Faculty Staff
Materials Systems and Dynamics
Nakamura, Yuki
Assistant Professor
B.S. (University of California, Berkeley), M.S.&Ph.D. (The University of Tokyo)
B.S. (University of California, Berkeley), M.S.&Ph.D. (The University of Tokyo)
Heterogeneous Catalysis, Organometallic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis
ynakamura [at] g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Academic Positions and Educational Background
| Apr.2022-Present | Assistant Professor, The University of Tokyo, Japan |
| Dec.2021-Mar.2022 | Lecturer (Part-time), International Christian University, Japan |
| Apr.2019-Present | Associate Research Fellow at Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan |
| Dec.2015-Mar.2019 | Lecturer (Part-time), International Christian University, Japan |
| Apr.2014-Present | Research Fellow, The University of Tokyo, Japan |
| Nov.2013-Present | S.A. Assistant Professor, The University of Tokyo, Japan |
| Apr.2012-Oct.2013 | Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Harvard University, U.S.A. |
| May.2009-Aug.2009 | Global COE Overseas Research Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S.A. |
| Apr.2009-Mar.2012 | Ph.D.／JSPS Research Fellow (DC1), The University of Tokyo, Japan |
| Apr.2007-Mar.2009 | M.S., The University of Tokyo, Japan |
| May.2004-Mar.2007 | Undergraduate Research Fellow, University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A. |
| Aug.2003-Dec.2006 | B.S. in Chemistry (Honors), University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A. |
| Aug.1998-Mar.2007 | Studied in California, U.S.A. |
Research Interests
My research focuses on two main subjects of interest: organic chemistry and education.
＜Organic Chemistry＞
My research in organic chemistry is based on the key word, "methodology".
Previously, I have explored various subfields in organic chemistry, and worked on the development of:
・Methodology to 'observe' and 'analyze' the structure of a single organic molecule through combining the use of Transmission Electron Microscope (or TEM) and chemical functionalizations of the sample
・A series of novel chemical reactions, such as functionalization of C60 fullerene, first-row transition metal-catalyzed, homogeneous cross-coupling reactions, and heterogeneous catalysis using porous materials
・Efficient and novel pathway to synthesize the core structure of natural product with complex structure
Utilizing the experience stated above, I am currently working on the development of efficient and selective heterogeneous catalysis by introducing enzymes, the natural catalysts that can promote highly selective reactions, into mesoporous materials, which can provide unique environment for catalytic reactions to take place inside highly ordered and stable, cage-like structures.
＜Education＞
My research in education is based on teaching through applying my own experience as a student in the U.S.
The main contribution comes from teaching in the following fields:
・Chemistry
・Natural sciences
・Career education
Aside from teaching, I have also translated and edited the Japanese chemistry experimental textbook into English, organized career education symposiums, written a book for career education (in Japanese), and written two article series for chemistry journal. The first series focused on my overseas student/postdoctoral research experience, while the second series was about the fiction story that contained valuable information about becoming postdoctoral research fellow overseas as well as English terminologies and phrases that can be used for research in chemistry.
Through these research activities, my goal is to seek and improve the current educational curriculum for students.