To those who are about to be assigned to labs
Thank you for visiting the website of the Mizuno Lab. This page is mainly intended to provide information to undergraduate third-year students who are preparing for pre-assignment. Within the Department of Electronic and Information Systems Engineering Program, there are many attractive and diverse research labs, so you may be wondering which lab to choose for your thesis research. In particular, since the Mizuno Lab is a new lab that was established in April 2020, it is natural to feel uneasy about being assigned to it. Here, we would like to dispel such anxieties for everyone by providing information on the operating policies of the Mizuno Lab in a Q&A format.
About Faculty and Life in the Lab
What is the faculty’s background? After obtaining a doctoral degree from the University of Tokyo, the faculty spent 10 years as a researcher and assistant professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology before joining Yokohama National University as an associate professor in April 2020. Although the lab is new, the faculty has a long history of mentoring students.
What kind of laboratory does the faculty aim for? We aim to continuously disseminate world-leading research results and develop a research and development base for optical measurement technology and optical fiber sensors that represent Japan. At the same time, we also want to create a comfortable and peaceful laboratory for students.
What is the core time? Currently, there is no specific core time. However, please steadily progress with your research at your own pace.
Are part-time jobs allowed? It is important to learn various things through part-time jobs, so we do not have any specific restrictions as long as they do not have a negative impact on your research.
How much time is given for graduate school entrance exam preparation? If you plan to take the graduate school entrance exam (written exam) for further studies, we will make sure that you have enough study time.
How is information exchange conducted in the lab? In order to reduce email exchanges, we use Slack to consolidate both general and individual communication.
What kind of lab events are held? We would like to consult with everyone about various events such as drinking parties and lab trips. Although we had to refrain from events due to the spread of the coronavirus, the situation has finally started to improve.
What are the career paths after graduation? So far, the majority of our graduates have voluntarily advanced to the doctoral program. For information on job opportunities after graduate school, please refer to the page for graduate school applicants.
About Research Activities
What is the seminar like? The seminar is held once a week (on Friday afternoons for the 2022 academic year), and several students present their research progress in English or Japanese. In addition, there are lectures from faculty members or seniors on how to conduct research and basic optical technology. Sometimes, we also practice presenting at academic conferences. Every time, everyone is required to participate in discussions and express their opinions. Until midway through the 2022 academic year, the seminar was held online, but now it is held in person.
How is the research topic decided? The faculty members propose candidate topics, but individual proposals are also welcome. Students discuss their interests and areas of expertise and then decide on a research topic that they are satisfied with. If students are not getting the desired results despite their efforts, it may be possible to change the research topic after consultation. In addition, some students pursue multiple themes (within the limits that do not affect their main theme) based on their preferences.
Is prior knowledge necessary? There is no particular requirement for prior knowledge. After being assigned to the lab, there is a weekly “study meeting” in addition to the seminar, where faculty members and seniors provide a comprehensive lecture on the basic knowledge necessary for research.
What about English proficiency? English proficiency is not a requirement at present, but it is essential for advancing research. After being assigned to the lab, faculty members will provide direct guidance according to the student’s wishes.
What about presenting at academic conferences? We expect active presentation at domestic and international conferences (some seniors have already presented at conferences within their first three years). We practice presentations thoroughly as part of the seminar. For presentations in English at international conferences, we provide detailed guidance. Preparing high-quality presentations can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for significant growth.
For the pre-placement of third-year undergraduate students in the fall of 2022, three students were accepted. The number of accepted students for the pre-placement in the fall of 2023 is undecided. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Prof. Mizuno by email. Lab tours are also available upon request.
