Hosting Dr. Tomoyuki Makino (Tohoku University, Japan)
My interest in international collaboration and cross-cultural exchange began as early as my undergraduate studies in 2015. During that time, I met Dr. Hafiz Ashraful Haque, who had completed his PhD at Nagoya University, Japan, and later joined the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Barishal, Bangladesh. From him, I first heard in detail about Japanese research culture, the discipline of its people, and the country’s leadership in agricultural sciences. His stories inspired me deeply, and from that point onward I began nurturing a strong desire to pursue advanced studies abroad and to experience this kind of academic and cultural environment firsthand.
In 2019, I had the privilege of hosting Professor Dr. Tomoyuki Makino from the Graduate School of Agricultural Science at Tohoku University, Japan, during his visit to the University of Barishal, Bangladesh. Professor Makino was in Bangladesh primarily to meet Dr. Shamim Mia at the Patuakhali Science and Technology University, and I was honored to facilitate his extended visit to the University of Barishal, Bangladesh. At the university, I guided him through our research facilities, showcased our laboratory setup, and engaged in discussions on soil fertility and sustainable agriculture. He expressed his appreciation for the progress of our labs, which was a moment of pride for the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences.
To honor his visit, I presented Professor Makino with a diary as a souvenir of our university. Our interaction went far beyond formalities—we shared thoughts on research collaboration and cultural exchange, reinforcing my belief in the power of international academic connections. The visit was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Ferdouse Zaman Tanu, creating a dynamic platform for scientific dialogue.
Looking back, these encounters shaped my academic vision and personal aspirations. Meeting international scholars early in my career fueled my motivation to work harder, build strong professional networks, and contribute to global soil science. Hosting eminent scientists like Professor Makino was not only an honor but also a formative experience that prepared me to embrace opportunities for collaboration, leadership, and innovation in soil and environmental sciences.