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Jun Nagai
Obtained doctorate from Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering in September

In February 2014, second year doctoral student Jun Nagai discovered a protein that impedes nerve regeneration after spinal cord injuries. His paper was published in the scientific journal “Scientific Reports” (Nature Publishing Group). The research is expected to greatly contribute to the development of neuroregenerative medicine and was reported on by The Nikkei and other media outlets. In no time, Nagai received a wave of inquiries from the media as well as requests from organizations to deliver lectures on his research.

Nagai grew up with a relative afflicted with a brain disorder. He came to question, “How can a little change in neurological development cause such a disorder?” Nagai originally intended to become a doctor but after graduating from Waseda Senior High School he became one of the first students to enter the School of Advanced Science and Engineering’s Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience. He entered in order to study methods of curing neurological disorders.

In September 2015, Nagai completed his doctorate program six months early and from next spring will work as a visiting researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He intends to widen his research to include new fields such as a type of imaging that examines brain cells known as live cell imaging. Looking fondly at other students, Nagai says, “Teachers and students at Waseda provided me with a lot of opportunities. If you challenge yourself you can accomplish something big here that would be impossible to do on your own.”

Jun Nagai

Originally from Chiba prefecture, Nagai graduated　from Waseda Senior High School. He is enrolled in　the Department of Life Science and Medical　Bioscience of the School of Advanced Science and　Engineering and is affiliated with the Toshio　Ohshima lab. In his undergraduate years, he served　as the Secretary General of the university circle “Waseda Piano Society.” He dreamed of becoming a pianist when he was little and still performs to this day. Nagai’s friend runs a bar called the “Science Bar Incubator” where patrons can drink alcoholic beverages from laboratory instruments. At this bar he gives fun and easy-to-understand science lectures, sometimes by comparing technical papers to Star Wars characters.

Related article: Newly identified protein expected to help with spinal cord injury treatment