Izumi Kim

EDUCATION

College / University

Waseda University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Engineering

Major Subject

Bioscience

65149-1 Kim

Country

Japan

Lab Experience

Fluorescence microscopy (TIRF, confocal), single-molecule imaging (quantum dot-single particle tracking (QD-SPT), single fluorophore tracking (SFT) with organic dyes), primary culture of rat hippocampal neurons, cell passage, transfection, virus production/infection, immunocytochemistry, open skull method in mice
Molecular biology techniques: E. coli culture, plasmid extraction, transformation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, SDS-PAGE, preparation of E. coli extracts, E. coli cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) reaction
Data analysis: ImageJ, MATLAB

Projects / Research

  • 10/2023-12/2023: The same topic as the graduation thesis project (below) using single fluorophore tracking with organic dyes, 3-month internship, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
  • 09/2022-03/2024: Analysis of lateral diffusion of AMPARs (in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons) upon extracellular tau administration using quantum dot-single particle tracking, graduation thesis project, Waseda University
  • 12/2020-11/2022: Substance detection (progesterone, estrogen, atrazine, heavy metals) using TX-TL system and electrochemical detection method in E. coli cell-free protein synthesis reaction, iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine), Waseda University

Scholarships / Awards

2024 – 2026: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Study Scholarships - Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines
2023: The ANRI Fellowship (Research scholarship from a venture capital firm)
2023: Keyence Foundation Student Scholarship
2022: Okuma Memorial Scholarship, Waseda University

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

My academic interests lie in experimental molecular/cellular neuroscience, particularly in the dynamics of neurons and molecules, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases. I am intrigued by the intricate neural function, network, and dysfunctions of neurons leading to neurodegenerative disorders. During my graduate studies, I am eager to deepen my understanding of the core principles of molecular/cellular/systems neurobiology and develop my research skills further including computational neuroscience techniques.