Austin Head - NanoJapan 2007
University of Houston
Tohoku University
Advisor: Hiroyuki Nojiri
Project: Measurement of non-contacting magnetoresistance and magneto-dielectric/magnetic response of nanomolecules and nanotubes with microwave cavity techniques
Major/s: Biomedical Engineering
Anticipated Graduation: May 2009

Alumni Update
The University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering highlighted Austin Head's participation in NanoJapan in their September 2007 newsletter. Read more...

NanoJapan Overview
Though the title seems a little scary, I really enjoyed my research project. I worked as part of an overall effort to study the properties of nanotubes and other molecules under very high electric and magnetic fields. Specifically, I designed, built, and then used microwave resonance cavities to analyze the dielectric properties of nanotubes. I also assisted the work of other members of the lab, which allowed me to work with extremely powerful magnets up to 14 Tesla at temperatures near 4 Kelvin.

My project seemed a little intimidating at first, especially since I had never before worked in a lab outside of class. After the first few days of the internship, I felt a lot more comfortable. Everyone in the lab was eager to help, and by the time the summer was over I had learned a lot more about nanotechnology and scientific research in general. My first taste of working in a lab has confirmed my desire to do graduate research and to pursue further study thereafter. I don’t think I’ll be working in quite the same field in the future, but this program has provided me with skills and experience that I’m sure will be useful later in my career.

Meaning of NanoJapan
NanoJapan is a great opportunity for a variety of reasons. It gives undergraduate students a chance to work in a professional research environment: for me this chance made me even more interested in attending graduate school and performing more research. The program also provides the unique and enriching experience of living and studying in a foreign country. I think that more people should take the time to learn another language and culture. Beyond these experiences, NanoJapan has also left me with many new friendships and professional contacts. Perhaps one day these relationships will present me with another educational or career opportunity.

Daily Life in Japan
During the workweek I followed a very consistent routine. Every morning the three other NanoJapan students in Sendai and I attended two hours of language lessons in the dormitory where we stayed. After lessons Craig and I biked across Sendai to our labs (the other students were at another campus), stopping for lunch in a shop along the way or in the school cafeteria. Once I arrived on campus I would work on my project or assist my mentor Oshima-san in the lab. Some days were busier than others, but I usually got back home in time for a late dinner in the dorm cafeteria. I usually spent weekends exploring Japan’s many wonderful places to visit. I also spent plenty of time in Sendai, making friends with locals or other foreigners.

My favorite experience in Japan was...
I have so many wonderful memories from my time in Japan, but climbing to the top of Mount Fuji will definitely stay with me forever. Our group of six students began hiking up the mountain at nine at night. We were really excited about the climb, but it ended up being much harder than we anticipated. It was rather cold, and the path was a little monotonous. After a grueling seven hour journey, we reached the top tired and cold, but our spirits were soon lifted by the sight of the sun peeking over the horizon. I’ll never forget sitting on the top of Japan surrounded by my friends, peering over a sea of clouds.

Before I left for Japan I wish I had...
I wish I had brought more souvenirs from home to give to my new friends and coworkers while in Japan. Gift-giving is a big part of Japanese culture; one that I underestimated. Small, simple gifts can be a really nice gesture to the people you meet. Candies, pens, keychains, and other small trinkets from the United States work really well without costing a lot.