I have been a wheelchair user since an accident in first grade. During elementary and junior high school, I was enrolled in the support class at public schools but spent time in regular classes except during physical education. My daily living assistance was handled by the homeroom teacher of the support class. My friends around me also naturally helped me often.
I entered high school and university through general entrance exams, enrolling in the Faculty of Data Science at Shiga University. During high school, I joined the Science Club and developed an interest in analyzing things. Since I could work independently at a desk, I chose the information technology field. At university, rather than relying on public support systems, I primarily received daily living assistance from administrative staff capable of providing support. Additionally, I received comprehensive support from the entire university, including student support staff and the Health Management Center.
At Shiga University, I encountered the field of medical image processing, which is now my major. When I entered university, I wasn't clear on which field I wanted to apply my data science skills to. However, there was a professor specializing in medical image processing. I thought that this field offered the potential to contribute to society within the medical field, which I had been involved with since childhood, so I chose this area.
I was hoping to pursue graduate studies since my undergraduate days. My motivation was to join a lab closer to actual medical practice where I could handle a larger volume of medical image data, which led me to discover NAIST. During a “Daily Campus Tour,” I visited the lab. There was absolutely no negative treatment regarding my disability; Professors Otake, Sato, and Marzen warmly welcomed me. This became one of the major factors in choosing my current lab. The professors and administrative staff provided guidance on how to navigate school life, even before I enrolled.
Current Research and Life as a Graduate Student
My current field of study, medical image processing, aims to analyze medical images like CT and MRI scans using AI, and utilize that information for diagnosis and treatment. My current research theme involves analyzing CT scans (4D CT) capturing the human act of swallowing food. The contraction strength of the throat is crucial for swallowing food. However, patients with dysphagia often have weakened contraction strength, making it difficult for them to swallow food properly. My goal is to quantitatively evaluate this throat contraction strength from CT scans to aid in diagnosis. Additionally, to clarify the movement of the body structures involved in swallowing, I am working to improve the accuracy of segmentation technology, which uses AI to segment the areas of each structure from CT scans.
For daily living assistance at the university, I utilize an external Carer under the initiative of Nara City's “the Mobility Support Program for University Students”. This program, administered by municipalities rather than the national government, provides necessary mobility support and physical assistance for academic pursuits. While I don't require support during lectures or research, a helper waits in my lab from the time I arrive on campus until I return home. Occasionally, I ask my peers or seniors in the lab for support, and they kindly oblige. Thanks to everyone's support, including my professors, I'm able to navigate graduate school life without issues. I'm deeply grateful.
Furthermore, the Biomedical Imaging Intelligence Laboratory allows me to conduct research remotely from home, which I find a significant advantage. Being able to flexibly choose between working at home or the lab depending on my daily situation and physical condition is truly appreciated.
Challenges in the Research Environment
I don't face many difficulties regarding research itself. My professor is always there to provide consultations, and I have a Carer assisting me in my daily life at all times.
However, the preparatory phase before enrollment was quite challenging. Before I enrolled, NAIST was unaware of the Mobility Support Program for University Students. Consequently, I first inquired with Ikoma City, where the university is located, about the availability of such support systems. I learned that Ikoma City did not offer such a program. I then contacted Nara City and learned that Nara City did offer a study support system. At this point, I decided to live in Nara City rather than in a dormitory or an apartment within Ikoma City. After that, I worked with the Nara City Core Consultation Support Center and others to figure out how to utilize the system and which care provider agency to use, coordinating with the university as well.
I believe NAIST had no prior experience with a wheelchair user like me, who requires daily living assistance. Consequently, they had to proceed through trial and error. During this process, suggestions were made, like “Why not ask friends to help with daily living assistance?” Of course, I am deeply grateful for any help friends can provide. However, relying solely on friends risks overburdening one person or facing situations where no one is available when support is needed. This places a burden not only on me but also on those around me. In terms of guaranteeing everyone's right to education, I believe it's essential for universities to proactively present support methods to students with disabilities, such as “You can utilize these public support services.”
From a research perspective, I also think it's crucial for our university to foster an environment where diverse people can thrive. Personally, I've found that interacting with people from various backgrounds can spark ideas that wouldn't emerge on my own. While basic research may be different, for research like mine that applies technology to real-world contexts, a clear sense of purpose – “What is this useful for?” and “Who does it benefit?” – is also crucial. Such purpose is cultivated by learning alongside people from diverse backgrounds throughout elementary, middle, high school, and university, and I believe this is vital.
Graduate schools including NAIST are generally unique institutions without undergraduate programs, and it's undeniable that they attract a specific demographic through the admissions process. I think that's partly unavoidable.
I don't believe in forcing diversity by artificially gathering diverse people. That said, the university can maintain a supportive research environment by promoting the support of students with disabilities, including through the Diversity & Inclusion Office. Furthermore, I believe it is important for students themselves to cultivate an awareness that extends beyond the confines of the laboratory—which can often become a closed space—to look beyond the university and out into society on a daily basis.
