UTokyo did not simply make me a better engineer. It helped me become a researcher, educator, and global leader

Chaitanya Krishna Gadagamma

Current Position: Assistant Professor, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand
Degree at UTokyo: PhD (2017)
Department: Civil Engineering
Laboratory: Meguro Laboratory

Research at SEUT

Why I Chose SEUT

Memorable Experiences

The Japanese language classes helped me learn about Japanese culture, and the knowledge and experiences I gained remain unforgettable. I also had an amazing experience through the Civil Engineering Department's host family program.

Challenges and How I Overcame Them

I did not encounter any significant challenges during my studies.

Personal and Professional Growth

My time at UTokyo shaped me both professionally and personally in profound ways. Working under Professor Meguro on seismic research sharpened my analytical thinking, while involvement in international projects such as SATREPS-Myanmar taught me how to collaborate across cultures and disciplines.

Organizing seminars and training programs through the Disaster Management Training Center gave me valuable leadership and teaching experience that directly prepared me for my current faculty position. Living in Japan as an international student also strengthened my resilience and adaptability.

UTokyo did not simply make me a better engineer. It helped me become a well-rounded researcher, educator, and global collaborator.

Career Path

Following my PhD graduation in March 2017, I continued at UTokyo as a Postdoctoral Fellow under Professor Meguro in the Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Engineering Group, further developing my research in seismic assessment and disaster management.

In April 2018, I became a Project Assistant Professor in Disaster Process Engineering at UTokyo, leading and contributing to several research projects, including ground motion analysis for underground structures and the SATREPS-Myanmar disaster management initiative.

I currently serve as an Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, where I continue my research in structural and earthquake engineering while mentoring future engineers and researchers.

Message to Prospective Students

SEUT offers an outstanding research environment with access to world-class faculty members and a diverse international community.

Do not let language barriers or the distance from home discourage you. Adapting to life in Japan can be challenging, but those challenges themselves become valuable learning experiences and create unforgettable memories.

Come with an open mind, devote yourself fully to your research, and build strong relationships with the people around you. The skills and connections you gain at SEUT will remain with you throughout your career. I know they have for me.