Member

Affiliation: Associate Professor
High School: Namiki High School (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Research Focus: Understanding virus–host specificity through molecular virology
Background: Became a veterinarian because of a love for cats and has been researching viruses since graduate school. Enjoys engineering viruses to create mutants and fluorescent variants. Aims to develop means of controlling and treating viral infections in humans and animals.
Links:
- Researchmap: researchmap.jp/read0156003
- KAKEN ID: nrid.nii.ac.jp/ja/nrid/1000030621792
- X: @saiaka3

Origin: Thailand
Research Focus: Identification of the receptor for Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) using a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library and its application in diagnostics and research
Background: Previously worked as a veterinary officer in Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development’s animal diagnostics laboratory. Now pursuing a PhD at the University of Miyazaki, applying extensive diagnostic experience toward identifying LSDV receptor.

Origin: Miyazaki Prefecture
Research Focus:
Message: My name is Kazuha Kyushima.I am a first-year master’s student.I am a certified clinical laboratory technician.I enjoy listening to music and playing with my dog.Nice to meet you!

High School: Ōtemae High School (Osaka Prefecture)
Research Focus:
- Former: Capsid protein characteristics of circovirus
- Current: Feline infectious peritonitis virus and feline parvovirus
Activities: Milk volunteer; releases cats into the professor’s room from spring to autumn
Fun fact: Favorite onigiri (rice ball) filling is mayo-based

Origin: Nagasaki Prefecture
Research Focus: Cat hepadnavirus and its receptor
Background: Fourth-year veterinary student interested in feline viruses, conducting research under Prof. Saito’s supervision. Aspires to contribute to cat medicine using what she learns in the lab.
Hobby: Enjoys watching ballet

High School: Tsurumaru High School (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Research Focus:
- Establishing diagnostic methods for feline viral infections
- Epidemiological surveys of livestock retroviruses in Japan
- Degradation of the Smc5/6 complex by mammalian hepatitis B virus X protein
- Expression of TMPRSS2 in equine cells
- “Kick and kill” strategies in HIV therapy
Background: Became fascinated by virology through microbiology classes and has been researching under Prof. Saito since around summer 2024. Finds it fascinating to anticipate what may be revealed by data and to think creatively about experimental approaches. Aspires to continue research abroad in the future.
Hobby: Learning languages—especially interested in French!

Origin: Yamaguchi Prefecture (Saikyo High School)
Research Focus: FIV Infection
Self-Introduction: I am interested in FIV and am conducting research under the guidance of Professor Saito. As for my future plans, I’ve only decided to return to my hometown for now.
Message: I have many hobbies, including solo travel, crafts, and collecting, but since I get bored easily, I tend to leave things unfinished. After visiting Hateruma Island, I realized how wonderful remote islands are.I look forward to working with you.

Origin: University of Exeter (UK)
I am Jacob Fadipe, I went to High school at Kingswood school Bath and am currently a third-year student at the University of Exeter abroad at the University of Miyazaki. I am working to further the understanding of genetic diversity on feline NTCP receptors in order to help treat hepatitis B both in felines and humans.
I have a great love of biology in particular laboratory work and am greatly interested in the neurological and immunological impacts of virology. My main hobby is sailing where in my off time I work as a licensed skipper working at Morning Star Trust but when on land, I enjoy hiking, cycling and am an amateur 3D artist.

Laboratory: Laboratory for Viral Infection Control, Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki
Address: 1-1 Gakuen Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki City, 889-2192, Japan
Telephone: +81-985-58-7275