Development of various ground-based radio and optical remote-sensing techniques and instruments such as lidars, airglow spectroscopic imagers, as well as a large atmospheric radar, and coordinated observations with these instruments and satellites, in order to clarify physical processes and variabilities of atmospheres at polar regions above the ground to the upper atmosphere. Network observations using these instruments in order to clarify global couplings of the polar atmospheres. Research and education of development of the instruments/techniques, field observation, data analyses and physical interpretations will be covered as a supervision of the graduate students.
The lectures will be on geomagnetism and structures of earth’s atmosphere with associated various physical processes, which have been recently revealed by space-borne and ground-based remote sensings, as well as direct and in-direct observations by satellites. Radio and optical measurements of polar upper atmospheres, as well as atmospheric waves, will also be discussed.

Using various kinds of atmospheric radar and optical observation equipment, I pursue research into high-altitude regions of the atmosphere, principally the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (altitude 50 to 120 km) of the Antarctic and Arctic regions. To investigate the large-scale behavior of the Earth’s atmosphere, observation and research from a global perspective is essential. In view of this, I am currently working in partnership with overseas researchers as part of an observation network. In addition, I am also actively involved in the development of new observation techniques, for example, using large atmospheric radar technology, with the aim of improving polar atmospheric observation.

In my student guidance work, I deal with atmospheric dynamics with a focus on cultivating field researchers who combine scientific and engineering sensibilities.

My work involves observations, mainly using the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radars in Northern Scandinavia and Svalbard, to investigate the generation mechanisms of ion upflow in the polar topside ionosphere. More specifically, to understand the mechanisms of plasma heating and acceleration, which cause upward ion flow to the magnetosphere, I analyze simultaneous data obtained with the EISCAT radars, satellites, rockets and ground-based optical measurements. Based on my research into the ion outflow from the polar ionosphere, I try to discover new knowledge concerning the active role of the ionosphere in the magnetosphere-ionosphere (M-I) coupling, and the evolution of the atmosphere of planets.

As for thesis supervision, I involve myself with analytical studies that use complementary data from multiple observation methods, such as the EISCAT radars and satellites, to address various unresolved problems associated with the ion outflow. I also supervise observational studies conducted through fieldwork in the polar region, for example using the EISCAT radars.

Researches on polar ionosphere, magnetosphere and neutral middle and upper atmosphere have been made mainly with an international high-frequency radar network project, “SuperDARN” (Super Dual Auroral Radar Network), aiming at comprehensive understandings on aurora phenomena, ionospheric irregularities, ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling, ionosphere-neutral atmosphere interaction, and material and energy transfer processes from the sun to the earth’s upper atmosphere and also on earth’s atmospheric and climate changes, especially by combining SuperDARN radar data with other ground based data obtained by other radars, optical instruments, and magnetic- and electric-field measurements as well as a variety of satellite data. Graduate students who wish to proactively try to address such unresolved themes and polar field sciences are welcome.

Ryuho Kataoka is challenging the space weather forecast of energetic particles such as aurora, radiation belt, magnetic storm, solar protons, and cosmic rays. His research interests include the atmospheric response and radiation dose to the energetic particles.

I have studied magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling processes through data analysis of geomagnetic phenomena (e.g., aurora and magnetic pulsations) observed by ground-based instruments such as magnetometer, imager, riometer, and radar. My research interest also includes the development of new analysis methods, for example, the genelarized auroral computed tompgraphy that can reconstruct the 3D spatial distribution of auroral emission and the energy distribution of precipitating auroral electrons from multiple data. In my research supervision, I welcome students who are interested in observation and data analysis of auroral and geomagnetic phenomena.

I am engaged in research on the dynamics of the middle atmosphere and the transport processes across the tropopause and polar vortex edge, utilizing observation data (e.g., sonde, radar and satellite), objective analysis data and data from modeling. In my research supervision work, I help students to become well-balanced researchers skilled in observation, theory and modeling, mainly through data analysis of observation and objective analysis data.

Main research topics are atmospheric gravity waves and elementary processes of atmospheric transportation in the mesosphere and lower-thermosphere (MLT) region, and I investigate those using mainly ground-based observation data. We carry out optical and radio remote sensing (imager, lidar, and radar) as the ground-based observations. I often join (and arrange) a simultaneous observation campaign of multi sites and multi instruments including satellite and am working on collaborative researches with local and foreign scientists. As a female field scientist, I aim to become an adviser developing researchers who have a broad perspective of science and engineering and work observation research.

Scientific subjects:
[1] Generation and transport process on energetic precipitating particles in the magnetosphere and the particle effects on the terrestrial atmosphere
[2] Neutral and plasma atmospheric coupling process in the Mesosphere and the Thermosphere through Electromagnetic, Dynamical, and Chemical coupling To study above subjects, We develop optical instruments and arrange ground-based observations. We also conduct an analysis for various data obtained from ground-based and in-situ measurements.
I would like to support Ph.D students to build up their skills in observations, theory, and data analysis.

地球大気のリモートセンシングとそのデータ解析のための信号処理法の研究をテーマとし、大型大気レーダーの観測技術や適応的信号処理法の開発を行っている。
また、対象となる物理現象を理解したうえでの適切な観測技術の設計、先進的な信号処理技術を基盤とした観測装置の開発、センシングにより得られた情報から物理現象を解釈・可視化するデータ解析までのトータルソリューションを構築できる研究者の育成を目指し、研究指導を行う。

My research fields include glaciology, physics/chemistry of ice, and climate research based on ice cores. Focusing on a better understanding of the physical/chemical properties of ice crystals, I aim to better understand the glaciological phenomena linking microscopic-scale properties and continental ice sheet scale behaviors. I have performed both laboratory experimental studies and field studies, particularly in East Antarctica. Because of their massive size, polar ice sheets have a large impact. In order to better understand the macroscopic behaviors, knowledge of ice crystals is of fundamental importance.

My principal field of research is the formation and melting of sea ice, which plays an important role in climate variation not only in polar regions, but also in global scale, as well as changes in ocean structure and circulation relating to this. I engage in field observations and data analysis that aims at understanding open polynyas, long-term change characteristics of coastal fast ice and offshore drift ice in areas around the Antarctica, as well as physical oceanographic processes of high-latitude regions of the Southern Ocean. Recently, we intensively deployed profiling floats in the Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean to make physical oceanographic observation in seasonal sea ice zone. Through analysis and study of field observation data from these areas of ice-covered oceans, together with data from satellite remote sensing and ship-based observation and meteorological and climate data, I also conduct research supervision relating to polar marine science and sea ice physics.

My research aims at reconstructing past changes in atmospheric composition, climate and the polar cryosphere, through the analyses of gases in ice cores. The data are used to identify mechanisms of climate and greenhouse gas changes on various time scales. My current interests are the reconstruction of the past greenhouse gas concentration and isotopic composition in the atmosphere over the past 720,000 years using the Dome Fuji ice core, Antarctica, the reconstruction of the past polar environmental changes through the total gas content and isotopic composition of nitrogen and oxygen, and the investigation the mechanisms of glacial and interglacial changes through high-accuracy dating of ice cores.

To understand the polar amplification, several processes, such as tropospheric circulations, cloud and precipitation systems, and surface heat budgets, are investigated using in situ meteorological data, reanalysis products and modelings. We also focus on the predictability of extreme weather events over the Arctic and beyond based on data assimilation techniques.

極域・海氷域は近年の温暖化に非常に鋭敏な海域であり、海氷の大きな変動は気候変動と相互にリンクしているだけでなく、重い水の生成量を変えて海洋深層循環まで変えうる潜在力を持っている。しかしながら、海氷分布・海氷生産量・底層水生成量を時空間的に連続して捉える現場観測が極めて困難である事から、マイクロ波センサー等による衛星リモートセンシングは現在でも海氷研究・モニタリングの生命線と言える。衛星リモートセンシングと現場観測との組み合わせによって、海氷が近年の温暖化から受ける影響及びそれが気候システムに与える影響について、特に海氷厚及び熱塩収支における海氷の量的な評価の観点から取り組んでいる。

エアロゾル粒子（大気中に浮遊する微粒子）には様々な種類があり、また時間的・空間的な変動も大きい。よって、エアロゾル粒子が気候に及ぼす影響についての定量的な評価は、不確実性が極めて高いというのが現状である。
そこで、国内外の様々な分野（物理学、化学、地学、生物学など）の研究者とも連携を取り、主に観測的・実験的な研究手法によって、極域大気にはどのような種類のエアロゾル粒子が、どの程度の量で存在しており、どこから供給されているのかを明らかにしていきたいと考えている。また、それらが雲の形成プロセスに与える影響（氷晶核や雲凝結核としての役割など）や生態系に与える影響などに着目した研究についても展開していく。

My research and research supervision work concerns the atmospheric dynamics and cloud-physics relating to strong surface-based temperature inversion layers in planetary boundary layer, to katabatic wind on Antarctic ice sheets and to blocking and synoptic-scale disturbances in polar vortex areas. By expanding knowledge of these processes, I hope to understand the mechanisms of atmospheric water circulation and material circulation that govern the buildup and dissipation of polar ice sheets directly and indirectly. Looking ahead, I also recognize the need to further improve measurement technology for low-temperature environments to enable more data to be collected from areas where it has been difficult to survey up to now. In addition to developing algorithms for processing satellite data and adopting new technologies such as unmanned aircraft for observation, I will work on utilizing and improving computer models for conducting detailed investigations of observation results.

In order to ascertain how Antarctic ice sheets are changing in response to global-scale climate change, it is necessary to clarify the question of how the various processes involved in the mass balance of the ice sheets are affected by climate change. One notable phenomenon that occurs quite frequently is that the accumulation of snow on the surface of Antarctic ice sheets is interrupted over a number of years. Interruptions in snowfall accumulation are closely connected with the topography of the base (bottom) of ice sheets, so the pattern of interruptions in snowfall accumulation may also be reflected in the dynamic state of ice sheets. I am pursuing research and education that aims to clarify the relationship between the snowfall accumulation process on the surface of Antarctic ice sheets and ice sheet changes, by comparing field data from surface mass balance observations made using snow scales and ice sheet change observations by GPS with satellite-based data.

My work involves observations of the atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHG) and other related constituents to understand their global cycle. Since the atmospheric GHG varies not only seasonally but also secularly, systematic and long-term observations are required for the understanding of its variations. For the reason, I have maintained long-term precise measurements of the atmospheric greenhouse gases and its related constituents at Syowa Station, Antarctica and Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard in cooperation with local and interior collaborators. In particular, I am working on researches for a better understanding of global carbon budget base on the variation of the atmospheric oxygen concentration.

I carry out education and research on 1) analyses of snow depositional environment and 2) reconstructions of past climate and environmental changes by analyzing chemical species, dust particles and pollen grains, which are contained in snow cover samples and ice cores from glaciers in the Polar Regions and high mountains. I also work on interdisciplinary studies, such as 1) the construction of method to analyze ancient DNA of fossil pollen in snow and ice samples obtained from glaciers, 2) the detailed reconstruction of past vegetation using the DNA sequence data and also 3) the research on change of genetic diversity of plant species with respect to the changes in climate and environment.

沿岸ポリニヤ域における海氷生成を起点とする冷たく重い水（南極底層水）の形成・沈み込みや，海洋との境界部における氷床の質量損失（融解・カービング）に伴う淡水供給など，極域沿岸域の海洋―海氷―氷床結合システムは全球規模の海洋深層循環・気候変動や海水準変動に多大な影響を与えている。これら全球への影響を計る上で，極域沿岸システムにおける「海洋」の本質的な役割の理解は極めて重要である。
近年では，中でも「暖水」の影響に着目し，観測研究を軸とした数値モデル・衛星観測・雪氷・測地学分野との融合・学際的手法により，南北両極域における水塊形成・変質プロセスおよび海洋による氷床融解プロセスに関する研究に取り組んでいる。

現在の極域氷床の質量収支変動と、その気候変動との相互関係の理解は、将来の海水準変動や気候変動の予測に貢献する重要な課題である。氷床質量変動の原因を理解するためには、沿岸部における氷損失過程と並び、内陸における表面質量収支の素過程を理解することが必要不可欠である。表面質量収支の時空間変動の把握、及びそのメカニズムと気候変動との相互関係の解明を研究目的としている。この目的のもと、現在は東南極氷床の内陸部に着目し、表面質量収支の時空間変動とそのメカニズムの解明、及び地上氷床レーダー観測に基づく基盤地形及び氷床内部層構造の解析と、その雪氷学的・地形学的解釈に関する研究を進めている。研究手法としては、現地観測を軸としつつ、衛星リモートセンシング手法、数値モデル実験を有機的に組み合わせた、雪氷学・測地学分野をまたぐ学際的な研究を推進している。

To understand Arctic climate systems, we investigate air-sea interaction and polar-midlatitude regions interaction using in situ meteorological data, reanalysis data, model output, and satellite data. Additionally, using the data assimilation system and atmospheric numerical model, we assess the impact of observation data on the weather forecast skill.

To reconstruct past climate and environmental changes, I promote ice core study using samples obtained from the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets. Recently, I have been focusing on the gas components of ice cores, analyzing isotopic compositions of the air, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, as well as greenhouse gas concentrations and isotopic compositions of noble gases. Using these data, I try to construct the age scale of the ice cores and reconstruct the surface environment of the Antarctic ice sheet, including temperature, accumulation rates, ice thickness, firn thickness, and so on. In addition, I am setting up a new laboratory for measuring CO₂ concentrations from the coming oldest ice core.
In graduate education, I help acquire fundamental skills and knowledge, such as analytical techniques (especially gas analysis), data analysis skills, and publishing papers in international journals. I also provide opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary research projects, workshops and conferences, both nationally and internationally.

I am engaged in the study of the evolutionary history of oceanic plates and tectonics based on seafloor topography and geophysical data on the polar regions, particularly Southern Ocean. I am especially interested in the process of breakup of the Gondwana super-continent. In my work, I am trying to reveal the driving forces and mechanisms behind continental breakup and the resulting evolution of oceanic plates.

My research supervision work is centered mainly on methodologies of seafloor observation with an emphasis on field surveys, as well as related data analysis. In doing this, I utilize various kinds of geophysical and geological data and aim to explore new marine geophysicical field with perspective of the whole Earth system.

My work focuses on geological, mineralogical, geochemical and geochronological study of Antarctica and surrounding regions. More specifically, I investigate the following: (1) high-temperature and ultra-high-temperature metamorphism, fluid activity and crustal melting processes in the Earth’s crust; (2) behavior of accessory minerals in high-temperature metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks, and links between geochronology and geochemistry; (3) the formation and development of Gondwana; and (4) Archaean crustal evolution.

My science objective is to reconstruct the paleoclimatic variability during the Cenozoic in order to understand the Earth’s climatic system and contribute for accurate prediction of feature climate change. This study is mainly focused on the paleoclimatic variability of the Antarctica and its surrounding ocean (Southern Ocean), because the scarce data in this region prevents the better understanding of the Earth’s climatic system. The main objectives of this study are as follows. 1. Reconstruction of the past variability of the Antarctic ice sheet based on geomorphological field survey and exposure-age dating using cosmogenic nuclides (10Be, 26Al, and 36Cl). 2. Reconstruction of paleoceanographic and climatic variability of the Southern Ocean based on marine sedimentary record. 3. Development of the high resolution dating method for marine sediments using the geomagnetic field intensity variation, recorded by paleomagnetic data (relative paleointensity) and production rate of the cosmogenic nuclides.

In my research work, I strive to elucidate crust change phenomena and gravitational changes occurring in the polar regions utilizing geodetic and satellite remote sensing observation techniques. In my research supervision work, I work in the areas of 1) processing and analysis of data acquired using observation technologies such as superconducting gravimeters, GPS and VLBI; 2) interpreting crustal and gravitational change phenomena occurring at the poles of the Earth; and 3) in view of the fact that changes in ice sheets and sea level are considered to be factors behind changes in the Earth’s crust and gravitation at the poles, I study methods for detecting these changes based on data collected with remote sensing techniques such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and satellite altimetry.

My work aims at elucidating the physical interactions between current environmental change and the solid Earth, as well as the processes of continental growth over the history of the Earth. I make use of various kinds of geophysical data, most importantly long-term seismological information collected in the polar regions (e.g. travel, wave characteristics, epicenter). More specifically, my research supervision work focuses on: 1) current environmental change at the surface of the Earth, in particular the vibrational characteristics of the solid Earth and earthquake and ice quake motion in relation to the variations in ice sheets and sea ice connected with global warming; (2) the interior structure of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle and the processes of growth and separation of the supercontinent; (3) the nonuniform structure of the Earth’s interior (lower mantle to core) as seen from the poles; and (4) fundamental study of observation techniques, data communications and archiving techniques for remote polar locations, which can contribute significantly to real-time prevention in the event of disasters such as major earthquakes and tsunamis. I also participate actively in international joint research expeditions to both Antarctica and Arctic regions in order to collect data.

My work aims at elucidating the processes by which materials evolved during the early period of the solar system history. In the early solar system, the planetesimals and protoplanets, which served as the building blocks for larger planets such as Earth and Mars, formed. These bodies underwent a variety of geological processes. My main focus of research is to better understand the formation processes of these planetesimals and protoplanets on the basis of the petrogenetic history and chronological data for meteorites. My education work aims at teaching students to clarify the formation history recorded in meteorites using mineralogical and geochemical techniques.

In order to investigate the mechanism of global changes, or the response of the solid Earth to such changes, it is necessary to use data observed at various components of the Earth system (which consists of atmosphere, ocean, hydrosphere, cryoshpere, and solid Earth). Since the polar regions are inportant spatially for these investigations, we are developing techniques for applying precise satellite positioning system to measuring crustal movements, ice sheet flow, sea (ice) level changes, temperature structure and water vapor distribution in polar regions. Practically we conduct these measurements in the polar region. By combining these data with the satellite gravity mission data and data obtained from ground-based equipments, such as the superconducting gravimeter, the ocean bottom pressure gauge and various meteorological instruments, we are investigating water mass redistribution in the polar regions which probably contributes to the excitation mechanism of the global changes.

Using planetary materials of meteorites and micrometeorites, I attempt to explain, in terms of material science, how the solar system formed and evolved. Additionally, I am conducting experiments on the behavior of materials in the early solar system and on the reproduction of planetary materials.

In my research, I conduct detailed observations and analyses of planetary materials, utilizing equipments of optical microscope, electron probe microanalyzer, scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy. I then consider the results petrologically and mineralogically. For experiments, I make use of electric furnaces that enable controlled combustion in the atmosphere of hydrogen and carbon dioxide mixtures.

I conduct research and education on the processes of formation and evolution of planets in the early solar system, from the perspective of planetary materials (petrology and mineralogy). In addition to the conventional analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), I make extensive use of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), to make detailed observations of the transformation of elements in meteorite minerals, including trace elements such as rare earth elements. Furthermore, using SIMS for dating, I seek to clarify the processes of formation and evolution of planets in the early solar system. I also analyze the diffusion of elements using computer simulations. In my graduate school educational work, I try to teach students all these types of analytical techniques and to train them so that they can construct models for formation and evolution of planets from entirely new perspectives.

My scientific objective is to know process and history of crustal evolution based on investigation of elemental migration behavior and its time-scale via micro-beam analysis using a sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP II). The reaction system in several micrometer such as mineral and mineral boundary provides opportunity to minutely investigate macroscopic phenomena. In addition, I carry out technical and instrumental development of U-Pb geochronology, trace element analysis, and highly precise isotopic analysis. My detailed investigations are the following: (1) elemental migration/retention behavior in accessory minerals during geological events including metamorphism, alteration, and weathering, (2) Archaean-Proterozoic crustal evolution, (3) highly precise U-Pb geochronology, and (4) estimation of (paleo-)environmental changes based on stable isotopes.

Numerical simulation is a powerful tool for investigating the relationship between the solid earth dynamics and the ice sheet change in the various time scales. In particular, Antarctic ice sheet changes related to past and present climate changes induce the solid Earth deformation according to glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA). The evidences of GIA are obtained by geographical and geodetic observations around the Antarctica. In order to understand Earth's response based on these observations, I develop the numerical calculation methods for the GIA using the viscoelastic spherical Earth model. My main purposes of research and education are development of the numerical modelling of the dynamic behavior of the solid Earth and obtaining an advanced understanding related to the interaction of the Earth system components that include the climate, cryosphere, lithosphere and mantle.

My research interest is the formation and evolution of the ocean lithosphere. I’m trying to understand the dynamic Earth seafloor by using and developing geophysical methods in fields and laboratories. I especially study the subsefloor water cycle, ranging from small scale crustal processes to plate-scale phenomenon through past behavior of the geomagnetic field. My recent projects focus on hydrothermal vent fields, transform faults, fracture zones, and serpentinization in various tectonic settings including polar regions. I’m always seeking for all students so feel free to contact me.

第四紀における環境変動史を復元し、その変動要因を詳細に検討することで地球表層システムの理解につなげる研究に取り組んでいる。特に、全球規模の環境変動に大きな影響を及ぼす海水準・氷床変動に関する研究に焦点を当てている。野外調査や採取試料の分析、およびモデルシミュレーションをはじめとする多様な手法を導入し、多角的な視点から研究を進めることを意識している。
現場観測に基づく知見を元にし、共同研究者と採取試料の化学分析や微化石分析を行い、モデルシミュレーション解析から過去の南極氷床変動メカニズムの解明を目指すことが現在の主要な研究テーマである。研究教育としては、研究テーマに付随する最新の研究をフォローしつつ、研究を進める上で必要な分析・解析技術の取得や、論文執筆に関する内容を包括的に進めていきたい。

Due to their low temperatures and dryness, the terrestrial environments of Antarctica present challenges to the survival of living things. My work is to explore the composition and origin of the unique ecosystems of Antarctica, focusing on bryophytes and bacteria, with the aim of elucidating the reproductive strategies of species in polar environments. In particular, I am using molecular ecology methods and a range of other research techniques to study ecosystems that are unique to Antarctic lakes. The South Pole is one of the last remaining frontiers of field science. In view of this, I place much importance on field observation in my research.

The focus of my research is the growth and reproduction of plants including plankton algae, ice algae, benthic algae and mosses, which are primary producers, and photosynthetic production, in polar seas and lakes. I combine field observations and experiments to study the relationship between the environments in which these plants are found and their physiological responses. Through these analyses, I investigate the adaptation strategies of plants to the extreme environments of polar regions and the nature of the ecosystems created by plants in such regions. In order understand the conditions of plants in polar climatic regions, it is essential to observe and measure environmental kinetics and plant physiological responses in the field. Using these research methods, I work together with young researchers striving to elucidate polar lake ecology and sea ice ecosystems to explore the diverse survival principles of plants in polar regions.

極域および亜寒帯海域における植物プランクトンの基礎生産力の変動と、地球規模環境変動や栄養物質循環との関係について研究を行っている。フィールドにおける直接的な観測に加え、衛星リモートセンシングや光学的技術を活用し、より広域かつ長期的な推定と変動の抽出を目指した研究と教育を行う。

I am involved in research and education on the behaviour and ecology of large animal species (e.g. seabirds, marine mammals) that function as higher trophic level predators in marine ecosystems. Because it is difficult to observe directly the large marine animals moving freely at sea, the knowledge of their behavior and ecology is extremely limited. Therefore, our NIPR research group has developed small recording instruments that can be fitted to these animals. These instruments enable us to obtain detailed information on their behaviour at sea. In addition, small digital camera loggers now allow us to obtain information about the surrounding environment of camera-mounted animals. Using these animal-borne instruments, I have been studying the survival strategies of polar marine animals and their responses to recent environmental change.

It is said that polar terrestrial ecosystems are remarkably sensitive and vulnerable to environmental changes. I conduct research and education on both the impact of environmental change on terrestrial ecosystems in Antarctica and Arctic regions and also the impact of Antarctic and Arctic terrestrial ecosystems on global environmental change, synthesizing a diverse range of information. In my academic supervision work, I give guidance on deciding research topics, formulating research plans, implementing surveys, analyzing data, writing theses and making presentations. I also try, as far as possible, to take students with me on survey trips to the polar regions so that they can experience the current state of these environments directly with all five senses. Furthermore, I strive to train students to maintain a keen awareness of the connections between the research they conduct and the society they are part of.

Antarctica and its surrounding waters are expected to be particularly sensitive and vulnerable to climate change. I focus on zooplankton monitoring studies with the purpose of mapping spatial and temporal variations in zooplankton distribution pattern, and to make use of the sensitivity of plankton to environmental change as an early warning indicator of the health of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. I also conducted a broad spectrum of research topics including, parasites of Antarctic krill, lipid biochemistry, zooplankton population ecology and life history strategies, community ecology and changes in zooplankton biodiversity. As noted above, I have the skills to identification of zooplankton living in the Southern Ocean, conduct molecular analyses, design and conducted laboratory experiments and field surveys. I work on supervising academic theses relating to these topics.

動物に装着可能な小型機器（データロガー）を海洋性高次捕食者である海鳥類に取り付けることで、行動・生態やその周辺の海洋環境を明らかにする研究に中心的に取り組んでいる。特に、高次捕食動物の生存に必要不可欠な採餌行動に着目し、これまで可視化することの難しかった採餌の詳細なタイミング・場所を詳細に調べ、衛星による環境データ等とも組み合わせることで採餌にとって重要な海洋環境を明らかにしている。このような視点から、海洋性高次捕食者を指標として、近年注目されている、極域の急激な海洋環境変化が、海洋生態系に及ぼす影響を探っている。
上記のような研究や関連する研究内容に即して、極域科学専攻の大学院生に、フィールド調査から論文執筆に至るまでの一連のプロセスを体得してもらいたいと考えている。具体的には、とりわけ安全に配慮した極域での現場観測の計画立案から実施にいたる流れをはじめ、動物の行動軌跡と海洋環境の空間分布を関連付けるGIS解析、動物の行動の個体差を考慮した統計解析手法といったデータ解析手法を、実際の野外調査や取得データにもとづいて指導する。さらに国際誌への論文掲載を目指して、論文の構成や執筆方法について指導する。

Our knowledge on polar marine ecosystems is still limited due to difficulties for sampling, although recent climate changes should strongly affect on the ecosystems. I am studying food web structure and the material cycling in the ecosystem by uisng various gears and methods.

Through international and interdisciplinary collaborations, I am involved in research and education on the behavior and ecology of marine top predators by using the bio-logging method, with a particular emphasis on the marine mammals that adapt to the mysterious, deep, dark ocean.