Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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Daria Denisikhina
Congratulations to Daria Mikhailovna Denisikhina, Associate Professor of the Department of Heat and Gas Supply and Ventilation at SPbGASU, on being awarded the academic degree of Doctor of Technical Sciences (Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia No. 1101 dated November 24, 2025). Dissertation defense took place on June 17.
Scientific path and research topic
The topic of the dissertation is "Scientific Foundations of Mathematical Modeling of Air Exchange and Air Distribution in Public Buildings." This is a relevant area for the modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.
The work is the result of more than twenty years of practical experience in numerical modeling of the microclimate of public buildings and the development of scientific methods for analyzing design solutions for HVAC systems.
While Darya Mikhailovna's PhD dissertation focused primarily on the mathematical aspects of ventilation flow modeling, her doctoral dissertation was a summary of many years of practical application of these methods to real-world facilities—unique sports, cultural, and public buildings.
Key scientific findings
In her work, the researcher substantiated and developed scientific approaches to modeling air exchange in complex architectural spaces. This allowed:
To improve the quality and accuracy of mathematical models used in Russia for analyzing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; to expand the application of numerical modeling in the design of complex facilities; and to establish a scientific basis for further research in this area.
One of the main challenges of the study was the need to conduct field measurements at sites to verify the models. Access to real-world conditions is often limited—for example, obtaining data near the ice surface during a hockey match has not yet been possible. Nevertheless, the measurements and their comparison with the modeling results allowed us to confirm the effectiveness of the methods used.
Personal meaning and professional prospects
According to Daria Denisikhina, earning her Doctor of Engineering degree marked the culmination of a long journey that began fifteen years ago: "I was taught from childhood: if you start something, finish it. Therefore, even when circumstances arose that could have stopped my work on my dissertation, I couldn't allow myself to do so."
The scientific status of a Doctor of Engineering Sciences strengthens the position of the Department of Heat, Gas Supply, and Ventilation in the scientific community and opens up new opportunities for its development, including in the area of attracting commercial projects.
Working with students and developing scientific direction
This new scientific level will allow the instructor to further develop the field of microclimate modeling and engage master's and doctoral students. Students in the Department of Thermal and Gastronomical Engineering, many of whom are already working in their field, will be able to immediately apply modern modeling methods to practical problems.
Daria Denisikhina notes that she has no specific plans yet to establish scientific schools and laboratories, but sees potential for developing such projects in the future.
Advice for young researchers
For future master's and doctoral students, Doctor of Engineering Daria Denisikhina recommends studying more scientific literature, including international literature: "You'll be surprised at how much has already been done in your area of interest. And don't be afraid of new things: you might just notice something others haven't."
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