3月25日、うちの研究室から修士3名、学部生2名が旅立ちました。みんな本当によく頑張った！
修士の3人は、2名が新日鉄へ、もう1人は異分野でのキャリアをスタート予定。どこに行っても、材料科学で鍛えた視点とスキルでしっかり貢献してくれると信じています。
実はこの3人、私が教授に着任した直後（2021年）に研究室に加わった最初の代。研究室がまだ立ち上げ途中、装置も床に直置き、インフラ整備も道半ば…そんな中でも彼らは一歩踏み出してくれて、今の大野研の文化を築いてくれた立役者たちです。温かくて、ストイックすぎず、でも責任感のある、いいチームでした。
学部生のうち2名は、鉄鋼とは違う業界へ。在室期間は短かったけど、チャレンジ精神で新テーマに取り組み、たくましく成長してくれました。研究って、わからないことだらけ。でも、そういう場に身を置いて耐えた時間は、きっと次にも生きるはず。
残りの3名は引き続きうちの研究室で大学院に進学。これからの伸びしろにワクワクしています。
立ち上げ、ポスドク雇用、講義や委員、そして部門長業務まで…なかなか実験室に張り付けないもどかしさもありましたが、そんな中でも彼らは自主的に動き、着実に成長してくれました。本当に立派です。
改めて、学生たちを支えてくださったご家族、指導者、友人の皆さまにも感謝を。
卒業生のみんな、これからも時々連絡ください。
そして覚えておいてください。
この研究室は、いつでも君たちのホームです
心からおめでとう。そして、ありがとう。
On March 25, we celebrated the graduation of 3 master’s students and 2 undergraduates from our lab. It was a proud and emotional milestone for all of us.
Two of the master’s graduates are joining Nippon Steel, while the third is heading into a different field. I have no doubt they will each make meaningful contributions wherever they go, applying their materials science backgrounds in diverse ways.
This group holds a special place in my heart—they were the first cohort to join my lab after I became a professor in late 2021. When we launched the lab in 2022, the space was still under construction, equipment unpacked, and workflows undefined. They helped build our foundation—physically and culturally—through steady effort and patience.
They also shaped the lab’s character: responsible, warm, and balanced. They mentored younger students and created the kind of supportive environment we’re so proud of today.
Of the undergraduates, two are starting their careers outside the steel industry. Though their time with us was brief, they boldly tackled new topics and experiments, showing resilience in the face of uncertainty. I hope even a short time in our lab stays with them as they move forward.
The remaining three are staying with us as graduate students, and I’m excited to see how they’ll grow in the years ahead.
As a professor, I often wish I had more time for direct research mentoring. Between launching the lab, securing postdocs, teaching, career advising, and—most recently—departmental duties, my calendar gets packed. Even so, our students have shown remarkable independence, growth, and adaptability. I’m deeply proud of what they’ve accomplished.
Huge thanks also go to the families, mentors, and friends who supported them through this journey.
To all of you graduates—never hesitate to reach out. This lab will always be your home base.
Wishing you success, health, and a spirit of curiosity wherever life takes you.
Congratulations, and thank you.
