The goal and reward of process development is a product used by the consumer
Processing Development Research Laboratories,
Fundamental Research Sector,
Kao Corporation
Kaori Ishida
Plant and lab visits — future prospects
At the School of Engineering, an important event to help students decide on their career path is the tour of plants organized for them in their third year. Visits are arranged by the department or course, and destinations include leading companies in each field. Ishida visited several chemistry and bioengineering companies and research institutes, and was fascinated by one in particular – Kao Corporation. “The company deals not with other companies but directly with consumers. I felt that it would put my research to best use.” The experience gained through plant visits also has significant impact on the students’ immediate future. The Department of Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering assigns students to a lab in their fourth year, and the research topic the students choose usually determines their major in graduate school. “We all gave very careful thought to selecting a lab. I knew from my plant visit to Kao that many alumni working there had taken the chemical engineering course. So that was my first choice.” She visited the School of Engineering’s Smith Laboratory, which develops environment-friendly processes and green energy. What made a strong impression on Ishida, even more than the research topic, was the cheerful, friendly atmosphere created by the research team, which included many international students. Keen to polish her English and convinced that she would enjoy conducting research with the team, Ishida joined the Smith Laboratory.
First-time challenges
At the Smith Laboratory, led by American professor Richard Smith, everything from lectures to the selection and discussion of projects is conducted in English. During her time as a member of the lab, Ishida’s English greatly improved, and the friendly environment contributed to her enjoyment of research work. After entering graduate school, Ishida turned her attention to job-hunting and secured an interview with her employer of choice, Kao Corporation. “The interview was casual, almost as if we were chit-chatting over tea. I remember having a wonderful time explaining to the interviewer about the tools I made for catching rhinoceros beetles with my brother and sister.” Ishida graduated from Tohoku University in 2012 with a master’s degree in environmental science at the Graduate School of Environmental Studies. Soon after graduation, she received a job offer from Kao, and she took it. In her first year at work, Ishida produced catalysts, conducted basic research and acquired the knowledge required of a professional researcher at Kao’s Eco-Technology Research Center, in Wakayama Prefecture. She later transferred to the Processing Development Research Laboratories in Tokyo, and was involved in a project to develop new products from scratch. “This was a 180-degree turn from the previous year, and a ‘first-time job’ that initially made me anxious. But once I calmed down and thought about it, I realized that the job was an extension of what I had learned in my undergraduate years, and I felt more confident.”
Knowledge, networks and creative passion
The days of steadily mastering the basics at the Department of Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering as an undergraduate student may be over for Ishida, but they are by no means in the past. At her current job with Kao, success in her new product development project earned her the Laboratory Director’s Award, an honour presented to new, budding researchers. Even more rewarding, was seeing her products lining the shelves of a drugstore. Ishida says she no longer fears trying new things, fully confident that her education from Tohoku University would continue to help her overcome any challenge. “I am fortunate to have a job where I can translate what I learnt at university straight into my work. Some piece of knowledge from my undergraduate years comes into play every day.” And it’s not just knowledge that has served Ishida well. Tohoku University also offers her a network of friends and professors she continues to rely on. “Whenever I have worries or concerns, I still turn to my former classmates and professors, and they are always willing to help. I don’t think this would be possible anywhere other than Tohoku University.” Ishida hasn’t lost the tenacity she had as a child, determined to see every challenge through to the end. Her passion for creativity and willingness to learn through trial and error has served her well in her career. Always quick to set her own goals, Ishida is already looking at the next chapter of her life. “In the near future, I hope to travel to the West. My dream is to conduct research in countries that are home to major players in industry. “Process development is of value only when the product is used by the consumer. I felt a sense of great satisfaction with the launch of my first new product. I want to be able to feel that sense of satisfaction over and over and over again.”
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.