For Students Considering Joining the Mizuno Lab
Thank you for visiting the Mizuno Lab website. This page is intended primarily for third-year undergraduate students preparing for preliminary lab placement. The Electronic and Information Systems Engineering Program offers a wide variety of research laboratories, and you may be wondering which one to choose for your graduation research. Since the Mizuno Lab was established relatively recently, in April 2020, you may also have questions or concerns about joining it. To help you make an informed decision, we have prepared the following Q&A explaining the lab’s policies and activities.
About the Professor and Lab Life
What is Prof. Mizuno’s background? After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo, Prof. Mizuno spent 10 years as a researcher and assistant professor at Tokyo Institute of Technology (now Institute of Science Tokyo). He joined Yokohama National University as an associate professor in April 2020. Although the lab is relatively new, he has many years of experience supervising students.
What kind of laboratory does Prof. Mizuno aim to establish? Our goal is to produce world-leading research results and establish the lab as a leading research center in Japan for optical measurement technologies and optical fiber sensors. At the same time, we aim to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for students.
Does the lab have core hours? There are currently no fixed core hours. However, students are expected to make steady progress in their research at their own pace.
Are part-time jobs allowed? Part-time jobs can provide valuable experiences, so we have no specific restrictions as long as they do not interfere with research activities.
Will I have enough time to prepare for graduate school entrance exams? Students planning to take the written entrance examination for graduate school will be given sufficient time to prepare.
How is information shared within the lab? We use Slack for both general announcements and individual communication to minimize email exchanges.
What kinds of lab events are held? We plan social events, such as lab dinners and trips, in consultation with students, taking their interests and preferences into account.
What are the career paths after graduation? Most of our graduates so far have chosen to pursue doctoral studies. For information on employment opportunities after graduate school, please refer to the page for graduate school applicants.
About Research Activities
What are the weekly seminars like? Seminars are held in person once a week (usually on Friday mornings), with several students presenting their research progress in English or Japanese. Prof. Mizuno and senior students also give lectures on research methods and the fundamentals of optical technologies. Conference presentation practice is sometimes included as well. All students are expected to participate actively in discussions and share their opinions.
How are research topics decided? Prof. Mizuno proposes potential research topics, but suggestions from students are also welcome. Each student’s interests and strengths are considered when selecting a topic. If a project does not progress as expected despite sustained effort, changing topics may be possible after consultation. Some students also pursue additional research topics based on their interests, provided these do not interfere with their main projects.
Is prior knowledge required? No specific prior knowledge is required. In addition to the weekly seminar, students attend a weekly study session after joining the lab, where Prof. Mizuno and senior students provide lectures covering the fundamental knowledge needed for research.
Is English proficiency required? English proficiency is not a prerequisite for joining the lab, but it becomes increasingly important as research progresses. Prof. Mizuno provides individual guidance according to each student’s needs and preferences.
Will I have opportunities to present at academic conferences? We encourage students to present their research at conferences in Japan and abroad. Presentation practice is incorporated into the weekly seminars, and additional guidance is provided for presentations in English. Preparing a high-quality presentation requires considerable effort, but it also provides a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Five third-year undergraduate students were accepted for preliminary lab placement in fall 2026. The number of students to be accepted in fall 2027 has not yet been determined. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Prof. Mizuno by email. Lab tours are also available upon request.
