Japan – Shuntaro Amano (MSc by Research student)
International student profiles 12 February 2019
Shuntaro Amano is from Tokyo, Japan. He recently completed an MSc by Research in Chemistry, and is about to start a PhD programme. His supervisor for both programmes is Professor David Leigh. Project title “Unidirectional Molecular Transportation Utilizing Multiple Hydrazone-type switches.”
Please give a brief summary of your MSc by Research project.
My research field is artificial molecular machine. Molecular machines are tiny machines made of molecules. To date, chemists have created molecular motors, molecular shuttles, molecular switches and so on. However, most of them have only one movable part, which has limited their function. Therefore, my MSc project aims to coordinate two hydrazone-type switches and achieve multiple-step, unidirectional transportation of a cargo molecule. The success of this project will pave the way to molecular machines with coordinated dynamics that perform sophisticated tasks reminiscent of biological systems.
Why did you decide to undertake a postgraduate course?
I like research and I want to be an independent researcher in the future. To achieve this goal, a postgraduate course is essential.
Why did you choose your degree/project/supervisor?
When I was doing my bachelor degree, I got interested in the field of supramolecular chemistry, the chemistry beyond molecules. Especially in artificial molecular machines, because I thought this field had a promising future, both in terms of basic research and applied research. I looked for researchers in this field and finally found the group of Professor David Leigh. His group had realised various fundamental molecular machines, such as molecular information ratchet, molecular walker and autonomous molecular motor. I was fascinated by his research and decided to do my postgraduate research in his group.
Why did you choose Manchester?
Because Professor David Leigh was in Manchester.
What do you think of your studies so far? What do you enjoy?
It’s exciting. Every day, I do experiments to synthesize the target molecule. Not all of them are successful, but there is something to learn in all of these trials. I like to feel the project is going forward, although slowly. I also like to plan a new project and propose it to the lab members. One of the wonderful things in synthetic chemistry is that you can design your own molecules with your imagination.
What are facilities and resources like in the Faculty?
The School of Chemistry has rich facilities for the research. We have common facilities such as high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, systems for X-ray crystallography and mass spectrometry. The Faculty also offers wide range of resources for developing your skills, such as academic writing and project planning. I learned a lot from these opportunities.
What does the University offer international students?
The University is very supportive of international students. The induction in the first few weeks covered all aspects of the life as a student, including accommodation, money, IT, security, mental health, how to survive postgraduate courses, language support etc. They even offered a talk about the British culture! Additionally, when I have administrative questions, I visit the Student Service Centre or the Administration Office of the School of Chemistry. They are always helpful, so I have felt no concern about doing postgraduate study abroad.
How do you think studying here will help your future prospects? What are your future plans?
I want to be an independent researcher in the future. My experience at the University of Manchester will give me essential training and exciting opportunities to try my ideas.
What do you like about the city of Manchester?
I like the diversity and friendliness of Manchester. There are people of various ethnicities in Manchester, so I never felt isolated. Also, they are very friendly, even if you meet them for the first time.
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