Before my Ph.D. the research about ceramics was not unfamiliar to me, but I was a novice. Doing my degree in Ishihara lab was a great decision as under the guidance of Ishihara-sensei and all my seniors I managed to grow academically and successfully graduate. The kind atmosphere and open-minded people made my everyday life enjoyable allowing me to make many friends and create amazing memories. I want to thank Ishihara-sensei, the lab staff and all the students and researchers I met during all those years here as I would not have made it without them!