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.

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. 

Dudsadee is interested in physical–biological interactions in the open ocean, particularly how physical oceanographic processes influence phytoplankton dynamics. In particular, ocean mixing, typhoon mixing, and large-scale climate effects on phytoplankton dynamics, based on field observations and ocean color remote sensing. 

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 passionate about understanding how ocean acidification shapes marine ecosystems. Andrea's current research explores how red soil sediment runoff events (intensified by heavy rainfall) and low pH conditions transform Okinawa's coral reefs' carbonate system and calcification processes. 

Anastasiia is a molecular biologist from Kyiv, Ukraine. She developed an interest in infectious diseases through her work in the medical system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, she is working on Vibrio spp. distribution in ocean waters after typhoons. Research on Vibrio may provide a prediction for the spread of vibriosis in Okinawa in relation to recent climate changes. 

Victor was working on systematic (e.g., taxonomy, phylogeny) of deep-reef fishes before he came to OIST. He is interested to natural history, including biogeography of fishes in the Ryukyu Islands. During this rotation, he is exploring previous researches on Kuroshio Current, and geological history of the Ryukyu Islands, which are crucial factors shaping the biodiversity in this region. He is also looking for a topic linking paleoceanography with deep-reef fish biogeography or population genetics. 

Heng specializes in experimental hydrodynamics with a focus in turbulent boundary layer flows over a rough or porous bed and their impact on sediment transport. She is currently working on flow-body interaction in a flume system under unidirectional or oscillatory flows mainly by using Particle Image Velocimetry.

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. 

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.).

Nozomi 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.