Exploring Interdisciplinary Paths to Sustainability

A Conversation Between Alumni

Name: Baoligao (PhD completion at JDPSR in 2024, Assistant Professor at Daito Bunka University, Part-time Lecturer at TUFS, View More)
Research Area: Socio-economic Impacts of Road Infrastructure Development

Name: Muhammad Kamran (PhD completion at JDPSR in 2024, View More)
Research Area: Ecosystem Vulnerability Modeling Research

 

Motivation for applying

Baoligao:
Kamran, I’m curious—why did you decide to pursue a Ph.D. in the first place, and what led you to the JDPSR program?

Kamran:
After finishing my bachelor’s degree in geography, I was fascinated by research—seeing scientists climb glaciers or monitor forests for climate studies. I realized a Ph.D. was my pathway to that kind of work. When I discovered JDPSR, I was drawn to its focus on sustainability and the collaboration of three universities. I felt it was the right environment to deepen my expertise in GIS while exploring broader topics in sustainability science. 

Baoligao:
I see. My reason was slightly different. During my master’s, I decided I wanted to teach at the university level, so a Ph.D. became a necessary step. My professor recommended JDPSR because its interdisciplinary approach fit perfectly with my research on rural well-being and infrastructure development in an economic context. The coursework, centered on the Sustainable Development Goals, truly caught my attention.

Experiences and growth at JDPSR

Kamran: 
Exactly. Once you’re in JDPSR, you realize sustainability extends far beyond simple environmental studies. I remember hearing presentations on gender issues, industrial safety, even English language education—all under the sustainability umbrella. It really broadened my perspective.

Baoligao: 
Same here. Studying alongside people from diverse backgrounds—engineering, social sciences, linguistics—helped me see how everything interconnects. As an economist, I used to focus narrowly on data and quantitative models. Now I understand how social and cultural factors also shape policy and development outcomes.

 

At the JDPSR conference for AY 2022-23: JDPSR students regularly update their research progress

Collaborative efforts among three universities

Kamran:
How did you find collaborating across the three universities?

Baoligao:
I loved having three student IDs! Seriously, it meant I could tap into different libraries and consult multiple professors with unique expertise. The joint workshops were especially valuable—students presented ongoing research, and we’d get feedback from various academic perspectives. While it was sometimes challenging to reconcile different methodologies, it ultimately made our work stronger.

Kamran:
Absolutely. One challenge for me was time management—JDPSR can be intense with coursework, research deadlines, and weekend seminars. But that structure helped me stay focused, and the flexibility also allowed me to juggle personal responsibilities. Overall, I feel the program’s international angle and requirement to publish in English will be a huge advantage for my future career.

Baoligao:
I agree. Teaching is still my goal, but now I’m open to other possibilities—like data science or public policy—because the program encouraged me to see connections between economics and sustainability. The interdisciplinary skills we’ve gained are already proving valuable in the job market.

They completed their PhDs in our program in 2024

Tips For Prospective Students

Kamran:
Any parting advice for prospective students?

Baoligao:
Use every resource available—three libraries, three sets of professors. Keep up with the timeline in the JDPSR handbook, and embrace the diversity of ideas.

Kamran:
And don’t forget to present your work at workshops and conferences. It’s a great way to refine your research. The more you share, the more feedback you get, and the more you grow.

Baoligao:
Exactly. At first, the program might feel overwhelming, but if you stay consistent and keep an open mind, you’ll leave with a broader worldview and strong research foundations.

Kamran:
And, in the end, that’s what sustainability research is all about—learning to see the bigger picture. I’m so glad we got to experience it firsthand.