I am a graduate of Skoltech's Master's program in Life Sciences, which I completed under the supervision of Professor Evgeny Nikolaev. Originally, I am from Moscow, and my career before Skoltech took place at Lomonosov Moscow State University, where I obtained a degree in bioorganic chemistry, which is very similar to well-known biochemistry and molecular biology. Mostly, my scientific path originates from a deep desire to do something that most people (especially my parents) will not understand. Partly due to this desire, I am constantly inclined to study topics that are beyond my current level of understanding and expertise. While this may cause a certain degree of distraction from my primary focus, it also allows me to approach various scientific problems from diverse perspectives, which can lead to innovative and creative solutions.

This is actually a rather amusing incident how I got to Skoltech. I heard about from a colleague who was essentially my mentor at the time when he attempted to implement a well-established technique in molecular biology known as SDS-PAGE. He expressed his concern about applying for the position, as he felt that his English skills were not up to par. At that moment, I had the idea that it would be an excellent opportunity to surpass my mentor and become a respected member of this esteemed community. That is how I ended up here, while he did not… Additionally, my desire was fueled by the opportunity to finish my master’s in English and try the U.S. system of picking classes, which allows me to develop not only my skills in my main field—biological sciences—but also to try out something new. For example, during my master’s, I took new courses developed for engineers and IT professionals, which were really hard; on the other hand, from a masochistic point of view, it was pretty amazing.

Participating in Science Slam twice was an incredibly enriching experience, both in presenting my own research and in witnessing the presentations of others. The event highlighted the importance of clear and engaging communication for scientists.

To be truly knowledgeable in a field, you need to be able to explain it in a clear and accessible manner, even using humor. Science Slam challenges scientists to break free from the stereotype of the "nerdy" researcher and demonstrate that science can be both engaging and entertaining.

Many people outside of Skoltech are unfamiliar with the fun side of science. Science Slam provides a platform for scientists to reach a wider audience and make their research understandable to the general public. A good speaker can bridge the gap between scientific expertise and public comprehension, making science more accessible and relatable.

...Imagine a field where you could analyze everything from proteins to pollutants to the moon! It's this vast range of possibilities that makes mass spectrometry so fascinating. Professor Evgeny Nikolaev, a world-renowned expert in this field, leads the lab where I work. His expertise, coupled with the diverse research activities, created an irresistible opportunity for me to join the lab almost immediately upon starting my master's program. The potential for growth and learning from leading researchers made this a perfect fit.

My current work as a research engineer builds directly upon my master's thesis research, which led to co-authorship on two published articles.

During my time as a student and worker at Skoltech, I was introduced to mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), a sophisticated technique that analyzes both the molecular composition and spatial distribution of molecules within a sample. My research focused on applying MSI to thin slices of mouse and human brain tissue, specifically gliomas. My goal was to develop an effective protocol for tumor margin assessment using machine learning, demonstrating my ability to combine multidisciplinary approaches and achieve independent, creative solutions. This work, along with my successful thesis, showcased my potential and led to my involvement in a groundbreaking project.

I am currently part of the engineering group working on the development of Russia's first modern high-resolution mass spectrometer. In this project, I am focusing on integrating a femtosecond laser into Prof. Nikolaev's team's instrument, creating a novel ionization source never before used in commercial mass spectrometers.

This innovative technology holds significant potential for enhancing both MS and MSI capabilities, which I hope to explore further during my upcoming internship in Shanghai, made possible by the fruitful work of my scientific advisor in collaboration with Shanghai University.

My PhD research, which I will conduct after my internship at the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics (SIOM), will focus on exploring the applications of femtosecond lasers in MSI from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

My current focus is on making a significant contribution to our instrument project by integrating the femtosecond laser, which will form the foundation of a PhD dissertation that will honor both Skoltech and SIOM.

This work is a stepping stone toward my long-term ambition—becoming the head of the lab. This aspiration has been a guiding force throughout my scientific career and will give me the freedom to pursue my scientific interests.

The success of Skoltech lab heads serves as inspiration and motivation. I believe I have the potential to achieve this dream, provided I maintain my passion and avoid burnout.

I would like to tell you a little about the laboratory in which I work and which I admire. Our laboratory is always seeking talented students and employees to join our team. While mass spectrometry may seem intimidating, it's a fascinating field with diverse applications. Our professor's lectures provide a solid foundation in mass spectrometry, making it accessible to students with varying backgrounds. The breadth of applications is truly remarkable, from analyzing materials to studying physiological fluids and tissue sections.

Whether you're interested in developing new methods or pushing the boundaries of modern science, mass spectrometry offers exciting opportunities. We encourage you to explore the possibilities and consider joining us.

Here are some tips for current and soon-to-be Master's students:

It's crucial to remember that every scientist's path is unique. Comparing yourself to others and making decisions based on their choices can be detrimental. I understand that science is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with new trends emerging daily. Nevertheless, it is unwise to shift your research focus simply because a new technology, like AI, suddenly gains popularity.

Focus on your own interests and pursue them diligently. Take meticulous notes on your progress and discoveries. This process will eventually lead you to either completing your research, proving its current infeasibility, or stumbling upon something truly fascinating and unique to your own exploration.

Also, as a guy, who once was called by my previous research advisor: “...far from being a genius…” it is important to acknowledge your weaknesses and not to be afraid to expose those to the people, who became experts in something you are weak at. Remember, science would not exist if scientists worked separately, which is why when talking about their scientific work, it is worth using the pronoun "we", not "I", thereby we recognize the fact that there have been centuries of scientific research before us.

We are Skoltech. A new type of university in Russia, established in 2011 in collaboration with MIT with the vision of being a world-leading institute of science and technology. From the zero stage, Skoltech has rapidly advanced along the way towards a top-100 young university recognized globally by Nature Index.