This Biophysics Week, we're highlighting some of the outstanding members of our Student Chapter program. Today, we'll hear from Saya Hashizume, a 2nd year Pharmacy major at the Sanyo-Onoda City University Student Chapter.
What inspired you to study biophysics?
I have experienced allergies and side effects from medications in the past, which sparked my interest in how drugs affect the body. What left a particularly strong impression on me was photosensitivity. A few days after applying an acne medication to my face, I developed photosensitivity, and I was deeply shocked to see blisters and inflammation all over my face. When I researched the cause online, I learned that it was related to the structure of light and proteins. Realizing that the medication I used to treat my condition made my symptoms worse, I decided I wanted to learn more about medications.
What do you think makes the study of biophysics unique?
I think what makes biophysics unique is its connections to such a wide variety of fields. After seeing poster presentations at the conference, I got the impression that biophysics draws on a broad range of knowledge from various disciplines. I also realized that as I pursue this field, I shouldn’t limit my interests to my undergraduate studies alone; rather, I need to acquire the knowledge necessary to solve problems from fields outside my own. I hope to cultivate a broad perspective so that I can approach things with an open mind.
What skill have you learned in your studies that you find useful in other aspects of your life?
Among the skills I’ve acquired through my studies, the one I find most useful in my daily life is problem-solving. I believe this is a skill that was particularly honed during my time as an undergraduate, when self-directed learning was a major part of the curriculum. This skill comes in handy, for example, when I’m traveling, and something unexpected happens—such as figuring out how to adjust or make up for a change in plans. In those moments, I realize how much I’ve gotten into the habit of thinking for myself.
What is your dream career?
In the future, I hope to become a community or hospital pharmacist or a researcher. Right now, I’m particularly interested in becoming a researcher. I had an opportunity to attend the Biophysical Society conference and saw people my age present their research, and talking with them in person has deepened my interest in conducting research. I also had the opportunity to learn about the differences between pharmacists in Japan, the United States, and other parts of the world, which has sparked my interest in working as a pharmacist overseas.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
What I am most proud of is joining my current student chapter and participating in the conference. It was a wonderful experience to work with my peers on the slides, practice our presentation for the student chapter session, and strike up conversations with the various people who attended the conference. Furthermore, beyond the conference itself, I had unique experiences in San Francisco that I couldn’t have had in Japan. I hope to apply this experience to my future life.
What advice do you have for someone thinking about studying biophysics?
This may not be specific to biophysics, but I believe it’s very important to value the people you meet and maintain those relationships. Also, actively engaging with others increases your chances of encountering new opportunities, so if you consider yourself an introvert, I encourage you to take the plunge and strike up conversations with various people at conferences and other opportunities. For first-time attendees, there are opportunities to have dinner with other newcomers, so please make the most of those occasions at the conference. Most people at the conference are very friendly, so please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have.