I am honored to present myself as a candidate for the Board of the Materials Research Society (MRS). As a dedicated member of our scientific community, I am committed to advancing the mission and values of MRS, which include promoting interdisciplinary research and technological innovation in materials science to address the global challenges of our time.
Aspiration:
Looking ahead, I envision a future for the MRS that builds upon its strong foundation. My aspiration for the society is to further enhance its role as a global leader in communicating materials research and innovation through its meetings, publications, and virtual content. I believe that by fostering collaboration across disciplines and bridging the gap between academia and industry, we can accelerate the discovery and development of cutting-edge materials with transformative applications. The MRS meetings are an ideal place to promote these interactions. In terms of virtual content, I have contributed towards YouTube content for the IUPAC Polymer Division on the IUPAC YouTube Channel. While the IUPAC Channel does not boast anywhere near the followers the MRS Channel does, I hope that we can organize events such as video challenges to engage younger scientists.
DEI Aspiration:
I am passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the MRS. In the past, I have served as the PI for REU programs as well as being the Executive Director for Education and Outreach for the UW MRSEC. I am half Japanese and half British and grew up in Japan. I was often teased in Japan for being a “half” to which my mother would always argue that I was “double” because I could appreciate double the number of perspectives. Additionally, I spent 15 years in a Materials Science department while being a trained chemist. I truly believe that different perspectives can lead to greater discoveries. Our field, materials science, thrives on the contributions of scientists from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. By embracing DEI as a core value, we can create an inclusive environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and equal opportunities for all. I am committed to promoting diversity in membership, leadership, and the representation of underrepresented groups throughout the society.
Why Vote for Me:
If elected to the Board, I will bring my leadership skills, my international experiences, and collaborative spirit to contribute meaningfully to the future of MRS. With my experience in interdisciplinary research and my network within the materials science community, I will actively foster collaborations to drive innovation and impact. Moreover, I am committed to amplifying the voices of early-career researchers and those from underrepresented groups to support their growth and success.
Together, I believe that we can shape the future of MRS and propel the field of materials science to new heights.