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1. What prompted you decide to participate in the "JSPS Science Dialogue" program?
I have interest in outreach since long time ago. Whenever possible I try to do my best in disseminating several topics of planetary sciences and astronomy to the general public. Thus, when I first read about this program, I did not think twice. I applied for it right away.
2. To what did you give greatest attention in preparing and giving the lecture?
I tried to make the lecture the most understandable and interesting as possible, not only concerning the language (English), but also using attractive/didactic computer illustrations and pictures taken by telescopes and spacecrafts. In fact, as the English could be a barrier for some students, I prepared the lecture in a way that it could be followed only looking at the slides and reading some short texts.
3. Did you find it difficult to give a lecture in English to Japanese students? Could you give some advice to future lecturers on how to facilitate communication with Japanese students?
It was not difficult, but neither easy though. In fact, I made an effort to keep the explanations simple and short because it is challenging to explain research topics without using too technical English. Therefore, future lecturers should avoid using too technical English or other jargons. Giving short explanations in Japanese will certainly help too, in particular during Q&A and discussions.
4. Could you give your impression with regard to participating in this program?
I am glad that I was given the opportunity to participate in this program. I believe it was a nice and enriching experience for me, not only to disseminate science and the research to Japanese students, but also to interact with other people in the Japanese society.
5. Was it meaningful in terms of your fellowship activities?
Yes, definitely. In particular, I believe it was a nice opportunity to share my research with the general public and to stimulate the students' interests in science and astronomy. Besides, I could also improve my ability to communicate about planetary sciences and the importance of doing research.
6. In what ways do you think the students benefited from the program?
Well, firstly they had the chance to hear about a specific science topic by a foreign researcher. Such opportunities are few even in undergraduate and graduate levels. Secondly, I believe it was great they had a time (Q&A) to discuss the contents of the lecture and express their opinions, making their learning more interactive on the topic. In addition, they had the opportunity to hear and talk in English, and also to know a little bit more about a foreign country, which is also a good experience in a world of globalization. Finally, the students were introduced to a (presumably) new topic in science, and also to how the research works, which is important since this experience may encourage them to become future researchers and science leaders in the future.
7. Could you give some overall advice or comments to future participants in the program?
Use illustrations, experiments, etc., which may be worth "thousand words" during the lecture. In addition, Japanese students usually will not tell you if they are not catching what you are saying, so the lecturer has to pay attention on their reactions all the time. Finally, keep the explanations as simple as possible, and prepare a good introduction containing all key definitions, so the students will be able to understand better the whole lecture and the importance of your research.
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