Meet Our 2026 Student Ambassadors

Hello there, my name is Nour, a 2nd year PhD student from Palestine. I knew I had the “knack” to be an engineer since a very young age because, to the detriment of my parents, I would always tinker with any electronics around the house to see how they worked from the inside.
Fast forward to the present day, and I’ve found myself being given the freedom and the means to pursue my research on zero-carbon railway technologies in the Power Electronics Laboratory of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department.
Aside from my studies, and being ever the free spirit, I decided to make learning Japanese my passion since I was in middle school. It allowed me to connect deeply with my professors and colleagues in my professional life, and engage in extracurricular passions such as playing the drums and ballroom dancing; through which I have forged many connections and garnered an unfiltered perspective into Japanese society and social customs.

Hello! I’m Ellen, currently a first-year doctoral student at the Earth-Life Science Institute, where I am studying novel metabolic systems and biomarker preservation in extreme environments.
I was born in the U.S. and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and immunology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Outside of academia, I have worked in science communication and non-profit organizations for over ten years, advocating for more young black students to participate in STEM professions. Being a black woman in a male-dominated field, I have mastered the art of navigating diverse challenges and hope to serve as a symbol of power and resilience for the next generation of minority scientists.
Beyond advocacy, I enjoy traveling to new countries, exploring new cultures, and participating in unique experiences that broaden my perspective. Science Tokyo has offered me many opportunities to grow as a leader, including participation in the ToTAL program and as a student ambassador. I hope to inspire more students of color and women to engage in meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion in STEM and work toward making Science Tokyo a more vibrant and diverse community.

Hello! I’m Kate, a sophomore in the School of Science at Science Tokyo. I was born in Chicago, USA, and grew up in Yokohama, Japan. I belong to the Department of Physics. Since I have not yet been assigned to a research laboratory, I am studying general physics and taking experimental classes while considering what I would like to pursue in the future.
Outside of my studies, I love watching baseball games and playing video games. My mixed cultural background allows me to see things from both Japanese and international perspectives, which helps me communicate across cultures. I believe there is limited information in English about how domestic students spend their daily lives both on and off campus, as well as how Science Tokyo differs from other universities in Japan.
As a student ambassador, I would love to share my school life at Science Tokyo from a domestic student perspective and provide helpful insights for prospective students.

Hi! My name is Matteo, and I am a French master’s student who arrived at the Institute of Science Tokyo in 2024. After graduating from an architecture master’s program in Paris, I wanted to deepen my research while experiencing life abroad in Japan.
I came as a MEXT research scholar and joined the Sanada Laboratory, which focuses on dry-stone walling, agriculture, and rural landscapes. My research examines connections between river management and farming practices in Japan. I enjoy spending time on the Ookayama campus and exploring Tokyo, but fieldwork also takes me across the country for surveys and dry-stone walling workshops.
Outside of academia, I play volleyball, love books and Japanese movies, and enjoy meeting friends over coffee or on a terrace — a habit from my life in Paris. Concerned about climate change, I try to reduce my environmental impact by using alternative transportation (my favorite is the ferry!). I have also volunteered on organic farms and enjoy buying second-hand clothes and furniture. I am happy to share tips about my life in Japan, so please feel free to reach out anytime.

Hi there! Nice to meet you. I am from Mongolia and currently in my third year of a bachelor’s program under the Department of Transdisciplinary Science and Engineering (TSE).
In my free time, I enjoy making things by hand, such as baking, cooking, and crocheting. I learned these skills as a child while helping my parents with household chores as the older sister. Over time, I realized that I truly enjoy creating things for others. To me, handmade items are a labor of love and making people happy makes me even happier. I believe this has been inherited from my beloved grandmother, who expressed her love through warm food and tea. I also enjoy running. It clears my mind and reminds me that strength begins with being honest with yourself. Recently, I picked up an old hobby of mine: piano. I joined a piano circle at our university and enjoy spending time practicing for performances.
Lastly, through my blog, I hope to share what I create, the lessons I learn, and the reflections I gather along the way.

Hello, I’m Hilmi, a third-year undergraduate student in the Global Scientists and Engineers Program (GSEP) at Science Tokyo. I moved to Tokyo from Mersin, a small Mediterranean city in Turkey, to challenge myself and experience a new culture.
As a railway enthusiast, Tokyo feels like a dream destination. I enjoy exploring train stations and observing their architecture, and I am always amazed by how organized the railway system is in such a vibrant city. Academically, I am interested in programming, environmental engineering, and earth sciences. Outside of class, I sing bass in the A Capella Circle Ajiwai and practice piano in the Platanus Piano Circle. I also enjoy learning languages, as each language offers a new way to understand the world.
Science Tokyo’s diverse community has expanded my horizons through learning different cultures and mindsets. Through its diverse community and extracurricular activities, Science Tokyo has helped me grow personally as well as academically. I look forward to sharing both my academic and social experiences about student life at Science Tokyo and in Japan!

Heya! I’m Juho, originally from Helsinki, the capital of Finland. I’m a second-year master’s student in the Global Engineering for Development, Environment, and Society (GEDES) program, where I conduct research about satellite-based urban flood detection.
During the third year of my bachelor’s degree at a Finnish university, I did a half-year exchange at Science Tokyo in the YSEP program. This experience really opened my eyes to what studying and life can look like outside of my home country. I realized I could actually be a part of a lab and work on a research project that creates new value for the world. The choice was clear then — I was coming back to Science Tokyo!
Now, as a huge bonus, I also get to live in one of the best food cities in the world and play football with friends from Science Tokyo and beyond! I love answering questions and giving restaurant tips, so don’t hesitate to reach out about anything!

Hey there! I’m Mohammadmahdi Rezaei, but you can just call me Moha! Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, I’ve come all the way to Science Tokyo to pursue my PhD in Energy Systems Engineering at the Tokimatsu Lab. My research focuses on designing sustainable energy systems, but beyond academics, I thrive on creativity, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections. Whether I’m planning energy scenarios or brainstorming ideas for a fun Friday night, I love tackling challenges with an open mind. Moving to Japan has been a journey full of new experiences, discoveries, and personal growth. Life here on my campus is more than just studying — it’s about exploring, learning, and creating unforgettable memories. When I’m not working on research, you’ll find me immersed in nature, discovering Tokyo’s hidden gems, or enjoying music in peaceful spots. I’m always up for discussing tech, exchanging ideas, or reading nature’s stories among the trees of Suzukakedai Campus. Let’s connect, learn from each other, and make the most of our time at Science Tokyo!

Hey all, Jet here! I am a 2021 MEXT Undergraduate Scholar from Thailand. I am currently a graduate student in Mechanical Engineering. My research focuses on Autonomous Driving and local path planning. My interests span various fields, from sports like rock climbing and table tennis to software development, robotics, and startups. Speaking of startups, I had the opportunity to join Japan’s Venture Academy (JVA) boot camp, where I built skills and developed self-efficacy while collaborating with ambitious students from diverse backgrounds. Beyond academics and entrepreneurship, I have a deep love for reading—fiction, non-fiction, or self-improvement books. One book that profoundly impacted my perspective on life is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It taught me the meaning of life, the value of adventures, and the importance of friendships.
As a student ambassador, I’m excited to share my experiences building self-efficacy and, hopefully, support you on your journey!

Hi, I’m Vinnie from Indonesia — a first-year master’s student in the Department of Life Science and Technology. Outside the lab, I love connecting with people through language and cultural exchange. Being an international student in Japan has given me the chance to meet people from all over the world. Over the years, I’ve picked up Indonesian, English, Mandarin and Japanese. I also work as a Teaching Assistant at Nihongo Space, so if you ever want to practice Japanese conversation, feel free to stop by the international student lounge!
As the leader of the Science Tokyo International Student Association (S-TISA) communication department, I help organize events like the Welcome Party for new students, creating opportunities for international and Japanese students to connect. Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging, and I hope to share my experiences to help make campus life easier and more fun for everyone.
Looking forward to meeting you and making Science Tokyo an even more welcoming place!

Hello! I am Rachel, currently a master’s student at the School of Life and Science and Technology. I am from Mumbai, India. I would describe myself as a multi-hobbyist (a word I made up). I have many hobbies, which I try to manage along with my academic life at Science Tokyo. I also like deep diving into various rabbit holes I find on the internet and discussing books, movies and TV shows — both Japanese and English.
Studying abroad in Japan has come with its challenges, but I have always come out a better and more competent individual on the other end. That being said, it has also been a wonderful and enriching experience, providing me with new skills, friendships, and a different perspective towards life. As a fourth-year student, I am working on my independent research project, studying cancer cells. I hope to contribute to both the Science Tokyo community and student communities with my work. Cheers!