your favorite thing about Nomi City?

It is difficult to pinpoint and choose one favorite thing about Nomi, this place is filled with bounty of richness in colors, culture and heritage. This place captures attention because of its magnificent beauty and gorgeous outlook. It turns to white in snow, red in autumn and green in spring. Nature reminds us of one thing that how much ever we advances in technology there is something even more fascinating beyond our thinking abilities and perception. This place is not only known for its natural beauty, but also rich in its culture. Celebrations of local festivals like Hanabi on the riverside, old style of making Sake from rice, famous shrines and temples stands as testimony for its diversity. I just love to stay here because this place offers me everything that I need, is here - education, nature, art and culture - without the crowd and traffic.
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In what way has your impression of Nomi City or Japan changed since coming here?

When I first heard that I have to pursue my studies in Japan, my thoughts were about how difficult the stay would be because of huge language and culture barrier. But as soon as I stepped off the plane in Komatsu, I was completely perplexed by the warmth welcome and kindness of people. My impression was completely erased and eyes were opened. The generosity of people here is incomparable. To gain larger perspective in lives, I believe that one has to stretch and push their limits and start learning something new. This country provides a better platform for us to develop overall personality. And after completing almost two years now in Japan, I feel that as a research student I was not only given the opportunity to explore the new challenging and engaging research projects, but I have also enrolled in cultural excursions, festivals, and Japanese classes. Now that I am here for so long, I can proudly say that I have so many Japanese friends with whom I never felt that I am away from my home. I am very excited to continue my studies and gain new outlooks on my previously established views and impressions.

What attracted you to choose Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) as a place to study?

JAIST, one of the premier and esteemed institute in the globe is attracting global attention with its state of the art laboratories and committed research scientists who are delivering invaluable services in the field of science and industry by publishing research papers in international peer reviewed and high impact factor journals such as Science, JACS. As I mentioned above that my Masters course was a Dual-Degree International Exchange Program between Delhi University and JAIST, in that year I realized JAIST to be one of the most suitable place for research because of the surroundings being so calm and serene. Moreover, I wanted to go to a university with diverse student body and be a part of large society and JAIST has got so many international students to interact with. In JAIST there is one major advantage for the research students is that one can learn and use each and every advance instruments. This kind of exposure give lot of experience and also widens the knowledge about the techniques being used in today’s world. Being on the mountains apart from the city, the JAIST shuttle services are so very well connected that you can go anywhere without any hassle. Also, the major concern for every student going overseas for study is also dealt with so many funding’s and scholarships as financial support. These fellowships are enough for the students for their stay with the facility of on campus stay till the end of your study. Apart, from giving me a good living, Ph.D. at JAIST will be able to provide me an opportunity to contribute to the society and work in a way to expedite the advancement and welfare of humanity as a whole.
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In what way did you adjust yourself to Japanese culture?

It was a bit difficult for me to adjust here initially because of huge barrier in language, food habits and Climate but now I am quite comfortable. Slowly I acquainted well and acclimatized here. To surpass huge language and culture barrier is cumbersome task. Perhaps the same would be the experience of every foreign individual staying here. However, in university staff and teachers know English quite well but locals outside don’t speak much. So, I feel learning introductory Japanese can ease the things around. It took some time for me to learn and practice but now I can communicate to express myself.

Please give a message to students or researchers in your home country who may be thinking about studying in Japan?

If you’re planning to come Japan for your studies, first decide the field of your interest and professor under whom you want to work on. The area of research or theme is an important aspect in selecting which university to go for, and knowing the research theme in advance will provide you self-confidence when you start your studies. So many students come to Japan to study every year, but it’s important for one to know that being a different country it has its own culture and ethics and we should always respect them. Some of you may not be knowing anybody here. But even then you should always be ready to face the problems and to solve them on your own. Keeping all the things in mind, if you plan to study in Japan, you should start learning Japanese language and the cultures of the country. The people in this country are always ready to help you out in any situation but you should be able to make them understand as very less local people know English. If you are friendly enough to make new friends then this place will really help you a lot to makeover your personality. Japanese Universities provides so many opportunities to participate in domestic as well as international conferences, which is very necessary for a researcher to know what is going around the globe. I personally believe that all this will be very helpful to ensure a happy and worthwhile experience. After graduating from here you will also feel that the exposure has changed your overall personality though living in different country is not always easy but yet meaningful. I think that Japan serves as the perfect hub for interaction between academia and industry; and such environments provide the impetus to developing fresh perspectives on various issues.
Finally wish you all the luck for your future, hoping you will also have a wonderful experience to share in future.
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