Members

Hiroko Miyahara

Associate Professor

Email: h.miyahara at oist.jp

Kanae Oshiro

Research Unit Administrator

In my role as a research unit administrator, I find it truly rewarding to be able to support the research activities of the PI and unit members. I am also deeply grateful for the valuable opportunity to engage with distinguished guests from both within Japan and overseas.

Shoko Miyake

Senior Staff Scientist

Apr. 2026 -

My main research focus is the propagation of cosmic rays (CRs). In particular, I am interested in low-energy CRs that are influenced by the heliospheric environment, and I conduct research from both observational and theoretical perspectives. Another research interest is the possible relationship between CRs and the Earth’s climate. In this unit, I aim to investigate the heliospheric environment and its impact on CR modulation through numerical simulations and to contribute to understanding the mechanisms of solar influence on the Earth’s climate system.

Yongsu Na

Postdoctral researcher

Oct. 2025 -

I am broadly interested in achieving accurate representations and gaining a simplified understanding of geophysical systems through advanced numerical methods. Prior to joining this unit, I studied coastal engineering at Korea University and physical oceanography at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Here, I aim to contribute to research exploring the climate’s response to solar variability using general circulation models. When not at my desk, I enjoy various outdoor activities.

Kyoko Abe

Research Technician

Apr. 2025 -

I am involved in the chemical pretreatment of environmental samples, including carbonate sediments and tree-ring samples, for studies of solar activity, cosmic rays, and paleoclimate. I also manage laboratory operations and administration.

Tomoki Kajikawa

Research Technician

Apr. 2026 -

My research focuses on aerosol–cloud interactions and cloud microphysics. I have studied how atmospheric aerosols affect clouds and precipitation, particularly heavy rainfall in urban areas, mainly through numerical modeling. I also have experience in field observations and chemical analysis of atmospheric samples. In this unit, I use the cloud-resolving model SCALE to investigate how changes in atmospheric aerosols may influence cloud development and precipitation, with a particular interest in the possible connection between cosmic rays and clouds.

Students

Seitaro Shiroma

Rotation Student

Sept. 2026 -

I studied paleoceanography using foraminiferal fossils during my undergraduate studies. I am currently interested in historical biogeography, particularly in how geological events in the Ryukyu Arc have influenced the evolution of organisms.