Sayaka Masuko

Hometown: Fort Lee, NJ
Degree Sought: Ph.D. in Chemistry
Department: Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Expected year of graduation: 2013

Degrees:
Keio University – BE, 2007

Research Areas:
Carbohydrate chemistry
Synthetic Heparin

Honors:
Phalanx Honor Society
Dr. Johanna Maas Chemistry Teaching Assistant Award

Why I attended Rensselaer:
I was fascinated by my advisor’s multidisciplinary approach to studying the basic science behind heparin and its application in biotechnology. My goal when I first joined RPI as a graduate student was to expand my knowledge in chemistry because organic chemistry, which was my focus as an undergraduate. My advisor’s laboratory was an ideal environment to work in. I am also impressed with the Biotech building’s state-of-the-art facilities that are very useful for the research we do.