International Project 　【USA】
Old Dominion University
Takashi Matsumae　[D2]
(Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Precision Engineering)

　 I was the first student to choose a joint research in the framework of the GSDM International Project, carrying out a project aimed at developing a new semiconductor technology. I was kindly hosted by the Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia, US), where I worked on combining locally developed designs with those of the University of Tokyo. For my work there I received a young research award at a famous international conference in semiconductor science, thanks to the result of this joint research.
　 During my stay, I truly learned that “knowledge is power”. Despite my somewhat limited English proficiency, everyone paid attention to my opinion on the basis of expertise exchange. I also realised that scientific research at the University of Tokyo is cutting-edge even when compared to top American universities, something that Japanese people tend to underestimate, but we should be proud of.
　 Another lesson I learned through the program is the inherent difficulty in combining two different ideas, although this may have a large potential. My mission was to accomplish a joint research between two universities. For its success, deep familiarity with research work carried out in Japan and in the US was required. In addition, I needed to study unfamiliar fields in order to bridge them. Although this mission was extremely challenging, I learned that it is possible to achieve breakthroughs by looking for linkages, and by connecting the dots in different programs.
　 I have two suggestions for fellow GSDM students (in particular those who are planning to do experiments in research institutions overseas).
　 First, acquiring a visa to study in a US university is easy, but it is quite difficult to work in national institutions and private companies. This is because the U.S. immigration office issues visas for educational purposes relatively easy, but on the other hand, they rarely issue them for employment (or business) purpose. If you want to stay at a company or a national institute, discuss your stay with your host at least a year beforehand, or ask a friendly university near your destination.
　 Second, you should make detailed research plans, and hopefully share it with your host beforehand. Numerous circumstances turned out to be quite different from what I expected. For instance, safety training took a whole month, and every preparation took more time than I expected. I recommend you to check what you can achieve individually at your host institution, and make detailed research plans.
　 Finally, I greatly appreciated the precious support I received from my supervisor Prof. Tadatomo Suga, from my host-father Prof. Helmut Baumgart, from the officer in charge of my stay Professor Hisashi Yoshikawa, and all GSDM staff.