ORGANIZATION CHART/STAFF

Associate Professor

Tomoko Miyoshi

After graduating from Kochi Medical University, Dr. Miyoshi worked as an endocrinologist at Okayama University Hospital, engaging in clinical practice, research, and education. After obtaining her doctorate, she pursued clinical practice in general internal medicine. Since 2010, she has been involved in medical education at the Center for Integrated Medical Education and Development and the Postgraduate Clinical Training Center at Okayama University Hospital. She studied at the University of Hawaii Center for Medical Education and served as an associate professor at the Department of General Medicine and Medical Education at Okayama University Academic Research Institute before assuming her current position in May 2024. Dr. Miyoshi holds a Master of Health Professional Education and is an expert in medical education. Her research focuses on understanding the formation process and influencing factors of professional identity among medical students.

“I aim to nurture each student’s individuality, and together, we strive to grow into excellent healthcare professionals and well-rounded individuals.”

For more information, please visit: https://researchmap.jp/tomiyoshi

Junior Associate Professor

Masashi Ikuno

After graduating from Kyoto University, I completed my initial and advanced training at Rakuwakai Otowa Hospital. Subsequently, I joined the Department of Neurology at Kyoto University, where I conducted pathophysiological research on Parkinson’s disease. In August 2023, I transitioned to the Center for Medical Education and Internationalization.

While acknowledging my ongoing development, I am eager to support students in achieving fulfilling learning experiences.

For more information, please visit: https://researchmap.jp/mikuno

Assistant Professor

Akiko Tokinobu

I have been engaged in the “KUSNoKi Project” to support medical professionals at the Center for Medical Education and Internationalization since October 2023.

I am also engaged in research on empathy among medical students and doctors.

For more information, please visit: https://researchmap.jp/tokinobu

Professor

Dean Thumkeo

After spending my early years in the US and Thailand, I first arrived in Japan at the age of 18 in 1996. Since then, I have encountered various challenges, including issues of diversity, language barriers, and a lack of emphasis on internationalization at Japanese universities. Fortunately, I have managed to overcome these challenges, and I believe that these experiences have positively influenced my approach to addressing similar issues today.

Moreover, during my 28-years in Japan, I have observed significant transformations within Japanese universities, particularly the notable increase in both international students and faculties. However, despite these advancements, persistent challenges remain within academia. Therefore, my aim is to promote internationalization and diversity, raise educational standards to meet global standard, and foster international collaboration in research endeavors. Through these efforts, I aspire to elevate the global standing of our medical school.

For our group website: https://sites.google.com/kyoto-u.ac.jp/dean-lab/home

Associate Professor

Minsoo KIM, PhD

Originally from Korea, I received my Ph.D. from the Tokyo University, where I began my research on a small protein called “Ubiquitin”. Ubiquitin is covalently attached to the substrate protein, regulates various cellular processes, and contribute to disease development.

Our group focuses on the ubiquitin system, which is involved in cancer and infectious disease. We welcome to students who would like to study pathogen-host interaction and the development of new antibacterial drugs.

Please visit us : https://ubiquitinlink.jp/

Junior Associate Professor

Erik Walinda

I am Erik from Germany. My research interests are:

Ubiquitin-Associated Processes: Investigating the role of polyubiquitin chains, ubiquitin-binding domains, and ubiquitylation in protein folding, stability, and aggregation.

Protein Dynamics: Studying the structural and dynamic changes of proteins in various environments, including crowded conditions and upon interactions with ligands or drugs.

NMR Spectroscopy Techniques: Developing and utilizing high-sensitivity NMR techniques like relaxation dispersion and Rheo-NMR spectroscopy to observe and analyze biomolecular motion, interactions, and conformational changes.

Epigenetics and DNA Modifications: Investigating the structural dynamics and functional implications of modified DNA, such as epigenetic alterations.

Iwai lab;京都大学大学院 医学研究科 細胞機能制御学 (mcp-kyoto-u.jp)
Personal page; Yura Yura（https://sway.office.com/3lwWeO71bLSPRmHG?ref=Link）

Assistant Professor

Fabian RAUDZUS

How can we advance regenerative medicine for treating central nervous system disorders? This question fuels my research pursuits. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provided a breakthrough by offering an accessible cell source for cell replacement therapies. However, solely replacing lost cells due to injury or disease forms just one aspect of modern central nervous system (CNS) treatments.

The CNS environment presents specific challenges related to cell survival, axon growth, and synaptic connectivity, imposing limitations on the effectiveness of current cell replacement therapies. To unleash the full potential of these novel treatments, it’s essential to optimize both the transplanted cells and the host CNS environment.

My research focuses on two critical methods: modulating cellular signaling pathways and employing spatiotemporal control of axon growth using magnetic nanoparticles.

For further information, feel free to contact me by email: neuronalregeneration.ku@gmail.com

Website :
https://researchmap.jp/FabianRaudzus
https://www.cira.kyoto-u.ac.jp/e/research/takahashi_summary.html

Assistant Professor

Yan Luo

I earned my MD from Tsinghua University Medical School/Peking Union Medical College in China and practiced as a rheumatologist for three years. After witnessing how evidence-based medicine had helped improve patient outcomes, I came to Japan and completed a PhD in epidemiology at Kyoto University. I joined the Center for Medical Education and Internationalization in April 2023. My primary research interests lie in clinical epidemiology and evidence synthesis. I enjoy applying new evidence synthesis methods to contribute to the generation of individual-level evidence. I engage in meta-epidemiological research with the aim of enhancing the methodology employed in clinical research. I am also interested in evidence visualization/dissemination and integrating patients’ values into decision-making processes. Beyond my research, I am eager to assist students in exploring paths leading to a fulfilling and joyful future.

Relevant homepage:
https://researchmap.jp/yanluo