Gu Zongchao—Alumni Ambassador message

Dr. Gu Zongchao (Chinese)　
Position and affiliation: Associate Professor, Southeast University
Place of residence: Nanjing, China

2017 Built Environment, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology
2023 Science Tokyo Alumni Ambassador (Former Tokyo Tech Alumni Ambassador)

My decision to join Tokyo Tech’s IGP-C program was sparked by a chance encounter at an international conference, where I attended a presentation by Professor Ohno Ryuzo. His work on visual environment simulation and rigorous experimental methods opened my eyes to environmental behavior studies—a field far removed from the traditional aesthetic education I had received. I was deeply impressed by how he translated subjective spatial experience into testable hypotheses and quantifiable data. This rational, science-driven approach to architectural design resonated with my growing curiosity about human-centered spaces. Tokyo Tech’s reputation for analytical thinking and its commitment to bridging engineering with human factors convinced me that this was the ideal place to expand my intellectual toolkit. Looking back, that conference moment was not just a turning point in my academic path but also the beginning of a lifelong research direction.

In my view, the most valuable strength of Tokyo Tech (now Science Tokyo) is its profound inclusivity. This is first evident in the international campus atmosphere, where students from diverse countries and cultures interact freely, and where different habits and perspectives are fully respected. As an international student, I never felt I was treated differently; I enjoyed the same academic opportunities and social spaces as my Japanese peers. What I appreciated even more was the mentorship approach: professors genuinely respected each student's individual research interests and traits, offering tailored guidance rather than imposing a fixed path. They encouraged innovation, welcomed reasoned challenges to established viewpoints, and allowed us to make mistakes along the way—treating every misstep as a stepping stone for growth. This combination of cultural openness and academic trust gave me the freedom to develop my own research ideas.

I am currently a faculty member in the Department of Architecture at Southeast University, where I teach and conduct research in environmental behavior studies and underground space design. Southeast University and Tokyo Tech share a deep historical bond—our architecture school's founding figure, Professor Liu Dunzhen, was a Tokyo Tech alumnus, and our institutions have maintained close academic exchanges for nearly a century. Many Tokyo Tech graduates have returned to teach at Southeast University. Building on this tradition, I actively organize and facilitate bilateral academic activities, including hosting visiting Tokyo Tech scholars, arranging lectures, and supporting their fieldwork in China. These efforts not only honor our shared heritage but also strengthen ongoing research collaborations between our two communities.

My experience at Tokyo Tech equipped me with rigorous methodological training in experimental design, data analysis, and evidence-based reasoning, that provides skills I now apply daily in both my research on environmental behavior and my teaching. The emphasis on questioning assumptions and embracing iterative trial‑and‑error has shaped how I mentor students and design my courses. Moreover, the inclusive, multicultural environment taught me to value diverse perspectives, which has been invaluable when collaborating with international colleagues and students. Finally, the strong alumni network and shared academic heritage between Tokyo Tech and Southeast University have enabled me to sustain active cross‑border partnerships, facilitating joint research and academic exchanges that directly enrich my current work.

If you are an innovative thinker who dares to challenge established knowledge, Science Tokyo is your ideal destination. Here, your individuality is fully respected, and your personal potential and interests are given room to flourish. If you can endure the solitude of research and the setbacks of failed experiments, Science Tokyo will become a transformative chapter in your life. Beyond acquiring specialized knowledge, you will learn from your professors and peers how to respect and understand others, and how to build meaningful relationships. These interpersonal skills are as valuable as academic expertise—they will serve you throughout your career and personal life. Come with curiosity and resilience, and leave not only as a skilled researcher but also as a well-rounded individual ready for the world.

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