Reflections from a visiting PhD student

Reflections from a visiting PhD student
Friday 1 November 2019

The ANU School of Demography has been delighted to have Ryo Mogi in its midst since July 2019 and it has been enlivened by his enthusiasm and involvement in all our activities.

Ryohei Mogi is a PhD candidate at CED (Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. His substantive research focus is the first childbirth process, especially childlessness, mate search and bridal pregnancy (premarital childbearing) comparing Southern European countries and Japan and considering historical trends.

What drew you to your current area of research?

I was drawn to this field of research because becoming a parent or not is such a major life course event. I discovered that in the early 20th century childlessness was very high; it then decreased in the middle of the century and rose again in a u-shape towards the end of the century. I chose to study in Barcelona to enable me to make comparisons between European and East-Asian countries. They share similar fertility trends, culture and history. It was also a very attractive proposition to be studying for 4 years in a warm country.

Why did you choose to visit the ANU School of Demography

Before my visit here I collaborated with Assoc. Professor Vladimir Canudas-Romo published a paper with him and we have continued to research and draft publications during my stay. It has been a very fruitful time and I have established new networks with researchers in my particular field of research.

How has your PhD progressed during your time at ANU?

I have made much progress on my thesis which will consist of my publications, which are progressing well, and I have been working on the introduction and conclusion. The focus is on the trends, causes and consequences of childlessness. I plan to submit the thesis in December this year.

It has been a very valuable time for me here, attending the weekly School seminars, the fortnightly research group meetings convened by Professor James Raymer and a 3-day workshop on Sub-National Life Tables. In addition I presented a seminar to the School in September, titled "Cross-sectional average length of life by parity. Example using the US data”.

After my thesis submission I have been granted a postdoc in Barcelona for one year. During that time I will be looking for opportunities for the future.

What are your impressions of life in Canberra?

Very positive! I like the openness and casual lifestyle here and the nature reserves and scenic surroundings. I have enjoyed interactions with senior staff and their openness and availability for impromptu meetings and discussions. It is a pleasure to see the multicultural nature of living in Canberra and the integrated migration. Since my visit here Australia has become a strong candidate for my future working life.

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