[Okayama University] Held TC College Medical/Engineering Intermediate Course Curriculum 'Electron Microscope Sample Preparation (Basic)'
Okayama University held a training course on electron microscope sample preparation for its technical staff. This initiative aims to improve research support capabilities and facilitate technology transfer, strengthening its efforts as a core regional university.
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March 29, 2026
Okayama University
◆ Overview
On February 19, 2026, the General Technology Department, which is part of the Technical Supervisory Headquarters of Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu), held the TC College Medical/Engineering Course 'Electron Microscope Sample Preparation (Basic)' in person at the Shikata Campus. This curriculum aims to teach the fundamentals of standard biological sample preparation methods, which are essential for electron microscope observation.
On the day, Masahiro Narazaki, head of the Medical Technology Section of the General Technology Department, and Moemi Tsukano, chief technician, both of whom are Technical Conductors (TC), served as instructors. They conducted a combination of lectures and practical training covering the entire process from sample fixation to observation. Students from the Medical/Engineering Course and the Material Analysis Course participated in this curriculum, providing them with an opportunity to deepen their understanding from both theoretical and practical perspectives through hands-on practice with actual samples.
The instructors explained, 'While the techniques for preparing electron microscope samples are not acquired overnight, understanding the key points will be beneficial for future sample preparation and for advising on experimental plans.'
Masahiro Fujii, a participating technical specialist, commented, 'This course helped me understand the importance of sample preparation in electron microscope observation. I learned detailed methods in the lecture and experienced the techniques of each process in the practical session, making it a very valuable day. I want to apply the knowledge and experience gained in this course to my future research support activities.' Yuko Hojo, another technical specialist, commented, 'I used to think that preparing samples for electron microscopy was difficult, but this training helped me understand the key points of the materials and processes, and now I feel I can tackle sample preparation myself. It was a meaningful opportunity to actually experience the process and deepen my understanding of the path to electron microscope observation.'
Regarding this curriculum, Norihito Sato, Vice President, Deputy Director, and Senior URA, who is the head of the university's General Technology Department, commented, 'The two instructors are highly skilled personnel who obtained their TC certification in the 'Medical/Engineering Course.' While this also represents the internalization of instructors, it also strengthens the scheme of learning from predecessors as a career path, and of advancing and inheriting knowledge. We will continue to promote the enhancement of human resources as an open core regional and distinctive research university. Please look forward to our efforts.'
With this curriculum, all programs for this fiscal year's Medical/Engineering Course have been completed. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the TC College students who participated, as well as the instructors, the faculty and staff who handled the observation arrangements, and the representatives of the cooperating companies. We will strive to implement an even more fulfilling curriculum next year as part of our efforts to contribute to the advancement of technical staff.
The university's General Technology Department will continue to deepen collaboration among all technical staff across the university, improve their skills through various training programs, and strengthen its initiatives as a partner supporting the research, education, and clinical activities of Okayama University, a core regional and distinctive research university.
As a selected university for the 'Joint Usage/Research Center for Promotion of Enhancement of Research Universities (J-PEAKS),' please continue to look forward to the relentless challenges of Okayama University, a research university that co-creates the future of the region and the planet and realizes social transformation, and the activities of the technical staff who support it.
Okayama University
◆ Overview
On February 19, 2026, the General Technology Department, which is part of the Technical Supervisory Headquarters of Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu), held the TC College Medical/Engineering Course 'Electron Microscope Sample Preparation (Basic)' in person at the Shikata Campus. This curriculum aims to teach the fundamentals of standard biological sample preparation methods, which are essential for electron microscope observation.
On the day, Masahiro Narazaki, head of the Medical Technology Section of the General Technology Department, and Moemi Tsukano, chief technician, both of whom are Technical Conductors (TC), served as instructors. They conducted a combination of lectures and practical training covering the entire process from sample fixation to observation. Students from the Medical/Engineering Course and the Material Analysis Course participated in this curriculum, providing them with an opportunity to deepen their understanding from both theoretical and practical perspectives through hands-on practice with actual samples.
The instructors explained, 'While the techniques for preparing electron microscope samples are not acquired overnight, understanding the key points will be beneficial for future sample preparation and for advising on experimental plans.'
Masahiro Fujii, a participating technical specialist, commented, 'This course helped me understand the importance of sample preparation in electron microscope observation. I learned detailed methods in the lecture and experienced the techniques of each process in the practical session, making it a very valuable day. I want to apply the knowledge and experience gained in this course to my future research support activities.' Yuko Hojo, another technical specialist, commented, 'I used to think that preparing samples for electron microscopy was difficult, but this training helped me understand the key points of the materials and processes, and now I feel I can tackle sample preparation myself. It was a meaningful opportunity to actually experience the process and deepen my understanding of the path to electron microscope observation.'
Regarding this curriculum, Norihito Sato, Vice President, Deputy Director, and Senior URA, who is the head of the university's General Technology Department, commented, 'The two instructors are highly skilled personnel who obtained their TC certification in the 'Medical/Engineering Course.' While this also represents the internalization of instructors, it also strengthens the scheme of learning from predecessors as a career path, and of advancing and inheriting knowledge. We will continue to promote the enhancement of human resources as an open core regional and distinctive research university. Please look forward to our efforts.'
With this curriculum, all programs for this fiscal year's Medical/Engineering Course have been completed. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the TC College students who participated, as well as the instructors, the faculty and staff who handled the observation arrangements, and the representatives of the cooperating companies. We will strive to implement an even more fulfilling curriculum next year as part of our efforts to contribute to the advancement of technical staff.
The university's General Technology Department will continue to deepen collaboration among all technical staff across the university, improve their skills through various training programs, and strengthen its initiatives as a partner supporting the research, education, and clinical activities of Okayama University, a core regional and distinctive research university.
As a selected university for the 'Joint Usage/Research Center for Promotion of Enhancement of Research Universities (J-PEAKS),' please continue to look forward to the relentless challenges of Okayama University, a research university that co-creates the future of the region and the planet and realizes social transformation, and the activities of the technical staff who support it.