Members

Professor

Shinichiro Sawa

I am interested in plant morphogensis, and am currently researching the molecular processes behind these processes. In addition, I am also interested in the interactions between multicellular plants and animals at the microscopic and macroscopic level, where we use plant-pathogenic nematodes as a model microscopic analyses. For macroscopic analyses, we are interested in morphological and ecological traits in plant species including orchids. We look forward to learning new things about plant biology with you!

Assistant professors

Joon Kwon

I'm from South Korea and I received my PhD from Hokkaido University (Japan) in 2021. After conducting post-doc research at Tsukuba University (Japan) and the University of Tennessee (USA), I came to the Sawa laboratory at Kumamoto University in September of 2023. My research involves plant breeding to enhance resistance toward viral infections and genome editing. I also work on a side project with Daicel Corporation. My hobbies include cooking, and I welcome any Korean cuisine aficionados! I'll make you my favorite Korean foods anytime!

Allen Yi-Lun Tsai

I was born in Taiwan and obtained my PhD degree in the University of Toronto (Canada). I have worked as a post-doctoral researcher in University of British Columbia (Canada), Kumamoto University and Riken (Japan). Currently I’m working on the interactions between soil microorganisms and plants. Outside of the lab I enjoy photography, vocal music and jigsaw puzzles.
[Research Map]

Yuki Yoshida

I’m a Kyoto University alumnus. After doing postdoctoral studies at Michigan State University and University of Tokyo, I joined the Sawa lab in 2018. I love observing insects, wildflowers, and growing various orchids. As a researcher, I study morphogenesis and environmental responses using Arabidopsis molecular genetics. Currently I study root 3D structure, etc.

Post-doctoral researchers

Mizuki Yamada

Plant physiologist. I'm interested in the signaling regulations that affect plant shapes.
Formerly, I worked on flowering, embryogenesis, phototropism and the horticultural techniques to control the fruit production and quality of tomato.

Visiting researcher

Emre Demirer Durak

My name is Emre Demirer Durak, and I am from Turkey. I hold the position of an Associate Professor at Van Yuzuncu Yil University. Currently, I am working as a visiting researcher at Kumamoto University. My primary research areas encompass agricultural sciences, with a focus on plant protection, phytopathology, and mycology. At present, my research is centered on plant fungal diseases, soil fungi, biological control methods, and sustainable agriculture practices. Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy various hobbies, including reading, traveling, engaging in handicrafts, and doing puzzles.

Graduate students

Nao Kamino (PhD course 3st year)

I've worked as a technician in the Sawa laboratory before. I've always liked plants since I was young, and I am particularly fascinated by the various plant survival strategies. Starting from this year I'll be working on my doctoral thesis as a mature student. It's been a while since I graduated from university, and even I'm surprised that I accepted the challenge of the PhD program! I'll be doing my very best! My hobby is baking, and I make bread from time to time, please enjoy!

 

Taiki Kajiwara (PhD course 1st year)

If we define life as the amalgamation of many, I believe that is where we can find the threshold of life itself. Along this line of thought, I find myself fasicnated by pixel art, music and literature. Totally unrelated, but I'm also a fan of the works of Hayao Miyazaki, Hiroji Miyamoto, and Takeshi "Beat" Kitano. Nice to meet you!

 

Mai Jinkawa (MSc course 2nd year)

 

Airi Misaka (MSc course 2nd year)

Kumamoto University, Faculty of Science , master's course 2st year.
Research topic: Analysis of candidate regulatory genes during early gall formation.
Hobby: gaming, I especially enjoy the Splatoon series and Undertale.

 

Wakana Saho (MSc course 2nd year)

 

Ibuki Yamano (MSc course 2nd year)

Miku Tashiro (MSc course 2nd year)

Kumamoto University,Faculty of Science, master's couse 2st year
Recent Hobby:Reading books by Keigo Higashino. My favorite book is "The Devotion Of Suspect X". Recently, I want to read a book called "Swans and Bats".

 

Honoka Maki (MSc course 1st year)

 

Takayoshi Nishida (MSc course 1st year)

Undergratuate students

 

Risa Fukunaga (BSc course 4th year)

 

Nanaka Goya (BSc course 4th year)

 

Ryo Ikeyama (BSc course 4th year)

 

Daiki Matsunaga (BSc course 4th year)

 

Kazuma Nunogami (BSc course 4th year)

 

Yuujirou Sasamoto (BSc course 4th year)

Technical staff

 

Tetsuya Arita

 

Maki Hori

 

Rie Koyama

 

Kiyo Miyaji

 

Haruka Nagamoto

 

Kazuko Numazu