2024年3月 アーカイブ

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the operations of STEPs were significantly constrained, leading to changes in the training venues to domestic universities. Within this context, Alumni, the alumni association of STEPs, was temporarily suspended to prevent the spread of infection. Alumni played a crucial role in expanding the STEPs network by facilitating interactions between past supervising faculty, graduated STEPs members, and current members. Losing the opportunity for STEPs alumni to stay engaged after graduating from university is indeed regrettable.
 

However, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has gradually diminished from the fiscal year 2023 onwards, activities within STEPs have started to resume, including the resumption of overseas training. As the scope of activities widens, there has been growing momentum for the revival of the Alumni association. Consequently, on August 11th in the 5th year of Reiwa (corresponding to 2023), after a hiatus of four years, Alumni was successfully organized. This year, esteemed faculty members of STEPs, including Dean Kazuhiko Toyoda from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Associate Professor Khan, Honorary Professor Yukio Hayashida, and Director Takanori Watanabe, along with administrative staff who had been involved in the management of STEPs over the years, and alumni who had graduated from STEPs, participated in the event. The event commenced with greetings from Honorary Professor Hayashida and Dean Toyoda, followed by candid discussions among faculty members, staff, alumni, and current STEPs members regarding recent and past activities of STEPs, as well as updates on the graduates' current situations. After alumni shared their sentiments about their experiences in STEPs activities, Associate Professor Khan, Director Watanabe, and Dean Toyoda delivered their speeches, concluding the event with remarks from Dean Toyoda.
 

We are confident that this Alumni gathering has significantly strengthened the bonds among STEPs affiliates and proved to be highly meaningful. Looking ahead, we aim to further expand the scope of activities, including Alumni, to ensure the continuous development of STEPs. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated and supported this Alumni event. We sincerely hope for your continued support and cooperation with STEPs.

Warm regards,
 

Shota Yamashita Leader, 13th Term of STEPs

This year's overseas training took us beyond Asia for the first time since the establishment of STEPs, as we visited Australia from August 25th to August 31st, 2023. Australia, distinct from countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, is known for its unique English pronunciation. Despite initial confusion, living in Australia allowed us to immerse ourselves in the culture and interact with its people, making this training exceptionally meaningful.
 

Now, let me introduce the itinerary of the training. On the 25th and 26th, we explored the Brisbane area, experiencing Australian lifestyle through local meals, shopping, and engaging in English conversations with the locals. On the 27th, we were guided around Toowoomba, the location of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), by students and faculty. We visited the Cobb Museum to learn about the historical culture of the indigenous Aboriginal people and explored the Queens Park Botanic Gardens, experiencing Australian culture and its unique natural environment. On the 28th, we visited USQ, attending lectures on material mechanics alongside USQ students, dining at the student cafeteria, and touring engineering labs such as those for robotics, fluid dynamics, and motor remote control. Additionally, on the 29th, we visited the Future Materials Research Lab, where advanced research on materials like carbon nanotubes was introduced. Later, on the 30th, we moved to Brisbane, where we toured Griffith University's campus and presented research on financial engineering utilizing AI-driven article analysis techniques.
 

This training marked our first visit to an English-speaking country since the establishment of STEPs. The sense of achievement and joy among STEPs members in successfully communicating with native English speakers was immense. Undoubtedly, this experience served as a valuable opportunity to break down the psychological barrier of speaking English and gain confidence.
 

Thirteen STEPs members participated in the training, along with Professor Toyoda, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Associate Professor Khan, the advisor, and administrative staff member Koga. I would like to express our gratitude to everyone who supported this training.
 

Shota Yamashita