ELSI provides an ideal platform for students to learn from researchers in many different fields and develop themselves into independent researchers. We welcome any student in any discipline with heart and passion on searching for the origin of life to become one of our members.
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Woo Man Yin (Jason)
Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences, School of Science / PhD. Student



▶ What brought you to Tokyo Tech?
I have been intrigued by astronomy since my childhood. Astronomy was chosen as my major during bachelor studies without hesitation. My supervisor Dr. Lee Man Hoi at the University of Hong Kong inspired me that to understand the universe we need to start from the most basic structure: planets and satellites. Under his supervision, I completed two studies on formation of satellites and found that the physics behind formation and orbital evolution of planetary objects is complex but interesting. Also, the method of study is mainly computer simulation, which suits me well.
My desire of gaining more knowledge on planet formation drives me towards my life goal. Recently, I am intrigued by the biggest questions: why are we here? What process in the past leads to the beginning of life on Earth? To answer these questions we need the effort of researchers from many different fields. ELSI's scope of research fits my academic interests well because it advocates interdisciplinary research. Besides, I can work with outstanding researchers in planetary sciences like Prof. Shigeru Ida and Dr. Ramon Brasser and learn from them. Therefore, I strongly believe that ELSI is the most ideal institute for me to continue my postgraduate study.

▶ What was your most memorable experience during your time at ELSI?
The most memorable experience during my time at ELSI was participating in the All-Hands Strategy Meeting. The meeting aimed at strengthening the interaction between researchers from different field in ELSI. It includes many discussions about research in astronomy, planetary science, geo science, organic chemistry and biology. I admit that it was challenging for a postgraduate student since I do not have enough knowledge to give my own opinion. Nevertheless, interacting with researchers from various fields provided me a valuable experience of the first try of interdisciplinary discussion. It provides me drive and ambition to learn more in order to develop to a mature researcher in the future.

▶ Can you tell us about your research?
As a doctoral student studying planetary science, I would put in my effort to study the formation of the terrestrial planets during my time in ELSI since it may hold the key of solving problems related to the origin of life. I would run numerous sets of N-body simulations in order to examine which planet formation models best reproducing the orbital and compositional features of the current observed terrestrial planetary system.

▶ What are your post-graduation plans?
I would like to continue my research career after the graduation of my PhD. Therefore, I intend to apply for any possible postdoctoral research positions related to planetary sciences. Interdisciplinary institutes like ELSI would be my first priority.

▶ Do you have any message for prospective students?
For all students who desire to participate in searching for the answer of how life began on Earth, please do not hesitate to join us. The origin of life is a big scientific problem which requires people from various disciplines working together. ELSI provides an ideal platform for students to learn from researchers in many different fields and develop themselves into independent researchers. ELSI do not require anyone to be expert in several disciplines. We welcome any student in any discipline with heart and passion on searching for the origin of life to become one of our members.

The origin of life studies foster the advancement of different scientific fields by exploring synergies between them, and will offer great advancements in the future.
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Sebastian Sanden
Master's student (MEXT scholarship student through IGP(A)),
Department of Chemical Science and Engineering,School of Materials and Chemical Technology


▶ What brought you to Tokyo Tech?
During my undergraduate studies, I visited Professor Masahiko Hara's laboratory at Tokyo Tech as a RIKEN student trainee and from the first day on, I was intrigued by the origin of life studies. With access to top of the line analytical equipment and the opportunity to define my own research goal, I could make big leaps towards working at the frontier of this scientific field.

▶ What was your most memorable experience during your time at ELSI?
After spending some time getting acquainted with the literature concerning the origin of life, I have read and heard about those researchers which shaped this research field. Therefore, it was quite exciting to meet them at the workshops and seminars at ELSI and it taught me a great deal about what the important scientific questions are that need to be pursuit. Also, there are plenty of small events like Suzukakedai barbecues and other get-togethers where you can meet new people from all around the world, who clearly enjoy the atmosphere of ELSI, surrounded by an exciting new culture.

▶ Can you tell us about your research?
My research is concerned with the basic molecular building blocks of life which must have been present at the early stages of our planet before any cellular life formed. Therefore, I am trying to synthesize these chemical compounds in a geologically plausible setting which could have existed 4.3 billion years ago. These compounds are supposed to be the first pieces of a puzzle, resulting in the emergence of living organisms, which in turn have been improved by nature itself ever since. By looking at the core of cellular metabolisms today, we are trying to identify, which parts are indispensable for sustaining a newly self-assembled system in terms of energy consumption and the abundance of its building blocks. I work closely together with Principle Investigator / Associate Professor Shawn McGlynn at ELSI.

▶ What are your post-graduation plans?
After living in Japan for almost a year now, I still make new experiences concerning daily life every day. Listening to the stories of other international students about their home countries and their experiences here in Japan, also made me aware of how we perceive certain things differently. This made me even more curious about visiting other countries and with ELSI being an international community, pursuing my academic career further.

▶ Do you have any message for prospective students?
The origin of life studies foster the advancement of different scientific fields by exploring synergies between them, and will offer great advancements in the future. With the focus being on fundamental research, exploring your own curiosity will give you a new perspective and pursuing your interests to the fullest with new enthusiasm. I can highly recommend visiting one of the many ELSI seminars which are open to students, so that you can get a feeling of where you might fit in.