My name is Kyan Akira. I am pleased to be appointed the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology and School Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Graduate School of Health Sciences, University of the Ryukyus. I am deeply honored to take on this new position at my hometown in Okinawa and at my alma mater, the University of the Ryukyus. I will fulfill my responsibilities with sincerity and devotion to repay all the kindnesses I have received so far.

My main expertise area is School Health Sciences. In my new position, I will be working on research to identify social determinants of health among children and adolescents through epidemiological approaches.

We will continue to engage in education and research from a global perspective toward the mission of the Department of Public Health, which is ” Formation for Island Health education and research center in the Asia-Pacific Island.

We would like to put special emphasis on graduate school education. In today’s society, volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity are increasing, and evidence-based scientific thinking and critical insight are required in various situations. In academia, these abilities hone in the process of obtaining higher degrees—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. I believe that we can contribute to “strengthening school health education and research in Okinawa Prefecture ” and “Formation for Island Health education and research center in the Asia-Pacific Island ” by producing doctoral degree holders who specialize in school health. I will strive to do my best to produce personnel who contribute to the local and international community.

Our laboratory is open to postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates and collaborators. Let’s think about the future of glocal school health together!