Akita Prefectural Akita High School, Miharu Konno
Hello. I'm Miharu Konno, a first-generation participant in UTokyoGSC. I recently finished writing my final report for the second stage of the program, and while I'm relieved that I was able to successfully summarize my research findings, I also feel sad that my time in this program has come to an end
Now, let me introduce my research activities in the second phase
My research topic was "A Study on the Agreement and Discrepancy between Quantification and Perception in Color," focusing on the effects of color and brightness on human perception. Specifically, I created polystyrene foam boxes lined with colored construction paper and had friends and family members look inside to observe their perception of brightness and their brainwave patterns. Because I was studying individual perceptions, there were significant differences, and I struggled with the analysis. However, I ultimately found that different colors affect how brightness is perceived, and that these differences influence brain function
The most challenging aspect of this research activity was undoubtedly the inability to visit the University of Tokyo to conduct research due to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the second phase began, when travel between Tokyo and Akita was still free, I was really looking forward to visiting the Institute of Industrial Science to conduct research. Although I was a little anxious, I thought I could ask any questions I had to the professors in the lab since I could talk to them directly. However, as the virus spread and I could no longer go to Tokyo, I had to basically carry out my research alone, and all consultations with the professors and reports on my results had to be done online, which I was not used to. I was constantly worried about whether I was doing things the right way, and I made many mistakes. However, thanks to everyone in the lab and the GSC secretariat, I was able to somehow move forward with my research and bring it to fruition. Looking back, I think that this trial-and-error research activity in an unexpected situation helped me grow significantly
We will undoubtedly face similar situations in the future, where we are forced to adapt to unfamiliar lifestyles. I believe that this experience has brought me one step closer to becoming someone who can flexibly respond to such situations.
That concludes my research presentation. Thank you for reading.