I work as a researcher in the Marine Ecosystem Research Group of the Earth Surface System Research Center, and my research focuses on tracing the sources of mineral particles found in seawater and snow/ice. Prior to my current position, I worked at the National Institute of Polar Research for 10 years as a JSPS Special Research Fellow and a postdoctoral researcher. The JSPS fellowship program has been a great support throughout my academic journey.
During my Ph.D. at Chiba University, I was selected as a DC2 fellow, followed by a PD fellowship, and then an RPD fellowship after the birth of my first child, for three appointments in total. Since my undergraduate studies, my primary research theme has been impurities on glaciers, and I have participated in numerous glacier research expeditions in China, Alaska, Greenland, and other locations. I currently live with my husband and a pre-school aged child as a family of three.
When the Restart Support Recruitment was announced, I had just one year left in my JSPS research fellowship and was looking for a new position. With my husband's support, I had returned to work as an RPD fellow approximately ten months after giving birth. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my child’s frequent illnesses at nursery school, and my own health issues, I struggled to conduct research at the same level as before childbirth, which left me feeling anxious as time passed.
Upon learning about the Restart Support Recruitment, I was immediately drawn to it because the eligibility criteria matched my experience perfectly. The lack of restrictions on research fields or duties, along with the opportunity to transition to a tenured position, was also very appealing. Initially, I hesitated because I had little prior experience in marine-related research and lived far from the workplace. However, after consulting with JAMSTEC researchers who offered warm and helpful advice, I decided to take on the challenge of a new environment. Since my commute takes nearly two and a half hours one way, I currently work from home several days a week, typically commuting two or three days per week. This arrangement has been a great help in balancing research and childcare.
Since my undergraduate studies, I have been studying impurities on glaciers, known as “cryoconite”. Glaciers are not composed solely of snow and ice; a variety of impurities also accumulate on their surfaces. Among these, cryoconite is a mud-like material formed by mineral particles transported by the wind and microbes adapted to cold environments on glacier surfaces. Due to its dark color, cryoconite enhances the absorption of sunlight, accelerating glacier melting when it accumulates.
To elucidate the mechanisms behind the ongoing glacier darkening in the Arctic region, I have attempted to identify the sources of minerals in cryoconite and their impact on glacial microbes, using techniques such as stable isotope ratio analysis of metallic elements and electron microscopy. Additionally, I analyze trace amounts of minerals in ice core samples to clarify temporal changes in the mineral sources supplied to glaciers. As my research progressed, I gradually developed an interest not only in glaciers but also in deepening my understanding of their impact on and interactions with the surrounding atmosphere and oceans. At JAMSTEC, my new challenge is to assess the mineral supply from land to the ocean and cryosphere, as well as the effects of mineral-derived nutrients on ecosystems.
Thank you very much. I was truly surprised to receive this award and deeply moved that my steady research efforts at Chiba University and the National Institute of Polar Research were recognized. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. I am still in the process of adapting to this new environment, so I wouldn’t say I have a clear vision just yet. However, at JAMSTEC, there are researchers from truly diverse fields, so in this kind of environment, I aim not only to apply the analytical techniques I have developed but also to collaborate broadly with colleagues from various departments. Through these collaborations, I hope to further advance my research and live up to the honor of this award.
Having spent six months at JAMSTEC, I am truly impressed by the robust support system for conducting analyses and research. Moreover, researchers from various departments are very open to discussions about joint research and equipment use, creating an inspiring environment for advancing research and exploring new challenges. While my commuting and childcare responsibilities limit how frequently I can come to the office, the support system and understanding of those around me allow me to maintain a healthy work-life balance while continuing my research.
2024.12.25