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Staff Stories

Mio Nakamoto - Magnet Engineer

#working together for the same goal; 
#Japan; 
#Tokamak Program; 
#living in Provence; 
#respect; 

Mio Nakamoto joined the ITER Organization in October 2024, fulfilling her professional dream of working on the toroidal field coils. As a Magnet Engineer in the Tokamak Program, she is now part of the team conducting unprecedented tests on ITER’s gigantic magnet system. Having spent her career working at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and then at the ITER’s Japanese Domestic Agency in the Superconducting Magnet Group, Mio brings great expertise in this area to the ITER project. The opportunity to perform first-of-a-kind tests, procure and develop test procedures for ITER's unprecedented toroidal field coils inspired Mio to apply to work at the ITER Organization. 

“It is astonishing to see the diversity of the members who are working together for the same goal.” 

Working on the largest and most integrated superconducting magnet system ever built comes with its share of technical challenges. In addition, the intensity of workload and the level of responsibility in her current role present new challenges for Mio. Her role at ITER is more wide-ranging than what she has experienced before, as she is involved in many aspects of the toroidal field coil scope—from procurement of support system tools to developing procedures. For this challenging aspect, Mio is glad to have a strong internal and external professional network to "ask for support or advice as required.”

Despite the high intensity of the work, Mio finds that work/life balance is promoted at ITER—a real positive for her. She adds that another aspect of working life at ITER that is particularly encouraging is that she doesn’t feel gender differences at ITER. "In Japan, old customs of gender difference remain in society, and I am afraid that this has impacted me to unconsciously have a gender-biased way of thinking. As an example: when I see female workers on site, I tend to be surprised that female staff is undertaking physically demanding work.” Mio enjoys working in an environment that has a more equitable and inclusive culture, saying that she has encountered no difficulties and feels that there is respect for all at ITER. 

In her personal time, although she is relatively new to the ITER Organization and to living in the south of France Mio is happy to find new vegetables not available in Japan to cook with at the weekend markets in Aix-en-Provence. She has also explored social activities such as horseback riding, which is hard to do in Japan.

Mio Nakamoto’s journey at the ITER Organization is a testament to the opportunities and positive work environment that ITER offers. Her expertise, dedication, and the support she receives from her colleagues make her a proud member of the ITER team, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in the field of superconducting magnets.