I am conducting research on the origin of life using geochemical and organic chemical approaches. It is believed that the first life forms existed on Earth around 3.5 to 4 billion years ago based on geological evidence. However, it remains a mystery how the building blocks of life were supplied and generated on early Earth before life emerged. One of the keys to solving this problem is meteorites. A wide variety of organic compounds such as amino acids, nucleobases, and sugars, have been detected in carbonaceous meteorites, strongly suggesting that these meteorites could have delivered the ingredients for life to the early Earth. I would like to quantitatively analyze the sugars found in various meteorites to deepen our understanding of the processes of organic matter formation inside the parent asteroids. I am also conducting simulated experiments of organic matter formation that could plausibly occur inside asteroids. Through these experiments and by studying natural samples, I aim to elucidate the organic reaction processes.
I have loved dinosaurs since I was little, and since that time, I had a vague desire to unravel the mysteries of the Earth. Why did such mysterious creatures exist on the same planet where I am now living? That sense of wonder has remained unchanged even now. Furthermore, when I was in high school, I encountered a book on the origin of life by chance and gradually became interested in the world long before dinosaurs were born where the first tiny bacteria were form. Later, I read in a newspaper article that a researcher at Tohoku University detected sugars, key compounds of RNA, in meteorites for the first in the world! I was thrilled by the discovery and decided to study Earth Science at Tohoku University. Immediately after entering the university, I went to talk to Dr. Furukawa, the researcher in the article, and decided to join his lab.
Earth science is an interesting discipline that integrates various sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology. The research subjects are also diverse, ranging from geology, volcanology, paleontology, and astronomy to oceanography, with the major goal of understanding unexplained natural phenomena. Although high school students may not be very familiar with Earth science, I hope to spark even a little interest in them through these promotional activities and my own research results.
Regardless of the Earth science major, the Faculty of Science at Tohoku University is an environment where you can meet many faculty members, colleagues, and seniors who will help you grow. I feel that having people around who can share the joy of learning is very important in university life. I hope that all of you will cherish your curiosity and spirit of inquiry, and that you will be able to have a fulfilling university life in the future.