Messages from Alumni
■ Tomoyuki Iori, Assistant Professor, Osaka University
(PhD, March 2021)
In my undergraduate years, I did my graduation research related to systems theory in another laboratory. As I delved into the theoretical aspects of the subject, such as proofs of theorems, I came to find algebra interesting. When I entered graduate school, I planned to find a job in the industry after the two years of my master's course. So, I wanted to do research that I could only do at university, which motivated me to choose Ohtsuka Laboratory. After that, I was hooked on the fun of research and continued to the doctoral program.
In graduate school, I worked on improving the efficiency and accuracy of control algorithms by combining numerical computation with algebra-based symbolic computation. I also worked on deriving a new method for exactly handling limit operations in penalty function methods from the viewpoint of algebraic geometry. Although my research theme was different from those of other students, I was encouraged by discussions with other students while understanding each other's research through meetings in the laboratory. I was supported in all aspects of my research, and at the same time, I was free to do what I wanted with my research and my personal life, which suited me well. I went out with other students when I felt like it, and I did not have to force myself to fit in with others.
It is important to know the fun of research at university, even though research is necessary for a degree. In Ohtsuka laboratory, the professors enjoy their research, which motivates the students. I recommend this laboratory to anyone who wants to know the joy of research and pursuing one's own interests, which is different from solving assignments in lectures or examinations.
■ Yuga Okada, Toyota Motor Corporation
(Master, March 2020)
I became interested in control engineering through laboratory experiments in my undergraduate years. Consequently, I chose Ohtsuka Laboratory for my graduation research because it is involved in controlling various mechanical systems such as drones and robots. During my graduation research and master's course, I worked on controlling a floating offshore wind turbine in collaboration with the National Maritime Research Institute. I proposed nonlinear model predictive control based on a new mathematical model and validated its control performance in a detailed simulator.
Through my research, I learned state-of-the-art control methods and a wide range of engineering fields, including fluid and structural engineering. We studied various practical control applications and mathematical control theory in the laboratory, and we also had active study groups. So, I was able to learn a lot about control engineering. I was pleased to have a high degree of freedom in conducting my research, and I was stimulated by diverse and talented colleagues, including international students and doctoral students. Ohtsuka Laboratory was an excellent environment with a lot of software and experimental equipment. Moreover, Prof. Ohtsuka supported me firmly when I prepared for my presentation at an international conference and wrote a manuscript for an English journal. The training in English writing has been helpful for overseas collaborations in my present job.
Ohtsuka Laboratory is an environment where you can learn control engineering widely and deeply. The professors are gentle and sometimes strict, and they support students with their great expertise. I strongly recommend Ohtsuka Laboratory to anyone interested in control engineering.
■ Tsuyoshi Yuno, Assistant Professor, Kyushu University
(PhD, March 2015, Osaka University)
While learning mechanical engineering at undergraduate course at another university, my interest in control engineering and mathematics increased. I felt that algebra was particularly interesting and wanted to pursue control theory using algebra. As a result of looking for a laboratory where I can do such research, I joined Ohtsuka Laboratory at Osaka University at that time.
At the graduate school, I conducted a research to find control problems that can be solved using algebra such as commutative ring theory, and got a doctorate. At Ohtsuka Laboratory I was able to pursue research subjects freely according to my own interests. Prof. Ohtsuka encouraged me to pursue my own ideas, and at the same time I got appropriate feedback and guidance toward correct directions of research.
Currently, when teaching students as a faculty member, my experience at Ohtsuka Laboratory is useful in various situations, such as how to have meetings and discussions with students. Ohtsuka Laboratory is certainly an environment that you can grow while pursuing your own interests. I would like you to make use of that environment for everyone joining the laboratory.
The contributors' affiliations are as of their contributions.