I learned about ICReDD’s MANABIYA Program from Christian Strong, a coworker at Caltech. I was interested in international research and was eager to learn about emerging fields in organic synthesis. When I heard that Christian worked with Professor Hajime Ito and Assistant Professor Koji Kubota, pioneers in the field of mechanochemistry, I knew I had to apply. Learning cutting-edge science in a prestigious research environment like Hokkaido through the MANABIYA program would prove to be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
At Hokkaido University, I was fortunate to be paired with talented chemist Hao Tan, a postdoctoral scholar in the Ito group. I joined his project investigating sodium mechanochemistry, and learned a substantial amount about the operation and development of mechanochemical protocols. The Ito lab, as well as ICReDD and Hokkaido University, had an excellent suite of analytical tools I was able to use to advance my research.
The Ito group was kind and welcoming, and provided a wonderful environment to conduct research. I’m very grateful for the support and assistance provided by group members who were always willing to help me find chemicals, operate instruments, and discuss research ideas. I was even able to join the group for a game of baseball in the institutional league, which was a great way to have fun outside of the lab and made me feel at home in the group. I also had the opportunity to present my research to the Ito group, as well as informally discuss organic chemistry with Professors Ito, Kubota, and Mita, which was one of my favorite parts of the program.
Besides the wonderful chemistry and people of ICReDD and Hokkaido University, I also enjoyed the beautiful sights and rich culture. My visit coincided with the 150th anniversity of Hokkaido university’s founding, and I got to enjoy the festival held on campus celebrating the event. Hokkaido is famous for many fantastic regional dishes, and I was able to enjoy the delicious foods including soup curry, miso ramen, Genghis Khan, and sushi when I wasn’t busy enjoying my time in the laboratory. I was also able to enjoy the scenic views around the Hokkaido University area, including a visit to the “million-dollar views” atop Mount Moiwa and Mount Tengu. I was also fortunate to take a trip to the picturesque seaside town of Otaru and see the breathtaking sights and learn about the culture of the surrounding area.
Overall, the MANABIYA was an amazing program that has definitely been a highlight of my PhD experience. I’m very grateful to the Ito laboratory, ICReDD and, the University of Hokkaido for providing such a fantastic opportunity. I highly recommend the MANABIYA program to anyone interested in cutting edge chemistry research in an international setting, or anyone interested in the specialized skillset available at ICReDD.
Nathan FRIEDE
PhD Student
California Institute of Technology, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (Reisman Group)
