Naoto Mashiko

It was Naoto Mashiko's engineering professor in Japan that recommended a New Zealand education, and specifically the University of Canterbury, to him. "Canterbury was famous in my university especially in Seismic Design. From what they told me, the Civil Engineering department had a superior research facility.

Now in New Zealand, and having completed English for Academic Purposes studies prior to his Masters programme, the University of Canterbury has lived up to its international reputation. "I am working with two very well-known Professors in the field of Seismic Design, Professor Robert Park and Professor John Mander and taking courses regarding the seismic design."

A previous Masters of Engineering graduate from the University of Saitama in Japan and with nine years of work experience under his belt with the Metropolitan Expressway Public Corporation, Naoto is now doing a comparative study on the impact of earthquake excitation on the bridge piers in New Zealand and Japan. He is also a member of the revision of Japanese Standard on Seismic Design. "The topics in the lectures are quite attractive and these issues are the state of the art in this field. Also, my professors and lecturers are supportive and approachable at any time. It has made my research work here a lot richer when I can approach them with my questions and have an open dialogue with lecturers and professors who are the best in this field."

In addition to his studies, Naoto also enjoys the outdoors, especially going fishing in the river, skiing, or tramping. With both worlds on his doorstep, Naoto is definitely finding New Zealand the best place to live and learn.