ALL
OSU Faculty Visit UT to Discuss Future of ISS Courses
In March 2025, a delightful visiting delegation from The Ohio State University arrived: Prof. Sue, Ann, and Danene, who you may recognize from their ISSI/II lecture videos, and space expert Dr. Howard and Eddy, Phd student.
Professors visiting UT during the off-season on campus. If being a professor is about pursuing one’s interests, then for these professors, work and play are all about “research.” They are curious not only in sharing ISS-related information (work), but also in fulfilling their ”to-do” list during their visit to Japan (play).
Here, let us show you a little bit of what these professors are doing in their time in Japan.
■Prof. Danene’s School Visit
Prof. Danene studies Mobility of people with disabilities. Together with Prof. Miyauchi of the Humanities Department, she visited the Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba located in Gokokuji, Tokyo.
Prof. Danene looks very happy
With Prof. Miyauchi
For Prof. Danene, also an expert on barrier-free public transportation, Japan is the “Silicon Valley” of the field. Japan is the only country in the world, she says, where the visually impaired can safely walk alone (in urban areas).
According to her research, “Tokyo Disneyland is a meaningful destination to visit for experiencing an inclusive environment with innovations for everyone (including people with disabilities). In that sense, it even beats Disneyland California. lol
Tokyo Disneyland Experience with Prof. Danene
■Filming the ISS Lecture Video
Not wanting to let OSU professors go home without getting something out of their visit, ISS program leader Prof. Matsushima decided to videotape the talk sessions for the future of the ISS course.
1st Talk Session: Prof. Ann and Prof. Akiyama
Their natural, comedic vibe makes them a perfect match
2nd Talk Session: PE All-Stars get together!
In 2024, after visiting OSU on the ISS program, Student Ikeshita (far left) studied intensively and was accepted into the doctoral program of the Physical Education Science Degree Program in April 2025.
Prof.Sue, Student JEAN Sato and Prof. Sato
Brandon and Aydan from OSU also participated (Summer Festival winners)
3rd Talk Session: Prof. Danene and Prof. Miyauchi
Prof. Danene with a gentle smile
Prof. Miyauchi with intelligence and elegance
It was a surprise to the professors when something like doing talk sessions came out of nowhere. And with professional photographers shooting it, one would think that some preparation would be necessary.
But the professors knew what they should do. They handled even the craziest requests from Prof. Matsushima without difficulty(?). Each of the three groups’ performances created a completely different worldview.
The talk sessions will be uploaded to the ISS website later. Or it may appear as lecture videos in the future ISS courses.
Please look forward to it!
■The Adventures of Dr. Howard and Eddy, PhD. student
The two came to UT as representatives of OSU’s Star Lab. As space researchers, a visit to JAXA in Tsukuba is a MUST for them, but they are also very interested in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Experiencing Tea Ceremony at Opening Memorial Hall
Dr. Howard admiring the taste of the tea container (left) and Eddy absentmindedly making tea (right)
Space development seminars are also held
■ ISS All-Inclusive Lunch Meeting
It’s off-season on campus, but professors aren’t just enjoying their vacations. They are also working hard.
Lunch meeting held with all ISS-related professors
In addition to the above, the professors enjoyed Tsukuba and Tokyo to the fullest, climbing Mount Tsukuba and sightseeing in the Tokyo metropolitan area. On March 16, after a week-long holiday in Tsukuba, they departed for home from Haneda Airport to Columbus.
After their stay in peaceful Japan, how does the U.S. under the Trump administration look in the eyes of the professors? For the time being, we cannot take our eyes off of an America in upheaval!
