![](\"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/fsci\/assets\/uploads\/2017\/08\/CHANG-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Name
\nCHANG Chia Jung
\n<\/strong><\/li>\n- Country\/ Region of Citizenship
\nTaiwan
\n<\/strong><\/li>\n- Graduated from
\nNational Ping Tung Uiversity of Science & Technology<\/strong><\/li>\n- Department
\nDepartment of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (Doctoral)
\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPrivately-financed Student (nominated the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students)
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
How did you find out about Waseda University? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
One year ago, I attended a lecture at the University of Tsukuba, and the guest speaker was my current supervisor.\u00a0 He is a faculty member of the Waseda-NIMS Graduate Program.\u00a0 He introduced the details of this program and encouraged me to apply for admission to that program.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Why did you choose Waseda University?<\/h3>\n
Waseda University is a well-known university in Japan, which has a high score in the World University Rankings.\u00a0 Waseda University has also signed 56 agreements with Taiwanese institutions, so everybody in Taiwan knows \u201cWaseda\u201d.\u00a0 In addition, Waseda University provides an excellent environment for education, research, and general support for students that I really desired, so I decided to apply for the doctoral program.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How did you get information for our program?<\/h3>\n
I received information about the doctoral program via the admissions office and the Waseda University website.\u00a0 Then I was given further information about the Waseda-NIMS Graduate Program from my professor and NIMS staffs.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Did you have any concerns before coming to Japan?
![](\"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/fsci\/assets\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IMG_0863-610x813.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\nYes.\u00a0 Before my Ph.D. studies, I had lived in Japan for two years, and I realized that the cost of living in Japan is a little bit too high.\u00a0 I was worried about whether or not I could pay tuition fees, room rent, and living expenses.\u00a0 Thankfully, I got the Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for the first year of studies.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Have you had any difficulties when you started a new life here?<\/h3>\n
Yes, but not much.\u00a0 My Japanese is pretty limited, and it was difficult to communicate with the real estate agency when looking for an apartment.\u00a0 Fortunately, my supervisor and our group secretary provided lots of support to me and solved these difficult situations.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How is your life in Japan and Waseda?<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/fsci\/assets\/uploads\/2017\/08\/CHANG-2-610x813.jpg\")
<\/a>I spend most of time for my research work at NIMS (Tsukuba city).\u00a0 Since my doctoral program started, I have been quite busy.\u00a0 However, the life in Tsukuba is comfortable, convenient, and secure.\u00a0 The citizens here are very friendly and polite.<\/p>\nI love Japanese food because it is clean, healthy, and light, which is similar to that in my country.\u00a0 I really enjoy my life here and study hard to fit in and feel at home.<\/p>\n
I always look forward to going to Waseda once every month and enjoy the fresh and comfortable learning atmosphere.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
What do you do in your free time?<\/h3>\n
I usually try to take Sunday off because Sunday is the sabbath day for Christians to worship God.\u00a0 In addition, I love to learn about Japanese culture, history, and traditions.\u00a0 Japan is a very beautiful country, and I hope to visit much stunning scenery in Japan, especially historical sites.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
How are the relationships with your supervisor and lab members?<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.waseda.jp\/fsci\/assets\/uploads\/2017\/08\/IMG_6105-610x813.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMy supervisor is very kind and cares about us.\u00a0 All my lab members are very friendly and helpful.\u00a0 Sometimes we have lunch or dinner together to share our daily experiences.\u00a0 I really appreciate it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Outline of the research<\/h3>\n
Our team studies the cellular functions of nanobiomaterials.\u00a0 It is known that in vivo<\/em> experiments require high cost, a large number of animals, long term analyses, and high repetition due to individual animal deviation.\u00a0 An in vitro<\/em> disease model is necessary and prerequisite to replace in vivo<\/em> animal models.\u00a0 My current research is focused on two steps: 1) to establish an in vitro <\/em>model mimicking the disease environment with nano-patterned scaffold; 2) to investigate cell behavior and cell-surface interaction by culturing cells in this model.\u00a0 On the basis of the obtainable data, the technique of developing an artificial biological scaffold similar to the in vivo<\/em> disease environment can be expected to facilitate future medical application.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
What is your career goal after your degree completion?<\/h3>\n
My long-term objective is to seek a career in the research and development department of an industrial company.\u00a0 After completing the Ph.D. program, I would consider joining a postdoctoral fellowship either in Japan or another country (including my country) for 2-3 years and then seek an appropriate position in industry.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Short message to the prospective students<\/h3>\n
in English<\/h4>\n
Studying abroad is very cool, but it can be really hard.<\/p>\n
International students may face some challenges such as financial burden, culture shock, and language barrier as well as feeling like an outsider.\u00a0 Fortunately, because of the special relationship between Japan and Taiwan, these above-mentioned problems should be reduced.\u00a0 Waseda University provides a holistic environment of education, research, and general support for students. So, don\u2019t be anxious.<\/p>\n
If there are any chances, get on your feet and step outside to see the world.\u00a0 \u201cStep out\u201d, and you will become stronger and stronger.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
in Mandarin<\/h4>\n
- Country\/ Region of Citizenship