The g-PBL program took place from March 5 to March 11, 2023, at the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT). The program was a collaboration between SIT and Dillard University (DU). Professors and students from a range of departments at the bachelor’s and master’s levels participated in this program. This program offered students an opportunity to explore diverse cultures and a platform to showcase their own culture. Apart from promoting cross-cultural connections between Japan and the United States, this program has significance for SIT’s branding and university ranking. It also lays the foundation for potential international collaborations in the future.
Prof. M. Muralidhar, a member of the SIT Board of Councilors, welcomed the students and gave an overview of the program, its objectives, and its relevance. He also introduced superconductors, their history, and their impact on energy and the environment.
Prof. Rochelle L. Ford, APR, from Dillard University, highlighted the benefits of initiatives like these in fostering intercultural dialogue and cross-cultural connections. Each DU participant was then introduced and expressed their enthusiasm for participating in the program. A guided tour of the Toyosu campus was organized, which included Techno Plaza, the library, and departmental labs. The students were given a detailed explanation of the functioning and underlying principles of each machine in Techno Plaza. A welcome party was held on the GLC level, where SIT’s international division and students welcomed the DU students. The event was an opportunity for the students to learn more about each other’s cultures and interact with one another. The students participated in a Yukata Traditional Clothing Workshop, where they learned about traditional Japanese clothing and its significance. Ms Reiko Kageyama gave a comprehensive presentation, which was followed by the DU participants trying on Yukata outfits and posing for photographs in the GLC and the flower garden on the ground floor.
On the 7th of March, an exciting series of lectures and experimental demonstrations were held at the GLC 3F on the Toyosu campus. The lecture, delivered by the esteemed Prof. Dr Muralidhar Miryala, focused on the concept of superconductivity and its practical applications in everyday life. Students from Dillard University had the opportunity to delve deep into the fascinating physics of superconductors and explore their extensive usage in various fields, such as medicine, transport, and industry research. The lecture was an immersive experience that aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of superconductivity and its real-world applications. Prof. Dr Muralidhar Miryala shared his vast knowledge and experience in the field, which helped the students grasp the concept with ease. The lecture was followed by a brainstorming session where students could ask questions and seek clarification on the topic. This session was led by the professor himself and research students from Miryala lab, who offered their expertise and insights to further enhance the student’s understanding. After the lecture, a memento of appreciation was given by Prof. Dr Muralidhar Miryala to Prof. Dr Ford. The lecture was a fascinating introduction to the world of superconductivity, and the experimental demonstration of magnetic levitation added an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings. The students were able to witness the concept come to life and experience first-hand the incredible potential of superconductors in modern-day applications. Overall, the lecture and experimental demonstration were a fantastic opportunity for the students of Dillard University to learn about superconductivity and its practical uses in everyday life. The event was a testament to the importance of education and research in advancing our understanding of science and technology, and the role that universities like Shibaura Institute of Technology and Dillard University play in shaping the future of society.
Dillard University’s students visited the Miraikan Museum, also known as the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, located in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan. The museum was established in 2001 to promote scientific knowledge and innovation to the general public. The students were impressed with the museum’s vast collection of interactive exhibits designed to inspire curiosity and creativity among visitors. Unlike traditional museums, the Miraikan museum presents questions for the future rather than just providing facts from the past. The g-PBL students found many exhibits unique and interesting, such as the Geo-Cosmos exhibit, which features a giant globe that displays real-time data from around the world. The students were amazed to see the interconnectedness of different phenomena such as weather patterns, ocean currents, and human activity. Another highlight of the visit was the Innovation Lab, which allowed the students to experience hands-on experiments and create their own inventions using the latest technologies. The museum also offers audio-visual experiences, including one of the theatres playing a short movie demonstrating the sound engineering of the movie “Akira”. Overall, the exhibits were engaging and informative, and the students found themselves spending hours exploring the museum. Their visit to Miraikan Museum was an unforgettable experience, and they left with a deeper understanding of science and technology.
On March 9th, 2023, a stimulating g-PBL workshop entitled “Powering Our Future: Overcoming Obstacles to Achieving Affordable, Reliable, and Sustainable Energy for All” took place in the GLC room. The primary focus of this workshop was SDG7, which is aimed at ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Approximately 15 students from Dillard University and Shibaura Institute of Technology attended this workshop. The closing ceremony was held for the gPBL SIT-DU program at the Toyosu campus. Prior to the ceremony, participants from Dillard University presented their cultural experiences and learning opportunities during their time at Shibaura Institute of Technology and throughout Japan. The students expressed their amazement at Japan’s unique culture and advanced technology and showed interest in returning to Japan for further studies and exchange programs.
The ceremony also featured a Presidential address by Prof. Dr Rochelle L. Ford, President of Dillard University. Dr Ford spoke about her wonderful experience with the gPBL program and expressed interest in future collaborations with the Shibaura Institute of Technology for research and student exchange programs. Certificates of participation were awarded to all participants by Sakura Science and Shibaura Institute of Technology for successfully completing the program.
