From Republic of the Philippines
- Name
REDO Mark Anthony Bolivar - Country/ Region of Citizenship
Republic of the Philippines
- Graduated from
University of the Philippines - Department
Department of Applied Mechanics (Doctoral)
Privately Financed International Students
How did you find out about Waseda University?
It was through my current supervisor whom I met first in the International Conference on Multi-phase Flows in Jeju, Korea year 2013. My master’s degree research adviser from the University of the Philippines introduced me to him as they have good relationship working on the same field. I found out that he is a professor in Waseda University and he is handling a laboratory.
Why did you choose Waseda University?
I researched about Waseda University after hearing it as my professor’s affiliation and found out the good status of the university in terms of research. Furthermore, after the first encounter, he had been going to our university and did short lectures and an overview of their researches on heat pump systems, with optimizations and innovations towards a more energy-efficient and environment-friendly systems which attracted my interest. My research adviser in the Philippines eventually recommended me to the professor and to Waseda University to pursue Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.
How did you get information for our program?
My master’s research adviser and the current supervisor gave me the background of the graduate program. I also got further information from the website of Waseda University.
Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?
Yes, but not very serious concerns. Just some worries about how it is studying and living alone in a foreign country.
Have you had any difficulties when you started a new life here?
Yes. First, the language barrier made me hard to deal with local people with my daily needs. Buying stuff, important transactions and asking for places and directions are just some. Second, I got very homesick, missing my family and friends back home.
How is your life in Japan and Waseda?
It is better now, I am really enjoying my stay. The language barrier has challenged me to adapt on the situation by learning some Japanese basic words, phrases and sentences that are useful enough. I could also say that I have overcame the homesickness. It has taught me to be stronger and to be more independent. I truly appreciate newly found friends in the University and Japan in general. Moreover, I am so privileged to spending most of my time in supervisor’s lab doing my research interests.
What do you do in your free time?
If I get a free time, I hang out with my friends, biking, sight-seeing and experiencing the beauty of Japan. The wonderful places, variety of foods and fascinating culture are so awesome to know and experience. I also joined the Association of Filipino Students in Japan (AFSJ) and attend the events. It is so much fun meeting other Filipino students on various study fields in different universities in Japan. I am so at home talking to them in our native language, eating Philippine foods, sharing our own stories here, and laughing really hard together.
How are the relationships with your supervisor and lab members?
My supervisor is very friendly and approachable. Despite of his busy schedules, he ensures that everything is going well with us. Both our research activities and our living in Japan. His cheerfulness and positivity are very contagious. The other professors, staffs, researchers and members of the lab can speak English well, so I don’t have hard time communicating with them. They are all very nice in their own ways. My co-Ph.D. students who are in higher years are very helpful and supportive too.
Outline of the research
My research focus is the two-phase flow distribution in a microchannel heat exchanger. Conventionally used finned tube heat exchangers have inherent problems such as low thermal performance and higher pressure drop, contributing to less efficient system. Brazed aluminum or parallel flow heat exchanger has been recently developed offering the advantage of having a higher heat transfer coefficient on the air-side apart from its compact size. However, due to the separation of vapor and liquid flow within the header, uneven distribution within the branching parallel flat tubes occurs. The consequence of this is a poor heat transfer resulting from dry-outs on some of the tube channels during evaporation, while high liquid loading during condensation.
Understanding of two-phase flow distribution is therefore highly essential. Optimum design of the parallel flow heat exchanger will be sought out on the study taking into account the important factors affecting the distribution like geometric structure, operating conditions and fluid properties. On the latter, correlations will be developed and suggested along with good distribution method.
What is your career goal after your degree completion?
No concrete plan yet. I will try to find work opportunities here in Japan to further strengthen my expertise while mutually contributing to the company’s goals. However, in due time, I still want to go back and serve my country.
Short message to the prospective students
in English
Waseda University is one of the leading universities in Japan, having a good reputation in terms of academic research in science and engineering and also in diversified fields. It has collaborations with industries on their researches and has partnerships with international universities. It also has high number of international students which speaks for its attractive academic standards and excellence. Not to mention, the University is located in Tokyo with good transportation networks; a clean and safe city as well.
On a personal note, there would surely be challenges when you decide living in Japan like everyone had and has. But I could say that they are nothing compared to the reward of the experience. See you!
in Filipino
Ang Waseda University ay isa sa mga nangungunang pamantasan sa Japan na may magandang reputasyon sa larangan ng akademikong pananaliksik sa agham at inhenyeriya, subalit gayundin sa iba-t iba pang mga larangan. Ito ay may kolaborasyon at nakikipagtulungan sa mga industriya upang mapaunlad ang serbisyo at produkto mula sa siyentipikong perspektibo. May mabuting ugnayan din ito sa mga unibersidad sa labas ng bansa. Ang malaking bilang ng estudyanteng internasyonal ay simbolo ng kaakit-akit na akademikong pamantayan at kahusayan. Bukod pa rito, ang pamantasan ay nasa Tokyo na may mainam na transportasyon, malinis at ligtas na lungsod.
Sa isang personal na pananaw, paniguradong may mga hamong kaakibat ng desisyong mamuhay sa Japan katulad ng naranasan at nararanasan ng bawat isa. Subalit masasabi kong maliit na mga bagay ito kumpara sa gantimpala ng karanasan. Kita-kits!
