Dr. Sakata serves as a postdoctoral fellow at Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Prior to this, he completed senior residency training in cardiovascular surgery at Chiba University Hospital in Japan, where he attained board certification as a cardiovascular surgeon in 2021. In addition, he obtained his PhD in 2022, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge in valve diseases. His research interests span a broad spectrum, including gene therapy, mechanical left ventricular unloading, left atrial remodeling, and donor heart preservation. He approaches these areas of study from both translational and clinical perspectives, contributing to the development of innovative approaches and enhancing patient care. From 2023 summer, he is embarking on cardiac surgery fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, where he will continue to hone his expertise and contribute to the advancement of this specialized field.