Chihiro Masusawa PhD
Current student
I am a very active member of the Bioenergy and Organic Resources Research Group which is famous for its outreach activities. I recently received two awards for this work: “Research Communicator Award” and a joint award for “Best Engagement Activity”.
What made you choose to come and study at Southampton?
I chose the University of Southampton because I wanted to do research with my supervisors (Dr Sonia Heaven and Professor Charles Banks). I read their papers and I sent emails to ask whether I could do PhD research on bioenergy production, and they kindly agreed. In addition, I had heard of the University of Southampton’s good reputation and this made me want to come and study here.
Can you provide a summary of the research you are working on within your course?
My research looks at bioenergy from wastes. 52% of the UK’s electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels, mainly natural gas and coal. But these days, people are concerned about depletion of fossil fuels and global warming. One possible answer is bioenergy.
Bioenergy is energy produced from organic material from plants or animals. Corn and sugar cane are the most profitable crops for bioenergy. However, there is a growing view that plants produced for bioenergy should not compete with crops grown for human food consumption. Therefore, the use of waste from agriculture and industry is preferred.
That’s where my project comes in. I use waste from baby sweet corn which is grown in Africa for export to Europe. One of my sponsors, Tropical Power, opened Africa’s largest biogas plant in Kenya few years ago. They use baby corn waste to produce bioenergy in the form of methane. Baby corn waste is a new digestion feedstock and the optimum conditions for its use have not yet been identified. My research considers what approaches might be effective in improving the overall energy balance.
How have the facilities available at the University helped you with your research? Which facilities have you used/ do you use regularly?
For my PhD research, I usually do laboratory experiments. If I want to learn new analyses, technicians help me to do that. I find this really helpful because I have to do everything by myself in Japan.
What is it like studying here?
I have enjoyed meeting and working with many excellent PhD students from all over the world. Southampton is a good place to study.
What have been your Southampton ‘highlights’ so far?
The best experience is that I have completed more real research here. My research is related to a real commercial bioenergy plant, and I do practical experiments at the University. I can compare and notice the differences between industry and academia. Not every PhD student can experience this, so this is the best experience for me.
What other activities have you taken advantage of while at University?
I am a very active member of the Bioenergy and Organic Resources Research Group which is famous for its outreach activities. I take part in these, explaining the circular bioeconomy to various people: children, parents, and senior citizens as well as students. I recently received two awards for this work: “Research Communicator Award” and a joint award for “Best Engagement Activity”. I also won a ‘best poster prize’ at a national academic conference and received a travel bursary for an international conference.
In addition, I have a teaching licence for Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) and have organized lessons in the UK. Over 20 people joined my classes, and two got official licenses. They also became interested in Japanese culture. As a Japanese citizen, I would like to promote good cultural exchanges, and I enjoy communicating with people who have different points of view. I believe activities of this kind are important to make a better world in future. I also practice origami, and have a black belt in Aikido.
What are you enjoying most about your course?
I enjoy my PhD in bioenergy research because I believe that it is important for the future. What I do every day is simple, not like a Hollywood film, but my assiduous effort brings me the good results I have today.
Do you have any idea of what you would like to do in the future? Have the opportunities you have taken up while at the University helped you have a clearer idea of what you might like to do?
After my PhD, I would like to do research related to bioenergy or environmental problems. I believe that is important for the future. My PhD research help me to think about the future of the planet and its people.
Do you like living in Southampton? What are the benefits of Southampton as a city?
I like living in Southampton. Southampton has a lot of beautiful green spaces and a wide range of shops. The city is a good place for studying.
What advice would you give to prospective University of Southampton PhD students?
I would advise that finding and believing in your passion is important. PhD research is not easy, and you can’t become “Dr” without effort. You sometimes can’t get good data and fail something, but you will get good results someday if you don’t give up. I believe that passion helps PhD researchers to persevere.