Chia-Tsong Chen
Current Position: Researcher, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Degree at UTokyo: PhD (2022)
Department: Electrical Engineering and Information Systems
Laboratory: Takagi Laboratory
Research at SEUT
During my PhD studies at the University of Tokyo, I researched methods to improve the performance of next-generation semiconductor transistors. Specifically, I investigated ultra-thin germanium (Ge) and silicon-germanium (SiGe) semiconductor channels and demonstrated that strain engineering can significantly enhance charge transport within devices. By understanding how charge transport changes at nanometer-scale dimensions, I developed strategies to improve transistor speed and efficiency. This work contributed to the development of future semiconductor technologies and provided the scientific foundation for my current research on ultra-thin oxide semiconductor transistors.
Why I Chose SEUT
As a master's student in Taiwan, I became interested in advanced semiconductor devices and frequently read research papers co-authored by Professor Shinichi Takagi. His work on next-generation semiconductor technologies greatly inspired me, particularly the combination of fundamental device physics and practical technology development.
I later had the opportunity to meet Professor Takagi at a conference in Taiwan and learn more about his research and the academic environment at SEUT. After that meeting, I became convinced that SEUT was the ideal place to pursue my doctoral studies.
Memorable Experiences
About six months after I arrived in Tokyo, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a citywide lockdown, and students were unable to access the university for several months. As an experimental researcher, I initially found this frustrating because I could not continue my laboratory work.
Instead of becoming discouraged, I used the time to improve myself. I began cooking healthy meals, exercising regularly at home, and developing a more disciplined lifestyle. As a result, I lost approximately 10 kilograms during that period. Although the lockdown was challenging, it taught me how to adapt to unexpected situations and maintain a positive outlook.
Challenges and How I Overcame Them
One of the biggest challenges I faced while studying and living in Japan was the Japanese language. Although my Chinese-language background helped me understand many kanji characters, speaking and writing Japanese in a professional and appropriate manner was far more difficult.
This became particularly challenging during the final year of my doctoral studies when I began job hunting in Japan. Preparing application documents, communicating with recruiters, and participating in interviews all required a much higher level of Japanese proficiency than I had needed in my research activities.
To overcome this challenge, I actively practiced Japanese every day and communicated more frequently with Japanese colleagues and friends. In addition, SEUT's Business Japanese courses provided valuable support by helping me learn professional expressions, prepare application materials, and develop interview skills. Through these efforts, I gradually gained confidence and was able to successfully navigate the job-hunting process while continuing my research.
Personal and Professional Growth
My time at the University of Tokyo helped me develop both academically and personally. Academically, I learned not only to focus on my own research topic but also to build a broader understanding of the semiconductor field as a whole. Through seminars, conferences, and discussions with researchers from other laboratories, I gained valuable knowledge beyond my area of specialization.
At the same time, working closely with laboratory members and interacting with students from other research groups strengthened my technical skills and taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration. These experiences helped me become a more well-rounded researcher and better prepared me for my professional career.
Career Path
After completing my PhD at the University of Tokyo, I remained in the same laboratory as a postdoctoral researcher for several months. In 2023, I joined the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) as a researcher.
My current work focuses on advanced silicon device structures on 300 mm wafers and oxide semiconductor devices, including transistor fabrication, materials engineering, and device reliability. Building on the semiconductor device physics I learned at the University of Tokyo, I now conduct more independent research and collaborate with both academic and industrial partners to develop next-generation semiconductor technologies.
Message to Prospective Students
My message to prospective international students is to embrace both the academic and personal opportunities that SEUT offers. During my time at SEUT, I received excellent research training, worked with outstanding researchers, and developed a broad understanding of the semiconductor field. At the same time, living in Japan helped me become more independent, adaptable, and confident.
Although studying abroad can be challenging, SEUT provides strong support for international students. If you are willing to challenge yourself and actively engage with the university community, I believe SEUT can be a life-changing experience, just as it was for me.
UTokyo pushed me to explore beyond engineering and grow through every challenge and opportunity
SEUT challenged me to think bigger, aim higher, and pursue opportunities beyond my comfort zone