Part III. Moscow

In late Spring 2011, National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI” had the “Prospective Student Open House” event which I decided to attend. Representatives from all school departments were there distributing their brochures and answering questions. My attention was drawn to the “Nuclear Reactors and Power Plants” specialist degree program (equivalent of a bachelor's + master's degree) where students studied the design and construction of nuclear power plants, all their internal processes and safety measures. The curriculum included advanced mathematics, mechanics, nuclear physics, and other nuclear engineering disciplines. Moreover, MEPhI had its own nuclear reactor on campus to facilitate research. I was thrilled!

The department was not interested in me at first as they believed I would not be able to study there. It took several trips to MEPhI before they gave me a chance thanks to V. I. Cheburkov, a leading scientist, who interceded for me. I was offered to take a mathematics + physics exam to demonstrate my abilities.

My KSTA professor O.V. Martynov helped me prepare for possible topics. The exam was given at MEPhI by several professors who asked questions and scored my responses. In about an hour, they announced that I passed. I was accepted to the program for Fall 2011 with a stipend and a free dormitory room.

MEPhI education was interesting and thorough, but extremely hard. Not many students could make it till the end. I think that only my sincere interest in nuclear reactors and the possibility of their explosion (like in Chernobyl) kept me going.

In addition to my classes, I participated in different research projects at the MEPhI Laboratory of functional electro-physical diagnostics and non-destructive testing. I also did an internship at a leading research institute of ROSATOM (see Research section for details). Those activities helped me develop expertise in nuclear physics and nuclear technologies as well as learn more about the work of nuclear reactors and their safety systems.

Research Discussion

Nuclear Reactors Class

In Fall 2012, I took part in the All-Russian Student Olympiad “Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Technologies” and won 3rd place. From Spring 2011 till Summer 2013, I was a recipient of the Institutional Scholarship for excellent academic performance. In Spring 2014, I was awarded the President's Scholarship for my research contributions. From Fall 2013 till my graduation in Spring 2016, I was a recipient of the Enhanced Scholarship for excellent academic performance and research contributions.

When studying at MEPhI, I enjoyed the school and Moscow. However, the summer did not feel right without the Russian Student Brigades movement. Therefore, in Fall 2012, I organized a student construction brigade at school and was its commander. In Fall 2013, I also organized and led a Student Brigades Staff to facilitate the development of many brigades at MEPhI and its branches. To provide the students with paid summer work, I met with ROSATOM and the President V. Putin (see Student Brigades section for details).

In 2013, I was awarded “Best Commander of Student Construction Brigades in Moscow” by Moscow Academic Center for Student Brigades. In 2014, I was awarded Honorary Certificate by MEPhI for the revival and development of the movement at school.

The student years in Moscow were busy but I was full of energy and happy about the many opportunities available. Thus, in 2013, I also started to work as a mathematics tutor. That not only allowed me to make additional money but also gave me great joy as I loved mathematics and teaching. The students liked me as a tutor; they started to like mathematics too and their grades improved significantly. On PROFI.RU, I was ranked 5+ out of 5. I continued tutoring till Fall 2018.

While studying nuclear reactors at MEPhI, I recognized that English was essential for my future career. Therefore, from Fall 2013 till Summer 2016, I studied English at National University of Science and Technology MISiS where I was granted the qualification of an English Russian translator in the field of professional communication.

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