Alumni Voices

Hattori Tomohiro　New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)

Biotechnology and Materials Department, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)
Seconded from Instrumentation & Control Research Laboratory, Research & Development, NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION

I was able to experience creating and sharing my own technologies with the world.

Undergraduate : Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Graduate : Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Former laboratory : Toko – Kuriyaki – Onodera Laboratory

Why did you choose the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering?

complex topics in an engaging and understandable way. Their teaching influenced my decision when selecting my major, as I considered future research opportunities.

What kind of work are you involved in?

At Nippon Steel, I worked on research and development of ultrasonic testing methods for inspecting the internal quality of steel products. The knowledge I gained in sensing, signal processing, and programming during university played a crucial role in this work. Currently, I am on secondment at NEDO, a government agency under the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Here, I am involved in managing research project teams consisting of industry, academia, and government members, working toward the social implementation of innovation.

What research did you conduct in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering?

I worked on the development of a high-sensitivity taste sensor for artificial sweeteners. Although it was called a sensor, the taste-receiving part was a polymer-based membrane, allowing me to gain knowledge in chemistry and materials science, which later became useful in my career. Collaborating with a company that sells taste sensors, I had the opportunity to develop and share my technology with the world. This experience laid the foundation for my decision to pursue research and development as a professional.

Memorable experiences from your student days

I was fortunate to have great friends during my student life. One of my best memories is convincing my classmates to take the grade skipping exam for the master’s program with me, and we successfully passed together. University, like exams, is a team effort. In the Go club, we held training camps where we ended up making tons of dumplings and playing mysterious card games instead of focusing on Go. During a national team tournament, we also challenged ourselves to eat what was supposedly the world’s spiciest tantanmen.

Message and advice for prospective students and juniors

This university provides an environment where you can truly grow. There are also plenty of fun experiences waiting for you. Your student life will fly by, so while pushing yourself, don’t overdo it, keep challenging yourself with new things!

Tanaka Miho　Fujitsu Limited

Fujitsu Limited, Data & Security Research Laboratory, Social Trust CPJ

shaping your perspective and values.

Undergraduate : Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Graduate : Department of Advanced Information Technology
Former laboratory : Murakami – Inoue Laboratory

Why did you choose the Department of Information Science and Technology?

I was fascinated by large-scale data processing technologies, which were being adopted even in emerging online services. Through specialized courses, I realized that the knowledge I gained was directly connected to the technologies supporting familiar services. Additionally, in my assigned research lab, I learned the importance of thoroughly thinking through a problem and tackling new challenges through discussions with professors.

What kind of work are you involved in?

I am currently engaged in research and development to enhance the trustworthiness of information on the internet. Fake news and misleading information designed to drive clicks are prevalent in our daily lives. To help protect people from such misinformation and improve the reliability of the information they consume, I work on cutting-edge technology research and development. Collaborating with universities both in Japan and abroad, we conduct various real-world experiments to bring this technology into practical use.

What research did you conduct in the Department of Information Science and Technology?

In my research lab, I worked on optimizing compiler settings using machine learning. This technology aims to maintain high processing performance even when the program’s execution environment changes. The research process involved analyzing execution results, reading technical documentation, and searching for ways to improve accuracy. Although it was a continuous cycle of trial and error, the small discoveries along the way made the research process incredibly rewarding.

Memorable experiences from your student days

I was fortunate to experience many challenges, from research and club activities to part-time jobs and travel. There were busy times when exams overlapped with club competitions, but I also spent countless hours discussing research with friends and professors, completely losing track of time. Amidst this, I also enjoyed relaxing walks along the Itoshima coastline and traveling across Kyushu, all of which have become irreplaceable memories.

Message and advice for prospective students and juniors

The field of information technology evolves rapidly, but the knowledge and experiences gained here will be valuable not only in your professional life but also in shaping your perspective and values. At Kyushu University, I encourage you to meet diverse friends, seniors, and globally renowned professors, and to find opportunities to challenge yourself in various ways.

Egashira Asuka　Ubiquitous Computing Technology Corporation

These experiences made me realize that the work we pursued in our lab had global relevance.

Undergraduate : Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Graduate : Department of Information Science and Technology
Former laboratory : Kurazume Laboratory

Why did you choose the Department of Information Science and Technology?

I was fascinated by the potential to digitally recreate the real world through the collection and analysis of vast sensor data. Recognizing that this technology could drive innovation across multiple fields, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, I wanted to be at the forefront of research in this area.

What kind of work are you involved in?

I am involved in smart building development, focusing on integrated control systems for various in-building devices. I also develop monitoring services that leverage in-house IoT devices and machine learning or deep learning. Through these technologies, I aim to create next-generation building management systems that enhance energy efficiency and comfort.

What research did you conduct in the Department of Information Science and Technology?

I worked on a research project that combined environmental sensors, assistive robots, and AR technology to create a system enabling safe coexistence between humans and robots. Exploring how the integration of the real and digital worlds could transform daily life was incredibly fascinating.

Memorable experiences from your student days

I had the honor of receiving the Best Presentation Award at the 17th Annual Conference of SICE System Integration Division and presenting at the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS). These experiences made me realize that the work we pursued in our lab had global relevance. I am deeply grateful to my professors and lab colleagues for their support.

Message and advice for prospective students and juniors

The casual conversations and time spent with friends during my student years remain invaluable to me. Interacting with peers from different academic backgrounds and nationalities broadens perspectives, stimulates creativity, and provides opportunities to step into unknown worlds. While academics are important, cherish your friendships and challenge yourself with new experiences to make the most of your student life!