Interview to International Student - Bullen Alexander

Q1 Where are you from, and when did you come to UTokyo?

I come from the US. I became a student of UTokyo in September of 2021, but I was not able to come to Japan until April of 2022 because of COVID-19.

Q2 What scholarship/fellowship programs support your graduate research?

I am part of the GSGC program, and a scholarship is provided to cover my living expenses.

Q3 Please shortly explain your research project.

My research project is utilizing nanopore technology to detect extracellular nanoparticles, specifically exosomes and exomeres. These particles play a key role in cancer metastasis, as they create the pre-metastatic niche for new tumors to grow. The overall goal of the research is to see if we can detect these nanoparticles using the nanopore system, while also being able to distinguish typical nanoparticles apart from those produced by cancer cells. If successful, this technology could be developed into a fast and efficient screening method for cancer detection and cancer monitoring.

Q4 What is your future plan after graduation?

I think I will work in the industry at first in order to gain more experience in other topics before potentially returning to academia. Right now, my research interests are focused on improving healthcare. During my undergraduate, I participated in research involving bacteriophages that could be used as alternatives to antibiotics, and now I am investigating the nanoparticles involved in cancer metastasis here at UTokyo. I think I would like to continue participating in this type of research, and where I decide to go will depend on the opportunities available to me. In terms of where I will go after graduation, I think I would like to either return to the US or stay in Japan.

Q5 How is your life in Tokyo and UTokyo?

Tokyo is really different compared to where I live in America, but it is a very easy place to adapt to. The public transportation is very efficient and convenient to use. The city has so many things to do and see, so I never have to worry about being bored. I am still exploring the UTokyo campus, since most of my courses have been online because of the pandemic, but the professors have all been very kind and offer support for international students.

Q6 What do you usually do outside of research? (e.g. hobby, sports..)

Outside of research, I enjoy spending time cooking in my apartment. It is a good way to save money and it’s quite relaxing. I also play online games with my family and friends back in the US to stay connected. I also enjoy going out with friends, karaoke, and planning trips to explore Japan and abroad.

Q7 Messages to prospective graduate students

It is a good idea to contact the laboratory that you are interested in before you begin the application process. Learning about the technology and current ongoing projects of the laboratory early on will help you develop a research idea without needing to feel rushed by the application deadline. Additionally, try reaching out to some of the members of the laboratory if possible, and ask about what the lab culture is like, what type of social events there are, etc. All this extra work will help you find the lab that is best fit for you!

Q8 What is your favorite thing about the UTokyo campus?

I really like the number of trees and greenery on Hongo campus. The university is in the center of Tokyo, and I was not expecting the campus to have a small park with a pond. It does not feel like you are in the middle of the city when walking through there, so I would recommend checking it out! Overall, the plants help make the campus feel relaxing and calm, which I can appreciate after a long commute to the university.