OIST NetCafé Online Information Session in August 2026 (English)

This session will be conducted in English. The program will start off with OIST general introduction and PhD & Research Internship admission process. During the session, two OIST PhD students will share their PhD experiences and present their research projects.

Speakers

Sharon Babar (PhD student at the Synapse Biology Unit)

I come from Pakistan's Christian community, a religious minority that remains underrepresented in many areas of society, including higher education. I am proud to be among the first individuals from my community to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience and to serve as a source of guidance and encouragement for younger students who aspire to follow a similar path. I completed my B.Sc. (Hons.) in Biochemistry at Government College University Faisalabad.

During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to undertake an internship at OIST under the supervision of Dr. Akihiro Kusumi. The experience introduced me to an international and interdisciplinary research environment that inspired me to later join OIST's Ph.D. program. I am currently entering my fourth year as a neuroscience Ph.D. student in Prof. Yukiko Goda's lab (Synapse Biology Unit), where I study the protein interactome of astrocytic NMDA receptors.

Through this work, I hope to contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Outside the laboratory, I enjoy karaoke, board games, reading novels, cooking, and organizing social gatherings with friends. I always enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and learning about their experiences and cultures.

Tuan Duc Hoang (PhD student at the Quantum Systems Unit)

I’m Duc, a PhD student from Viet Nam. After finishing my bachelor’s degree in my home country, I moved to Okinawa to join an internship at OIST in the Quantum Systems Unit (Prof. Thomas Busch). There, I was introduced to ultracold atoms and quantum thermodynamics, and I worked on a project involving hybrid quantum algorithms for maximizing energy extraction in quantum battery models. After the internship, I decided to continue my journey at OIST as a PhD student in the same unit. Currently, my research focuses on using ultracold atoms for energy charging, storage, and transfer in quantum batteries. Outside of research, I enjoy swimming and snorkeling in Okinawa’s beautiful ocean, as well as exploring local food and dessert spots.

Targeted Audiences

Anyone interested in PhD and Research Internship at OIST

Event Details & Registration

https://www.oist.jp/admissions/events/oist-cafe

Contact

OIST Graduate School - Admissions and Recruitment Section

admissions@oist.jp