Transitioning from Natural Science to Social Science, our PhD Candidate Kenya Endo shares his first half-year journey at Jin Sato's Lab.
Over the past few months, I have truly enjoyed being part of Prof. Sato’s lab. The friendly
and talented lab members have made the experience even more exciting. The research seminars have been particularly inspiring, as they offer a glimpse into everyone's
progress in their respective fields. The lively discussions and the number of insightful
comments, questions reflect the genuine interest in each other’s research.
That said, transitioning from Natural Science to Social Science has been a significant
shift for me. While my previous studies/lab placed more emphasis on data collection
and its interpretation, the core of seminar discussions here revolves around narrative
development and defining research questions. I am gradually adapting to this new
approach, while also exploring ways to integrate Natural Science aspects to create a
synergy between the two fields.
As I approach the half-year milestone, I find myself incorporating elements of "Sato-
ism" into my dissertation’s storyline. March 2025 will be a busy month, filled with site
visits across Southeast Asia, including my research trip to Tacloban City, Philippines, as
well as participation in Prof. Sato’s project in Thailand. While seminars and desk
research are essential for consolidating ideas and thoughts, on-site surveys are equally
crucial for gathering first-hand information and gaining fresh insights. Through these
trips, I hope to refine my ability to observe the interactions between the environment
and local communities in developing countries, and to communicate effectively to
understand their situations and needs.
On another note, my reading list has expanded significantly since I started my PhD
studies here, covering diverse fields such as development studies, urban studies,
anthropology, and political ecology—mostly in English. I am fascinated by how past
scholars have shaped these discourses and how they continue to evolve. It is an honor
to contribute to this academic journey, though I recognize the challenge of proposing
new perspectives within these established fields. I hope I can make some meaningful
contributions in the coming years!
On the other hand, I am also reminded of the importance of writing—not just absorbing
knowledge but also articulating and sharing insights. Last semester (Fall 2024), I took Prof. Sato’s Reading & Writing class with other lab members, which provided valuable lessons on the principles of “good writing”.
Soon, new students will be joining Prof. Sato’s lab, bringing diverse backgrounds and
fresh interests. I look forward to supporting their growth and contributing to the lab’s
collective knowledge foundation!
Kenya Endo
1st Year PhD Candidate
Fall Semester Entrance
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