Research is a process to discover new knowledge. The goal of our research projects is to understand molecular mechanisms of regulating gene expression in response to various environmental changes in plants. Making hypotheses and testing them is the fundamental approach in research. Many things do not progress as expected, but sometimes yielding unexpected results, that is the best part of the research. Dreams I want to achieve through research are to answer the questions left in biology as well as to tell our students the difficulties and pleasures of research.

When things are not going well, I usually set a time limit and focus on the issue at hand. It takes much energy to take a difficult challenge; however, there will be a certain amount of trial and error before you achieve something in research. Even though you could not reach to the solution, you will learn something from the challenge. Meanwhile, changing of pace is also important in your usual life. I am recently hooked on Yoga for my refreshment.

I studied abroad as a postdoctoral fellow in a laboratory in the US for 5 years. Although there were more difficulties than imagined, it was a period that had a great impact on my ways of living and research. I could meet wonderful mentor and colleagues, and that relationship is still continuing. Not so many Japanese students want to study abroad recently. I strongly encourage the students to go overseas to study. The important thing is to have a clear purpose, which is what you want to accomplish there. If you have a clear vision, you will have tremendous positive impact on your life.