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- Davie Kenneth (Malawi), Third year of doctoral program
Davie Kenneth (Malawi), Third year of doctoral program
My passion in chemistry studies developed when I was a high school student back in Malawi. During my undergraduate studies, I was really curious about utilization of organic chemistry in the development of products with desirable biological functions. After securing a Japanese Government MEXT scholarship for postgraduate studies, I came across professor Fukase of the school of Science of Osaka University who is specialized in the field I was interested in, and I was so glad that my application to study in his research group was successful.
Through the special integrated science course (SISC) program which offers studies in English, I finally enrolled as a master’s student in the school of science, Osaka university in 2019. In my research, I focussed on chemical synthesis of bioactive compounds specifically glycoconjugates including lipopolysaccharides found on the cell surface of Gram negative bacteria. I elucidated the innate immune functions of the synthesized compounds and evaluated their applications as vaccine adjuvants, and also their potential in the development of self-adjuvanting vaccines by conjugation with appropriate antigens. My success in the said research really relied on proper laboratory environment I was subjected to. I was surrounded by hardworking lab mates, both seniors and juniors who provided support through day-to-day discussions about our experiments’ results. In addition, our professors rendered the much needed advices on how best we could solve scientific problems while giving a room to balance our social life and research life. One of the joyous moments in my research life was when I discover a new biological phenomenon associated with my synthesized compounds. This happiness could reach the maximum when I even found out that my developed compounds have potential to improve efficacy of vaccines when immunized to animals. I enjoyed such moments because it was like my passion being fulfilled. On the other hand, I also enjoyed discussions with other students and professors through seminars and conferences as I could learn a lot from other people’s research.
Over the years as a masters and PhD student, I took a number of SISC courses. Mostly the courses I took include chemistry and biological sciences related to my research areas. The courses were interesting because apart from being offered in English, they also provided a good opportunity to appreciate different types of research pursued in different laboratories. Outside research life, through associations in the school of science of Osaka university especially the science buddy where international students and Japanese students interact through several activities, I was able to make a number of friends. With these friends, we could travel a lot around Osaka and also other prefectures in Japan. I enjoyed such interactions and trips very much.
For those aiming to study at the school of science, Osaka University, I have hope that you will be able to enjoy your research life and social life, and successfully achieve your career goals. So, please utilize any opportunities you may have to join this school.
<Notes>
These articles were posted as they were written by the students. The student’s grade is as of the time the article was written in September 2024.