Category A: Alignment with Program Philosophy

1. “The MSDA core philosophy emphasizes ‘traveling between real situations and research sites’. Can you give an example of how you plan to balance theoretical research with practical, on-the-ground fieldwork during your time here?”

Prep Tip: Be ready to discuss a specific community, NGO, or real-world crisis she wants to engage with directly for her thesis, rather than just doing library research.

2. “Our curriculum is built on three pillars: NPOs/NGOs, Crisis Management, and Networks. Which of these three pillars do you feel is most critical to your future career, and why?”

Prep Tip: Connect her past experience or future goals explicitly to one of these keywords, demonstrating she understands what the MSDA specializes in.

3. “Looking at our 2025 course list, which specific faculty members or classes are you most eager to take, and how do they directly support your research proposal?”

Prep Tip: She should memorize 2-3 specific courses (e.g., Disaster Risk Management or Project Cycle Management) and name the professors to show she has thoroughly researched the program.

Category B: Research Methodology & Feasibility

4. “Master’s research requires strict scoping. What is the most challenging aspect or potential limitation of the research you are proposing, and how do you plan to overcome it?”

Prep Tip: Acknowledging limitations (e.g., data access, language barriers, time constraints) shows academic maturity. She should propose a mitigation strategy.

5. “Will your research rely more heavily on qualitative methods (like interviews and case studies) or quantitative methods (like data analysis and statistics)? Why is that approach the most appropriate for your topic?”

Prep Tip: The MSDA offers both Qualitative Research Methods and Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis. She should clearly state which methodology fits her thesis best.

Category C: Future Impact & Career Vision

6. “Imagine it is two years from now and you are graduating with your MSDA. What concrete problem in civil society do you hope your master’s thesis will help solve?”

Prep Tip: Focus on a tangible outcome rather than just “getting a degree.” They want to see a vision for social impact.

7. “We frequently collaborate with experts from the UN, global NGOs, and government sectors. Post-graduation, in what type of organization do you see yourself applying the skills learned in this program?”

Prep Tip: Name specific types of organizations (or exact names like UNDRR, JICA, specific international NGOs) to show ambition and a clear career trajectory that aligns with the program’s alumni network.

Project Evaluation: TERRA & MINERVA

Strategic interview questions from the institutional perspective of Rikkyo University. Evaluating the alignment of Anticipatory AI and Collaborative Governance with liberal arts, cross-cultural adaptability, and ethical leadership.

1. Alignment with Liberal Arts & Leadership

Rikkyo’s core philosophy revolves around a liberal arts education that fosters empathetic, visionary leadership.

Q1. Rikkyo places a strong emphasis on liberal arts to foster holistic leadership. How does the TERRA simulation encourage stakeholders—especially those in highly technical or economically driven sectors—to develop the empathy and holistic thinking required for true collaborative governance?

Q2. In your board game, stakeholders are forced to role-play and step into each other’s shoes. How do you ensure that this exercise builds genuine leadership and consensus, rather than just teaching players how to “game the system” to win?

2. Cross-Cultural Adaptability & Global Context

Rikkyo is deeply focused on internationalization (Rikkyo Global 24) and acts as a cultural hub in Tokyo, connecting Asia and the world.

Q3. While the origins of this project are tied to the Chilean mining sector, Rikkyo is highly focused on cross-cultural and international applications. How easily can the ‘TERRA & MINERVA’ framework be adapted to address socio-environmental conflicts in Japan or other Asian contexts?

Q4. Cultural attitudes toward artificial intelligence, authority, and negotiation vary significantly around the world. How does MINERVA (the Anticipatory AI) account for cultural nuances when predicting outcomes or validating agreements?

3. The Intersection of AI, Ethics, and Humanity

As a university with a strong humanities foundation, Rikkyo is deeply interested in the ethical implications of using AI in human conflict.

Q5. By using Anticipatory AI to forecast the long-term impact of agreements, there is a risk that stakeholders might blindly defer to the machine’s judgment. How does your methodology ensure that MINERVA acts as a guide rather than an absolute authority, keeping human ethics at the center of the resolution?

Q6. Conflict resolution requires profound human trust. How do you design the AI’s feedback loop so that marginalized or less technically literate communities trust the data MINERVA provides?

4. Academic Contribution & Interdisciplinary Synergy

Rikkyo values research that makes full use of its interdisciplinary strengths across departments.

Q7. Your project sits at the complex intersection of game design, artificial intelligence, sociology, and environmental policy. If you were to bring this project to Rikkyo University, which academic departments or student programs would you see as your primary partners for collaboration?

Q8. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to engage our students in our PEACE and NEXUS programs. Could the TERRA board game be scaled into a pedagogical tool for undergraduate students learning about global governance and international relations?

5. Practical Implementation & Future Vision

Evaluating the real-world impact and future scalability of the research.

Q9. What are the metrics for “success” in a TERRA simulation? How do you scientifically measure whether the Anticipatory AI actually improved the real-world outcome of a territorial dispute?

Q10. As we look toward the future of global sustainability, how do you envision this project evolving over the next five years? What is the ultimate goal for the MINERVA architecture?

English & Interview Prep

Natacha Leroy Zomosa – MSDA Program

Motivation & Goals

“Natacha, why did you choose the MSDA program at Rikkyo University?”

Idea Structure: Start with the “practical” focus of the course. Mention “Wicked Problems” and how you want to move from theory to implementation.

Hands-on learning Interdisciplinary Societal challenges

The Research Problem

“Can you describe the current conflict situation in the Chilean mining sector?”

Idea Structure: Define it as a “socio-environmental” conflict. Explain the gap: Mining is vital for the economy, but communities feel “sidelined” (ignored).

Extractive industry Socio-environmental Tensions

The Innovation

“How does your simulation board game help resolve these conflicts?”

Idea Structure: Explain that it creates a “low-risk environment.” It builds “empathy” by making people play roles they don’t usually have.

Role-playing Stakeholders Scenario projection

AI & Data

“What is the role of the AI in your project? Is it making decisions?”

Idea Structure: Be clear: No, it is a “Predictive Simulator.” It shows the consequences of player decisions based on “Baseline Data.”

Anticipatory AI Data-driven insights Neutral mediator

Future Impact

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years after completing this Master?”

Idea Structure: Focus on “Consultancy.” You want to help companies obtain their “Social License to Operate” using these innovative tools.

Consulting practice Social License Cohesion

Japan & SDGs

“How does studying in Japan align with your previous work at ECLAC/CEPAL?”

Idea Structure: Connect the “Global Agenda” (UN/SDGs) to Japan’s implementation. Mention your 4 years of Japanese language study as proof of commitment.

Multilateral frameworks Trajectory Global standards

Professional English Tips

1. Avoid “Very/Good/Bad”

Instead of “very good project”, say “impactful” or “transformative” project. Instead of “bad conflict”, say “persistent” or “complex” conflict.

2. Use Transition Words

“Furthermore,” “In that regard,” and “Conversely” will make you sound academic and organized.

3. Emphasize “Bridging the Gap”

This is a powerful phrase for your interview. You are bridging the gap between technical mining and social well-being.

Practice Questionnaire for Natacha Leroy Zomosa | Prepared for Interview Success

Interview & Research Guide

Natacha Leroy Zomosa

Core Research Insights

Methodology 1. What is the central tool for mining conflict resolution?

Natacha proposes Simulation Board Games integrated with Anticipatory AI. This methodology allows stakeholders (communities, companies, and government) to simulate real-world mining scenarios and project long-term outcomes in a low-risk environment.

Academic Goals 2. Why Rikkyo University (Japan)?

She is targeting the Master of Social Development and Administration (MSDA) because of its focus on “wicked problems” and practical application. She values Japan’s rigor in public management and commitment to the SDGs.

Sector Focus 3. What is the primary geographic and industry focus?

The Chilean Mining Sector. Her research addresses the historic socio-environmental conflicts between extractive companies and local communities, aiming for a model of “Collaborative Governance.”

Phase 02: Strategic Interview Prep

Neutrality 4. How will you ensure the AI remains a neutral mediator?

The AI is not a decision-maker but a “Predictive Simulator.” It processes player decisions to project future scenarios based on empirical data collected during the field-work phase, serving as a transparent mirror of consequences rather than an opinionated arbiter.

Strategic Tip: Emphasize that the AI is grounded in the “Baseline Data” (Phase 1) to ensure its projections are credible to all stakeholders.

Scalability 5. How adaptable is this methodology to other industries?

While the prototype is for mining, the “Game Engine” logic is highly scalable. By replacing the baseline data, the same simulation framework can be applied to forestry, energy, or urban development conflicts.

Strategic Tip: Mention her experience at ECLAC (CEPAL) with youth participation as evidence of her ability to adapt methodologies to different social contexts.

Engagement 6. How will you handle skepticism from local communities?

By framing the simulation as a “Serious Game” for collaborative governance. It is a tool for empowerment, allowing communities to see how their voice and decisions impact the territory alongside corporate players.

Strategic Tip: Reiterate the goal of “Steping outside personal perspectives” to build empathy, which is often missing in traditional top-down negotiations.

Future Impact 7. What is the long-term professional goal?

To establish a specialized consulting practice that integrates participatory simulation tools into the “Social License to Operate” for large-scale infrastructure and extractive projects.

Strategic Tip: Focus on the “imbalance” she currently sees: technical innovation is high, but social innovation is often an afterthought. Her work addresses this specific gap.

Document generated for Natacha Leroy Zomosa – Academic & Professional Portfolio