Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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Dmitry Pishchulin, a second-year master's student at the RUDN University Institute of Ecology, has returned from a large-scale scientific expedition, the "Pacific Floating University." The voyage took place this summer in the waters of the Kamchatka Peninsula, lasting 34 days.
Dmitry is combining his master's degree with working as a lab assistant at the Scientific Center for Research and Integrated Design of Urban and Agricultural Development at RUDN University. To join the project, he underwent a rigorous competitive selection process, which included attending the Floating University's Winter School, submitting an application, and successfully passing an interview.
The expedition participants conducted an in-depth study of the structure and dynamics of the Far East's marine ecosystems to preserve their biodiversity and ensure the sustainable use of biological resources. A key component of the voyage was the implementation of the Pacific Floating University educational program, which aims to train a new generation of marine scientists and engage them in cutting-edge research.
"As part of the marine biology team, I worked on the research project 'The Composition and Spatial Structure of Macrozoobenthos Communities in Kamchatka's Coastal Marine Areas.' My responsibilities included collecting sediment using a bottom sampler, washing it, collecting benthic organisms (plants, animals, and protists living on the seafloor), and preserving them for subsequent laboratory research," says Dmitry Pishchulin.
In addition, the RUDN student actively participated in general vessel operations: he maintained the operation of the Rosetta system with a system of bathometers and a CTD probe for determining the physical and chemical parameters of the water, and collected phytoplankton and water samples for optical analysis. Dmitry also operated a box corer to collect bottom sediment samples, a plankton net to collect zooplankton organisms, and participated in boat operations with a manual bottom grab.
The expedition's practical results have already been reflected in the master's student's research. Following the expedition, Dmitry prepared the abstract for a paper, "Composition and Spatial Structure of Macrozoobenthos Communities in Vilyuchinskaya Bay," which he will present at the Maresedu 2025 international conference.
"Participating in the expedition was an unforgettable experience, a sea of impressions, and a wealth of practical skills. Meeting leading scientists and colleagues from other research centers strengthened my desire to continue developing in my chosen scientific field," says Dmitry Pishchulin.
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