Undergraduate Hiroki Fukuda Shares His Amgen Scholars Experience

Hiroki Fukuda
Osaka, Japan
Host University: Kyoto University
Home University: Kyoto University
Amgen Scholar Year: 2017
Major: Biosensing engineering
Expected Graduation: March 2018

Journey to Science

How did you become interested in science?

When I was a child, my father often took me to the great outdoors, such as the sea and the forest, to go fishing, bird-watching, and so on. It really got me interested in nature. When I finally entered high school, I was first exposed to the studies of physics and chemistry. I realized at that moment that if I studied the sciences more, I would be able to deepen my knowledge of nature. That was the catalyst for my interest in science.

Academic and Professional Ambitions

What’s your ultimate career goal?

I hope to continue my global education by studying abroad once I enter graduate studies. My ultimate career goal is to work on the IoT (Internet of Things) systems in agricultural fields to work toward a sustainable food supply.

Why did you apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?

My professor recommended the Program to me. I hoped to improve my research skills and make international friends. Kyoto University has one of the best environments for research in Japan.

What aspects of the program did you enjoy most? What do you love about the Amgen Scholars Program?

There were three main aspects: the lab’s activity, the Japan symposium, and the wonderful friends I made.

In the lab, every time I faced a problem, members of the lab kindly discussed the issue with me and provided helped to solve it. I also enjoyed interacting with many international students in my lab. I have come to realize that I have many colleagues with which to work, as well as lots of goals toward which I can work outside of Kyoto University.

For the Japan symposium held in Tokyo, I enjoyed the many activities, including experiencing Japanese culture through sightseeing and dining on the Yakata ship. We also gave poster presentations at the symposium. It was the first time I had ever given a poster presentation and a public speech in English. I enjoyed the experience, and it has become a cherished memory. Some professors from the University of Tokyo gave me advice in regards to my presentation, and I now have more contacts to help me as I continue my research.

Lastly, I met many wonderful friends in this program. We often hung out together and went sightseeing. Sometimes we went to the Kamo River, which is a famous river in Kyoto, and talked about lifer and our future. We discussed ideas and exchanged cultures.  I was able to broaden my horizons with the awesome friends I made. I really appreciated the international diversity of the Amgen Scholars Program in Japan. It allowed me to make amazing friends with whom I will maintain contact for the rest of my life.

To learn more about the Amgen Scholars Program, please visit AmgenScholars.com and check out the #AmgenScholars hashtag on Twitter. Follow @AmgenFoundation to stay up to date with all STEM-related news from the Amgen Foundation.