AZZA Hanif Harisna | RITSUMEIKAN UNIVERSITY Graduate School of Life Sciences

People

AZZA Hanif Harisna

Indonesia Doctoral Program Graduate Researcher: Nano Center Indonesia (as of 2021)

Q1Tell us about your research theme.: I have been doing research and studying in the pharmacology laboratory under the guidance of Prof Hidekazu Tanaka. We focus on observing the relationship between the adhesion of synaptic membranes and synaptic physiology in the CNS. How Cadherin mediates adhesion between pre- and post- synaptic membranes is not well understood. I am interested in playing with protocadherin 8, a member of the Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs) expressed in hippocampal synaptic junctions. I am looking for the exact function of protocadherin 8 in hippocampal synaptic junction plasticity using long-term potential treatment with the aim to find out whether protocadherin 8 plays out its own essential roles once synapse specification is achieved like its role during neuronal development.

Q2Why did you choose to study at Ritsumeikan University?: My former supervisor at Brawijaya University offered me the opportunity and I was interested in the project so I applied.

Q3What is your favorite thing about Ritsumeikan University?: I like the environment here. The town is quite small which has huge benefits for studying. This makes it easy to form strong friendships, not only with foreign students but also Japanese students. Biwako-Kusatsu Campus is only about 20 minutes by train from Kyoto City, so it is easy for getting lost a while and seeing Japan’s historical places. Moreover, the collegiate system is unique and supports me in both my future career and life in Japan. It feels like an extended family to me.

Q4Why would you recommend studying at Ritsumeikan University to another scholar?: Ritsumeikan University will give you both an international environment and chance to do cutting-edge research. Many foreigners come to the university for studying, whether for a short-term or long-term period. Furthermore there are many activities for international students that bring together students from all of the faculties and allow you to expand your international relationships. All of the professors are experts in their field and are among the best in Japan. Working so dynamically in the basic sciences will allow you to develop your skills and advance your career.

Q5Were you worried about your new life at Ritsumeikan University before your arrival? If so, how did your worries change after arriving?: Of course I was. There were many things that I was worried about. I knew nothing about Japanese language or culture. Even more, I focused in biotechnology when I pursued my undergraduate studies and now I am studying biomedical science. It was tough for me. Fortunately, I have the best supervisor and lab members who are willing to help me with anything I need. I have started studying Japanese to gradually improve my language ability and understand the basics of my research theme. I clearly remember in my third month being here, I felt homesick. My supervisor found out and asked me to talk about anything, whenever. My colleagues were also aware of it and being more attentive to me. My supervisor said that the most important thing is that I am happy living in Japan. They made me realize that we (foreigners) are not strangers, but family.

Q6How do you think your experience at Ritsumeikan University will help you achieve your goals?: I believe my experiences here will help me enormously in reaching my goals. It has given me research skills, interpersonal expertise and the ability to manage time efficiently. The international environment has strengthened my international relationships and made me more competitive for more extensive research. I love the fact that Ritsumeikan University has a unique system for guiding me to pursue my career goals.