Dr Yoko Yamanishi graduated from Imperial College London with a PhD in Combustion and Fluid Mechanics in 2003. Since then she has pursued an academic career and now leads the Yamanishi Laboratory, which aims to clarify unknown function of cells by using micro-nano technology based on mechanical, electrical and bio-medical engineering.

What do you do currently?

"I am currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan. I am leading the Yamanishi Laboratory - the Micro-nano Functional Fluid Laboratory. The Laboratory’s goals aim to clarify unknown function of cells by using micro-nano technology based on mechanical, electrical and bio-medical engineering. It targets a contribution to the development of cellular scale medical treatment. For example, research includes work on novel gene injection methods and protein crystallization by using electrically-induced micro-bubbles."

How did your time at Imperial shape what you are doing now?

"Intellectual discussions with Professor Alex Taylor and Professor Alan Jones provided me with valuable experiences, which contributed to how to think and analyse new unknown physical/chemical/biological phenomena.

Development of an optical instrument to measure burning micro-scale fuel in my PhD required patience and concentration for a long time, and this made me stick to my academic goals, even for my current research.

My involvement in an EU project during my PhD provided me with lots of experience through presenting in conferences held in many countries, and helping organise a meeting at Imperial and technical tours in London. These experiences directly contribute to my organising of conferences now."

What is your fondest memory of your time at Imperial?

"Building and setting-up my experimental rig in 242 combustion lab is my fondest memory. Coffee break time with the senior technician (the late Mr John Laker) and going to Southside pub in the evening with other PhD students & staffs are also some of my fondest memories."

What are your plans for the future?

"I will be an Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kyushu University, Japan from April 2016. I will keep studying complex phenomena related to functional reactive air-liquid interface of micro-bubble enclosing plasma discharge, and establish a novel needle-free bubble injector using micro-cavitation for minimally-invasive biomedical treatment."

How would you advise current students?

"It is important to keep in your mind 'What is new?' and 'What is your originality?' while you are doing your research. Please think of interdisciplinary studies with a deep understanding of physical/chemical/biological phenomena in order to develop a new academic area."

Do you have a favourite quote or saying?

"Where there is a will, there is a way."