Lina María Parra-Orduz

略歴

2010年4月：コロンビアのサンタンデール工業大学化学工学科　卒業
2014年1月：コロンビア、ロスアンデス大学工学研究科修士課程化学工学専攻　修了
2025年3月：京都大学大学院工学研究科博士課程都市社会工学専攻　修了・博士号取得
2025年4月：京都大学防災研究所特任研究員として着任
LMPO graduated from the Chemical engineering department in the Industrial University of Santander, in Colombia in 2010. She got a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Chemical Engineering department of Los Andes University in Colombia in 2014. In March 2025 was conferred the degree of Doctor in Engineering, by the Graduate School of engineering of Kyoto university. In April 2025 she joined Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute DPRI as a project-appointed researcher.

メッセージ

In my current job I have the chance to work in the implementation side of disaster risk management. I belong to a multidisciplinary team trying to better understand the earthquake and tsunami risks in Central American industrial port areas, which are critical for the economic and social development of these countries. The multidisciplinary approach allows our team to aim for the best possible solutions, to help people own and manage the risks in their territories, considering both technical and social aspects. Having finished my PhD studies allowed me to develop skills and technical knowledge. But most importantly, it allowed me to learn how to contribute with my own knowledge and skills, while communicating and working with professionals from different areas. Now I realise this is a very unique advantage you get from the Kyoto University approach. It is difficult to express how much of a difference that will make in your professional and personal life. Problems are solved by people not by professions.

I have always wanted to go through graduate school since I was a little girl. I was always impressed by how scientists will take action to solve things, their very impressive way of thinking, and the hard work to remain objective. Having said that, as a little girl in a developing country (Colombia), I would have never imagined it would be possible for me to be where I am today. Of course it required a lot of effort and constancy but I would do it again, no doubt. When I decided to quit my job and get a degree I felt worried about the possible challenges I could face, both personal and financial. As for the personal challenges, reach out for family and friends whenever you need it, and everything will become personal growth. I wouldn't change all this growth for the world. I had to work hard, but I am a happier and a more confident person now, with a clear goal in life! As for the financial challenges, they were important, but I am very grateful to the Japanese government (MEXT) and Kyoto University for the support I received while I was a student.

Considering all that, and the current situation in the world (political matters, climate change), I cannot stress how important it is for young generations to become accomplished professionals, and more importantly, objective thinkers, eager to help building a better and more equal society for everyone. I have no doubt graduate school will help you achieve that, filling your lives with purpose and a sense of accomplishment that will make you feel proud, make your families proud, and it will make your life more joyful and meaningful.

 （2025年5月掲載）