People

The primary objective of Prof. Mitarai’s research is to understand the role of ocean turbulence in regulating biological processes and their consequences for marine ecosystems. These studies include investigations of larval dispersal via oceanic eddies and the role of dispersal in structuring marine populations, understanding biological responses of marine species to turbulent flows and their integrated effects on biogeochemical cycling, and atmosphere-ocean interactions in tropical cyclones and their consequences in dynamics of marine ecosystems. Prof. Mitarai aims to contribute to a new interdisciplinary field in ocean sciences.

Tanya is a coral reef ecologist. Her research examines how coral populations and communities respond to climate-driven disturbances such as marine heatwaves and tropical cyclones. She uses a combination of long-term ecological and environmental datasets, aquarium experiments, and field surveys to answer her research questions. In her free time, she is either at a bouldering gym or snorkeling. 

Tunggul is an Ocean Engineer and Experimentalist in Fluid Mechanics, focusing on research areas including Air-Sea Interaction (ASI), ocean wave physics, and wave turbulence. He is particularly interested in ocean-atmosphere interaction, which is essential for understanding the global climate and improving prediction models, especially during extreme conditions such as Typhoons/Tropical Cyclones. His work relies on both field observation data collected using Wave Gliders, drifter buoys, weather stations, and satellite data, as well as laboratory experimental data. Tunggul also has extensive experience utilizing experimental techniques and camera-based imaging technologies, including Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), laser surface detection methods, stereoscopic imaging, and 3D surface reconstruction. 

Lily is a current PhD student with a background in physics and machine learning and an interest in oceanography. Through Lagrangian particle tracking and graph theory, she is studying the biophysical connectivity of deep-sea hydrothermal vents in both the Indian and Western Pacific Ocean. This research can hopefully offer some insight into how these remarkable structures are interlinked, and also guide how to protect them in the face of anthropogenic threats such as climate change and deep-sea mining. 

Andrea is a biologist and ecologist interested in the interactions between physical oceanography and marine biogeochemistry. Her current research focuses on the hydrodynamic controls of carbon biogeochemistry in coral reef ecosystems, with a particular interest in how internal waves and typhoons drive water-mass exchange, alter carbonate chemistry, and influence carbon dynamics on coral fore reefs. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, diving, running, and exploring cafés around Okinawa.  

Peter is a physicist with a strong interest in fluid dynamics and physical oceanography. He applies Lagrangian particle tracking in ocean model data of varying spatial and temporal extent to investigate the impact of ocean dynamics on marine ecosystems and the climate system as a whole. In his free time he likes to spend time on, in, and under the water, as well as playing Ultimate Frisbee and board games. 

Jorge is a marine biologist exploring how nutrient enrichment shapes phytoplankton community dynamics and carbon cycling in coral reef ecosystems. He combines field observations, experiments, imaging, and modeling approaches to study how environmental variability influences plankton communities and ecosystem productivity in coral reefs and coastal waters.

Lily has a background in engineering with research experience in air-sea interactions. She supports data processing and analysis, provides technical assistance for fieldwork, data management, and maintenance of oceanographic equipment. 

Shin is responsible for supporting the management of research data and documents within the unit, as well as supporting the management of observational equipment. In addition, he is engaged in communication and coordination tasks for collaborative research with related organizations. 

Kanako handles procurement (research equipment, consumables, outsourcing), travel and meeting arrangements (students, postdocs, professors, visitors), and record keeping (budget, equipment, training, health checkups, publications). She is also serving as a contact point (recruitment, fieldwork, etc.).

Chihiro supports the preparation of permit applications and reports related to academic research projects within the MBU. She facilitates communication, coordination, and reporting with government agencies, municipalities, fishing cooperatives, and other entities.

Takako supports the preparation of permit applications and reports related to academic research projects within the MBU. She facilitates communication, coordination, and reporting with government agencies, municipalities, fishing cooperatives, and other entities.