Mizuki Tojo is a doctoral student in the integrative neuroscience program at Dartmouth (IND). Tojo was one of four Guarini students who traveled to Washington, D.C. for the AAAS CASE 2026 conference, which introduces graduate students to federal policymaking and advocacy for scientific research.
Where do you call home, and what’s one thing about that place that still shapes how you think or work today?
Home has meant different things to me at different points in my life. Raised by Japanese parents, I grew up in Thailand and received my education in English, so I’ve been navigating multiple cultural identities since childhood.
Looking back, that upbringing taught me to value diverse perspectives and approaches, especially in science.
Where did you complete your undergraduate studies and what did you study? Was there a moment that pointed you toward graduate school?
I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from University College London. As I was finishing the degree, I began to feel unsure about the clinical path I had originally planned to pursue.
The pandemic gave me space to pause and reflect on my trajectory, and that retrospection led me to join a research lab that looked at the formation of synapses (i.e., connections between neurons in our brain). I was drawn to the rigor and intellectual curiosity of the scientific community, which ultimately led me to pursue a PhD.
What program are you in at Dartmouth, and what specifically drew you here?
I am in the integrative neuroscience program at Dartmouth (IND). Having attended a large academic institution for my undergraduate studies, I was curious about what it would be like to be surrounded by more approachable faculties.
I still remember returning from the IND campus visit and feeling genuinely welcomed by the scientific community here. As the name suggests, IND students and faculties are affiliated with labs across departments.
This gives me exposure to all the different levels of neuroscience, from how molecules in the brain alter neural circuits to how analyses of human brain tissue can inform treatment options for neurological conditions.
Tell us about your research—what big questions are you tackling, and what inspired you to dive into this field?
I study how neurons (cells of the nervous system) find their synaptic targets (connecting partners) after nerve injury, and how that process compares with how connections form during development. I study this in larval zebrafish because, unlike humans, they can fully regenerate their nerves after complete transection of all the nerves that control their fin muscles!
My interest in how the brain develops began as an undergraduate, when I worked in behavioral therapy with individuals with autism and became curious about how synapse development contributes to the wide range of symptoms and needs seen in neurodevelopmental conditions.
What drew you to apply for the AAAS CASE workshop, and what’s one concrete skill or connection you hoped to leave Washington with?
One aspect of my PhD that I’ve come to enjoy is breaking down technical ideas, integrating my own perspective in them, and then sharing them with others. I think this kind of communication is critical to being successful in any field, and science policy is a great example.
I was excited to learn how professionals in the policy world use these skills in their roles, and to hear their views on what science communication means to them.
Is there a science policy issue you feel isn’t getting enough attention? How does your research connect to it, even indirectly?
One science policy issue that I think does not get enough attention is the set of incentives that shape how science is done. Topics like science funding and the value of basic research are widely discussed, but policies that shape research culture and everyday scientific work are less visible despite their large impact on research.
For example, I am a big proponent of collaborative research, yet the current academic system often rewards individual achievement over collaboration. My research also depends on integrating different tools and perspectives to answer a broader question about how the nervous system works and what happens when it fails.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming graduate students, what would it be?
Make the most of your time here! I’ve learned the hard way that many experiences are shaped by what we decide to make of them.
Whether it is learning from outstanding professors, taking advantage of the experts at the woodworking shop on campus, or organizing a student-led event to bring together the graduate student community, there is always something worthwhile to explore beyond the lab.
And who knows, you may even find that some of those experiences connect back to your academic path in unexpected ways, simply by staying true to your values and following your passions.
What’s your favorite spot or activity in the Hanover/Upper Valley area that helps you recharge outside of research?
I was never much of an outdoor enthusiast before coming here, but it is hard not to become one after spending time in the Upper Valley. I recently picked up skiing, and it has quickly become my favorite way to take a break from research.
It also makes the long winter months something to look forward to, which I feel particularly strongly about since I grew up in a tropical country. Dartmouth is perfectly situated near many large ski resorts, and we have access to our own skiway too.
