Naoko Saito, Mazda Motor Corporation
Completed Doctor’s Program of Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University
What is your current job?
After completing my Master’s degree, I’ve joined Mazda and was engaged in automotive metalworking. Currently, I am working on a joint research with the university on welding techniques as a part-time doctoral student at the research institute. One sheet of metal is pressed with a die to produce car parts. Metal machining and welding have many aspects in common. In the automobile industry going forward, fuel-efficient cars that are eco-friendly and weight saving in order to achieve this will be needed. Researching new perspectives other than the existing materials and process methods directly links to my job so it is very rewarding.
What do you value in terms of research environment?
Personally speaking, I am very grateful to be able to participate in a joint research as an adult member with professors who took great care of me since I was in school. I can kill two birds with one stone as I can obtain more knowledge while working using the assignment at work as a research theme. I am currently working and researching as well as raising a child at the same time. I utilize the remote work system the company and I leave it to my husband when I go on business trips. I’m grateful to receive supports from my family and company. It is a lot of work but I feel it is a great opportunity to challenge myself and improve my expertise while continue utilizing such system.