“Where did you complete your undergrad studies and what were your majors/minors?”
I began the interview by asking Dr. Onishi about his undergraduate studies. He shared that he completed his studies at the University of Tokyo, majoring in the agriculture department with a focus on molecular biology. During this time, he witnessed the rapid advancement of molecular techniques and the decoding of genome sequences. The period of scientific progress sparked his excitement and interest in biology and microbiology. He emphasized that although his initial plan was to pursue medicine, after exploring different fields, he wanted to dedicate his life to the field of biotechnology and biology itself, which led him to pursue further graduate studies in a molecular biology program.
“What made you decide to choose your current career?”
Surprisingly, Dr. Onishi mentioned that during high school, he worked as a sushi chef. However, driven by the need to study for the national exam, he had to stop. He was later approached by a sushi restaurant in college seeking a sushi chef, which reignited his interest in the culinary world. Thus, he started working as a sushi chef again while pursuing his college education.
“What do you love about working in science?”
When discussing his love for working in science, Dr. Onishi expressed a deep appreciation for the field. He believes that any scientific contribution, regardless of its scale, is a way of contributing to humanity. He highlighted the accumulation of knowledge as one of humanity’s greatest advantages, allowing for the transfer of information both vertically and horizontally. He found it fascinating that any paper, even if discovered 50-100 years later, has the potential to make a significant impact. He recounted an experience where one of the most cited papers in a field was initially published in a low-ranking journal but gained recognition and importance over time.
“What do you enjoy doing outside of the lab?”
He revealed a passion for cooking and shared how he enjoys experimenting with different recipes. Additionally, he mentioned his love for cycling and biking. He used to cover hundreds of miles on his bike, finding solace and clarity in the repetitive pedaling. He noted that some of his best research ideas emerged during these moments of focused contemplation. Cycling taught him the importance of shutting out distractions and training his mind to think logically and deeply.
“What would be your advice for someone starting and wanting to go deeper into research?”
Dr. Onishi emphasized the importance of following one’s passion and not being swayed by the passions of others. He stressed the need to find personal fulfillment in research, acknowledging that it can be both fun and challenging. He encouraged aspiring researchers to embrace the process, endure the grind, and relish the small moments of joy that come with scientific discoveries. Ultimately, he emphasized the significance of being passionate about one’s work and firmly believing in its value.
Dr. Onishi sounds very wise, you got a lot of good advice from this interview. I like how he emphasized that “life outside the lab” like cycling, is also important.