Members

Orie Arakawa, Technician
Email: orie.arakawa at oist.jp

I am originally from Okinawa and I am very honored to be working in this wonderful place in my home Okinawa. I have worked on chromosome segregation using yeast as a technician, and I have been fascinated by the “cells” that compose all living things. I am excited to start as a member of Meitinger Unit and to learn something new about cells. Personally, I like bird watching and sleeping, and I am especially happy to spend time with my husband and newborn daughter.

Sharon Babar, Ph.D. Rotation Student (January 4, 2024-)
Email: s.babar at oist.jp

I have done my B.Sc. Honors in Biochemistry from GCUF. OIST has bestowed me a wonderful opportunity of working among a vibrant scientific community, nurture my intellectual curiosity and make meaningful contributions to the field of science as a graduate student. I am thrilled to commence my rotation in the Cell Proliferation and Gene Editing Unit, where I look forward to delving into the intricate mechanisms of cell proliferation and cancer biology under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Franz Meitinger. Cancer stands as a prominent global cause of death, imposing a significant burden on individuals, families, and communities. I am interested in the biotherapeutics which have the potential to revolutionize the pharmaceutical landscape in addressing this formidable challenge. Furthermore, the serene beauty and tranquil surroundings of Okinawa have transformed my study experience here into a peaceful and enjoyable one.

Md Hazrat Belal, Post-Doctoral Researcher
Email: md.belal at oist.jp

Hi everyone! My name is Belal; I was born in Bangladesh. I completed my undergraduate and master's degrees in Biochemistry at Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. I acquired my Ph.D. degree in medical science from Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan, in 2021. I then continued the research for another year at the same university, in Prof. Saitsu lab, before joining the Cell Proliferation and Gene Editing Unit of Prof. Franz Meitinger lab at OIST in November 2022. I have a massive interest in the molecular biology of human genetic diseases, particularly in analyzing how altered molecular pathways contribute to disease causation. In my PhD research, I was working to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders that are caused by gene mutation. Here in Dr. Meitinger lab,I will study cell and cancer biology with a focus on mechanisms that control cell proliferation and maintain genome stability. This is my first   time in Okinawa! I am really enjoying my stay here in Okinawa. I desire to explore Okinawa's stunning beauty with my wife and our expecting child.

Junho Lee, Ph.D. Student
Email: junho.lee at oist.jp

Hi, my name is Jun. I am originally from Korea, but I have been living in Japan for 18 years. I was studying in Osaka before coming to OIST. Both my undergraduate and master’s thesis at Osaka University were regarding the genome instability of a mammalian cell line that is used in monoclonal antibodies production. I am very interested in the biopharmaceutical area, and I came to OIST to learn new knowledge that can lead to the area. Especially I am fascinated by cancer research, which I believe is one of the most essential fundamental research areas for the conventional and the future Biopharmacology. Thus, I am very excited to continue research for my PhD thesis in Cell Proliferation and Gene Editing Unit to learn about the cell proliferation and cancer biology. I am really enjoying and am excited about my life in Okinawa! I love to play all kinds of sports, to explore new places, and to try new food with my wife.

Esther Ng, Post-Doctoral Researcher
Email: feng.esther at oist.jp

I am originally from Malaysia and have been living in Japan for a little more than 4 years now. This is my first time in Okinawa! Exploring new places is one of my hobbies so I am looking forward to what Okinawa has to offer. My previous research revolves around the proliferation and migration of tongue cancer cells. I finished my PhD recently in September 2022 and I am very excited to start my new research journey here at Meitinger Unit in OIST, and learn all about gene editing!

Hitomi Ohtaki, Research Unit Administrator
Email: hitomi.ohtaki at oist.jp

I am originally from Chiba Prefecture and have lived in Okinawa for a little over 10 years. I have been working at OIST as a Research Unit Administrator (RUA) for almost all of that time. I love this job supporting the administrative part of the laboratory and am very excited to be a member of the Meitinger Unit. I enjoy eating, drinking, and traveling in my spare time.

Carmen Sparr, Technician
Email: carmen.sparr at oist.jp

I am from Austria and finished my master’s recently in October 2022. My master thesis project revolved around synthetic lethal effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells. I’m excited to join the Meitinger Unit at OIST and learn more about the molecular mechanisms of cell division in normal and cancer cells and gene editing. It is my first time in Japan, so I’m looking forward to exploring Okinawa and the mainland and discover many beautiful places/eat delicious food. Personally, I like hiking, skiing, playing volleyball and reading.