GSEP Graduate Voices:
Jomphol Lamoonkit

In the senior year of the program, GSEP students choose to join a research laboratory from diverse research groups available at the faculty. The study at the laboratories often shape the foundation of their research interest and many of GSEP graduates further explore the research fields at graduate schools.  Jomphol, a GSEP 2nd batch graduate from Thailand, shares an update with us on how he pursues a master’s degree in ocean engineering in Hawaii.

Where are you now and what are you doing now? What would you like to do in the future?

Jomphol with DIY-CTD sensor from Oceanographic instrumentation class

I am currently a graduate student in the Ocean and Resources Engineering department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, specializing in Oceanographic Engineering where we focus on how we can integrate the advancement in technology to better explore and study the ocean.

My research group is focusing on developing in-situ Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) autonomous sensors. I am designing an in-situ autonomous sensor system using modified ISFET sensors to measure total alkalinity and pH to monitor carbon sedimentary flux between the sediment porewater and overlying water in seagrass areas to gain a better understanding of the role of seagrass in the carbon cycle.

Currently, I am enrolled in an MSc program, but I am determined to continue my studies at the PhD and post-doctoral levels. I am determined to pursue a career as a researcher focusing on oceanographic instrumentation and ocean-based carbon dioxide removal initiatives (marineCDR). I aspire to live at the edge between the known and the unknown. My ultimate goal is to push the frontier in Oceanography through advancements in Oceanographic Engineering.

                                                                            Scientific Diver Qualification Course

If you look back the time at GSEP and if you consider what you gained from GSEP or stay at Tokyo Tech, how do you describe the benefits of the program?  

GSEP program provides me with the building blocks for a career in STEM not only the basic skills such as PDE, ODE, and Linear Algebra but GSEP has also prepared its student to be in a multidisciplinary environment. I had been exposed to a wide spectrum of sciences and engineering disciplines due to the nature of GSEP that aims to prepare its students to tackle emerging complex problems. I reckon that I am capable of seeing a bigger, interdisciplinary picture. And I also noticed that I am able to talk, think, and discuss in a profound depth with people from different engineering and science majors.

During the senior year, we could join a research group that resonates with our interests. I joined Nakamura laboratory where we focused on ocean bio-geochemical numerical modeling which paved my way into the world of Oceanography and Ocean Engineering.

Graduation Ceremony at Tokyo Tech with 2nd batch (third from the left)

On top of these, the GSEP program has provided me with lifelong connections. As a relatively-small program, it brings fellow students and faculty closer together. I have made many lifelong friends through this program. The GSEP faculty members are very kind and supportive, and they have been providing me with tremendous support not only during my time as an undergraduate student but also after I graduated from GSEP as well.

How does GSEP contribute to or is connected with what you are doing now ?

GSEP program provides me with the essential Mathematic and Engineering skills such as ODE, PDE, Linear Algebra, Signal Processing that are very critical for my current coursework and research in Oceanographic Engineering.

In addition, my bachelor’s thesis that seeks to study the impact of mafic rock weathering on the ocean’s CO2 sinking capacity in the coral triangle areas through numerical modeling gave me a unique experience with coupled geospatial modeling, ocean biogeochemistry, and programming skills including MATLAB, Python, and Fortran. I learned how to couple models, how to generate and handle grid data. All of which are very useful in Oceanography and Ocean Engineering.

Oceanographic Engineering can be seen as the integration between Oceanography and Engineering. GSEP program has shaped my mind to be comfortable working in the interdisciplinary environment.

Who could fit to GSEP based on your own opinion?

The beauty of the GSEP program is that it paves the way for your future that is not limited to the STEM field. You would be exposed to many interesting courses that can broaden your perspectives. The interdisciplinary nature of the GSEP program allows you to have options when moving forward with your career or graduate school. We have several alumni who have specialized in Aerospace Engineering, Medical Engineering, Business advisory, Programming, and Oceanographic Engineering. It is truly amazing to think about how diverse our GSEP alumni can be.

It can be hard to determine exactly what you want to be in the future. The GSEP program allows you to explore and progress simultaneously. You would be like a stem cell that can differentiate into various cells with unique specializations. The world is your oyster.

Any message to prospective students!

Deciding your pathway in higher education could be very challenging. I would highly recommend taking your time to figure what you are passionate about and want to pursue, carefully study the GSEP program description, and decide if joining the GSEP could fit your passion. Bachelor’s degree is one of the crucial step that could profoundly shape your future.

 

Jomphol Lamoonkit, graduated GSEP in 2021

“I am determined to pursue a career as a professional researcher focusing on oceanographic instrumentation and ocean-based carbon dioxide removal initiatives (marineCDR). I want to live at the edge between the known and the unknown. My ultimate goal is to push our frontier in Oceanography through advancements in Oceanographic Engineering.”

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