At AGU, I began to attend classes on astronomy in my junior year. Specifically, I attended the Space Physics I and Space Physics II classes, which were taught by Professor SAKAMOTO Takanori. I am now conducting research under the professor at the SAKAMOTO Laboratory. In those classes, I learned how interesting it was to study astronomy, which had long stirred my imagination, and was further motivated to conduct astronomical research. I also enjoyed listening to Professor SAKAMOTO share the latest space-related developments. It was so exciting. I remember thinking, “What am I going to learn from the professor in today’s class?”
After enrolling at the University, I was eager to start conducting research into space as soon as possible and was impatiently waiting for the moment when I became a junior and able to attend the classes on astronomy. However, after starting to conduct research at the SAKAMOTO Laboratory in my senior year, I recognized the following: in order to understand astronomical issues, you need to have a broad-based knowledge of fundamental physics, including quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and the theory of relativity. AGU’s curriculum is designed to let students acquire this kind of basic knowledge across a range of fields before they start their junior year so that they can subsequently apply their knowledge to conduct research in their respective fields of specialization. In hindsight, I really appreciate the curriculum.

I need to conduct research from an objective viewpoint, for which I have developed a habit of listening to various opinions of others. By learning about different opinions, I can often recognize what it takes to improve myself, which in turn could lead me to try something new. I can now take this kind of approach because by studying abroad I have learned that you can be more flexible in your thinking by being exposed to different values.
Thinking it important to also be able to offer insights into my own field of research from the perspective of other academic fields, I have been proactively studying subjects outside my area of specialization at the Graduate School, including liberal arts subjects. In particular, the Global New Economy class, in which I learned about how economic factors shape the world, left a lasting impression on me. I had already been interested in what was going on in the world, and the class encouraged me to pay even more attention to global economic news. At AGU, I have these kinds of opportunities to deepen my knowledge across a range of fields, not just my own field of specialization, which is really one of the most enjoyable things you can experience at AGU.

For details of Mr. SHEN’s research (his activities conducted in the field of astrophysics at the SAKAMOTO Laboratory and AGU’s activities in the aerospace field), click here.

As an international student, thanks to the substantial support extended by AGU, I am now contentedly absorbed in my doctoral research. In particular, the staff at the University’s International Center are always giving me helpful advice, including on how to update my visa and cautions about every little aspect of daily life in Japan. I have always been reassured by their kind support. Also, I have been able to receive scholarships for international students from the University as well as from external organizations. When I was a master’s student, I received the Aoyama Gakuin University Global Scholarship for International Students and also a scholarship from The Moritani Scholarship Foundation. Now, as a doctoral student, I am receiving support for my research under the AGU Future Eagle Project as well as being granted the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology（Japan Student Services Organization）Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students. I feel thankful for all the support—both psychological and physical—that I have received.
Having thus been supported by lots of people in Japan, I wanted to do something for other international students and so served as a tutor for international students in my sophomore and junior years at the University. As a tutor, I mainly supported exchange students from Thailand, including organizing a house party for them and going camping with them in my free time, thereby deepening our interactions and also having new experiences myself.
After completing the doctoral course at the Graduate School, I aim to become an astronomer, as I have long dreamed of. However, as a result of studying overseas, I now have another goal, which is to pass down my knowledge and experience to the next generation, thereby making a contribution to society. Specifically, I want to organize a hands-on event in which participants from around the world can enjoy the wonders of science in order to help more people develop a greater interest in science. I also want to support people who intend to study overseas and to eventually create an international NPO for developing specialists who can help solve a range of social issues from a global perspective. First of all, I will work to turn my dream of becoming an astronomer into reality and then I will conduct the aforementioned activities by making use of the knowledge that I have accumulated as a scholar.
I know it feels uneasy to think about leaving your home country. However, AGU will provide you with an environment in which you can take on the challenges you want with peace of mind, while also experiencing Japanese culture. I would urge you to study overseas to become internationally minded and to expand your possibilities.