The goal of process development is to create quality products for the consumer.
Processing Development Research Laboratories,
Fundamental Research Sector,
Kao Corporation
Kaori Ishida
Process development—a world of trial and error
Pens, notebooks and mugs – common household objects that are used every day. But what about the process that goes into creating them?Behind every object as technologically advanced as a smart phone, or as simple as a pencil, is a long process of trial and error that consumers rarely see.This field of research is known as process development. It isn’t glamorous, but it forms the backbone of all production.Tohoku University alumna Kaori Ishida works at the Processing Development Research Laboratories at Kao Corporation, a major manufacturer of consumer products that include body soap, laundry detergent, sanitary products and food.She engages in open-minded research, a clever mix of imagination and creativity, coupled with specialized skills and knowledge.
Mapping out a career path at the School of Engineering, and the joy of making things
Ishida was born and raised in the town of Gonohe, in Aomori Prefecture. She was an animated child who enjoyed running around in nature with her elder brother and sister. Instead of playing video games, she entertained herself designing and crafting imaginative tools to catch fish and insects.This creative childhood nurtured in Ishida a competitive spirit, a desire to always see things through to the end, and to strive to be the best in the process. When Ishida was in junior high school, her brother was accepted into Tohoku University. Despite her youth, Ishida knew immediately that when it was her turn, she too, would attend Tohoku University. “At that time it didn’t matter to me what I studied as long as I could follow in my brother’s footsteps. My parents wanted me to choose a national or public university close to them in the eastern Japan area. So Tohoku University was the answer to all my dreams.” With her mind made up, Ishida traveled to Sendai, not once but twice, to attend Open Campus. She was interested in mathematics and chemistry, and narrowed her visits to the School of Engineering, and the Faculties of Science and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She attended presentations by professors and students and became increasingly taken with the idea of “monozukuri” or making things. In the spring of her second year in high school, she set her sights on Tohoku University’s School of Engineering.
Mastering the basics, and deepening knowledge in all fields
While studying for Tohoku University’s entrance exam, Ishida discovered that she could improve and reinforce her own understanding of the material by teaching others. Her high school didn’t have a dedicated program to prepare students for university, so Ishida rounded up her friends and conducted after-school lessons. Each time she solved a problem, she tested herself by explaining the solution to her friends.It proved a successful strategy as Ishida passed Tohoku University’s entrance exam in 2006 and was admitted into the course of her choice - the School of Engineering’s Department of Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering.Once there, she was impressed with the department’s focus on deep and broad learning, and the dedication of her fellow students. “From first to fourth year students, everyone concentrated on mastering the basics of our field, while at the same time learning about a broad range of subjects across other fields.
“It seemed like everyone in the department planned to go on to graduate school to engage in specialized research. And at some point in my first year, I also started to approach my studies with graduate school at the back of my mind.”
While graduate school seemed like the natural progression for Ishida, she was less certain about her career options. But that too, soon came into focus in her third year when she went on her first plant visit.
Processing Development Research Laboratories,
Fundamental Research Sector,
Kao Corporation
Kaori Ishida
Graduated from Aomori Prefectural Hachinohe Higashi High School in 2006, and the Chemical Engineering course at the Department of Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering, Tohoku University in 2010. Earned a master’s degree with a major in environmental science at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Tohoku University in 2012. Joined Kao Corporation in April of the same year.After having worked at the Eco-Technology Research Center, she transferred to the Processing Development Research Laboratories.