Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
For many students, RUDN University faculty have become more than just a source of knowledge, but also senior friends and mentors. They are the ones they turn to for advice, with whom they conquer various Olympiads and competitions, spend hours preparing for important conferences, and with whom they collaborate on developing new materials and technologies.
In honor of the upcoming Higher Education Teachers' Day, celebrated on November 19, we asked students at our university to share stories about their favorite teachers and the impact they made on their lives.
Last December, we, students majoring in Veterinary Medicine, along with our instructors Varvara Mikhailovna Byakhova and Valentina Ivanovna Semenova, participated in a volunteer mission to Uzbekistan. Our instructors were incredibly supportive, helping us overcome the difficulties associated with living in a foreign country, and were always on the same wavelength. We enjoyed spending our free time in a relaxed and fun atmosphere, playing games, strolling around the city, and visiting Tashkent's sights. And while assisting at shelters and veterinary clinics, Varvara Mikhailovna and Valentina Ivanovna not only provided valuable advice and guidance but also demonstrated the correct procedures for animals. Our instructors always listened attentively to each of our opinions, putting our wishes and interests above their own. They also shared interesting stories from their extensive professional experience and life experiences. "Thanks to this approach, the trip was not only rich and educational, but also warm, interesting, and cozy," says Elza Shaimukhametova, a second-year student at the RUDN University Institute of Agrarian and Technological Sciences.
Opening the doors to science
"One of my first inspiring mentors was Elena Valeryevna Kaverina, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Hygiene, Public Health, and Healthcare. It was thanks to her that my career in science and public service began. As my professor, she helped me write my first scientific articles in the field of public health and healthcare. Under Elena Valeryevna's guidance, I actively participated in numerous events: the Public Health and Healthcare Olympiad in Kazan, the 2024 World Youth Festival, the IV Congress of Young Scientists in Sochi, and programs from Rosmolodezh. All of these events became important stages in my professional growth and yielded very positive results. Her responsibility, motivation, and determination became a true example for me of the qualities a scientist-organizer should possess. I am infinitely grateful to Elena Valerievna for her wisdom, inspiration, and valuable lessons that will stay with me forever," says Adilya Novikova-Nazyrova, resident physician at the RUDN University Medical Institute, specializing in Cardiology.
Another important mentor for Adilya is Marina Aleksandrovna Teterina, a PhD candidate and cardiologist. Adilya met her during her internship in the cardiac intensive care unit of V.V. Vinogradov City Hospital No. 64 during her fourth year.
"It was then that I first immersed myself in the world of cardiology and realized I wanted to dedicate myself to this specialty. Marina Alexandrovna opened the doors of science for me, instilling an interest in new research. Together, we prepared a number of scientific papers on pulmonary embolism, won a silver medal at the International Semmelweis Conference in Hungary, and published our work in Scopus journals and the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) core. Thanks to her commitment and attentive attitude, I acquired the necessary skills and confidence. I am deeply grateful to Marina Alexandrovna for her enormous contribution to my professional development," says Adilya Novikova-Nazyrova.
The resident could not help but note the contribution to her education and professional development made by candidate of medical sciences, cardiologist Rena Shokhlatovna Aslanova.
"Working under her supervision in the cardiology department of the V.V. Vinogradov University Clinical Center (a branch of RUDN University), I mastered the intricacies of practical medicine, learning to correctly diagnose diseases and prescribe treatment for patients with various cardiovascular pathologies. We spent sleepless nights on duty together, solving interesting clinical cases, and each time, Rena Shokhlatovna found the strength to support me even in the most difficult moments. Despite the overwhelming number of questions, she always explained every detail in detail, developing my ability to understand patients and choose the right treatment strategy. Her professionalism, patience, and responsiveness helped me acquire the profound practical knowledge necessary for becoming a successful physician. My gratitude to Rena Shokhlatovna is endless—for her tireless support and truly human approach to her work," says Adilya Novikova-Nazyrova.
Faith in students and a sense of community
For Kasonde Aaron Mwewa, a graduate student in the Department of International Economic Relations, Inna Vitalievna Andronova, Doctor of Economics and Dean of the Faculty of Economics, became an inspiring mentor from his third year of undergraduate studies.
"Thanks to her support and inspiring approach, global economics transformed from a mere academic subject into a true passion for me. She constantly motivated me, believed in my abilities, and this belief resulted in my first scientific publication in my third year. Since then, I haven't stopped and continue to publish actively. It was Inna Vitalievna who ignited such a love for science in me that I decided to continue my education and earned a master's degree, then entered graduate school, all under her wise guidance. She always encouraged my scientific and professional activity: thanks to her, I participated in conferences in various cities across Russia and Belarus, where I met students from all over the world and discovered new places. I would also like to especially thank her for the incredible opportunity to be part of organizing the summer school in Zambia. It was an invaluable experience that allowed me not only to see my family but also to represent my country, telling other students from Russia about it. This is a great honor for me. But most importantly, it's the sense of community and support. Thank you, Inna Vitalievna, for welcoming me into the large and friendly family of the Department of International Economic Relations. Your faith in students is the most valuable contribution to our future," says Kasonde Aaron Mwewa.
Fourth-year engineering academy student Evgeny Nezhurin (construction major) first met his mentor, Oleg Leonidovich Kireev, when he came to study digital modeling with senior students, whom a RUDN professor was preparing for a championship. "From the very first day, my eyes lit up with Oleg Leonidovich's teaching, and I was filled with an unprecedented desire to study the subject. Even though I knew I wouldn't be able to participate in that competition because the team was already assembled, I absorbed the knowledge like a sponge. And the following year, this paid off, when I, as part of a team, took second place in the International Construction Championship. This victory was followed by others: at the "Oasis" case championship organized by the company "Samolet," at the "Build Simply" BIM Hackathon, and at the All-Russian Olympiad in Thermal Physics. Throughout all these stages, Oleg Leonidovich was a mentor who could always give valuable advice and help with the task,” says Evgeny Nezhurin.
He is supported by a teammate.
"Oleg Leonidovich has changed our approach to the profession. Instead of dry theory, we have live case studies. Instead of abstract deadlines, we have conditions as close as possible to real construction: coordination with architects, collaboration with systems engineers, strict deadlines, and the need to defend every technical solution," says Infas Galiev.
Patents, articles, prospects
Olga Yuryevna Zeveke, Deputy Director for Strategic Projects in Tourism and Services at RUDN University's Graduate School of Management, played a significant role in the student life of Nikola Balev, a Master's student in Tourism at the Graduate School of Management. From the very first day they met, she demonstrated exceptional commitment to his adaptation: patiently correcting his speech and explaining the subtleties of the Russian language and cultural nuances, he was able to quickly master the language to a level sufficient for academic work and seamlessly integrate into his new social environment.
"Olga Yuryevna didn't limit herself to language support—she became my academic mentor, establishing a clear research path. Under her guidance, we jointly developed a methodology for studying innovative approaches in tourism services, which formed the basis for a series of publications. In a relatively short period of time, we managed to prepare and publish an article in a Scopus-indexed journal, three papers in publications listed by the Higher Attestation Commission (VAK), and 15 articles in journals included in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI). Furthermore, Olga Yuryevna initiated patenting activities: under her supervision, five patents were filed for technological solutions we developed in the service sector. Her ability to inspire creative projects deserves special attention—thanks to her support, I have implemented over 27 original initiatives, some of which are already being implemented in the practices of tourism companies. "Her approach to mentoring combines rigorous scientific discipline with human sensitivity: she always made time for detailed discussions, helped me structure my thoughts, and identify subtle connections between theory and practice. Olga Yuryevna didn't just impart knowledge—she taught me to think systemically, to see the field's development prospects, and to articulate my position. This comprehensive support became the foundation for my professional growth and allowed me to confidently establish myself in the scientific community," says Nikola Balev.
A meeting with Natalia Valentinovna Dubinina, Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Languages for Research, in the hallway of the Faculty of Philology proved fateful for Ekaterina Kolyshkina. A confused first-year Linguistics student seeking answers to numerous questions, she received much more: a mentor willing to help and support her in any situation.
"When she's not at numerous meetings and classes, there's always a line of students and colleagues at Natalya Valentinovna's office, but we Arabists know she always has a free slot for us. She's become a mentor to me, someone who believes in me and will give timely advice, even if she's just landed from another business trip and is waiting to get off the plane. In the RUDN world, she was the first person who cared about anyone who offered a helping hand. Natalya Valentinovna continues to do this today: she finds funding for an international conference, talks about professional competitions, invites me to interesting lectures, and gives me the chance to prove myself in all areas," says Ekaterina Kolyshkina.
The seminar is an investment in the future
Not everyone was able to single out specific mentors, but they expressed love and gratitude to their department.
"Having completed a long journey of study and reached my fourth year at the Law Institute, I feel a profound sense of gratitude and pride. The Institute has become more than just a place for us to receive an education, but a true school of thought where the principles of justice and professionalism are shaped. I would like to express my special gratitude to my favorite department of international law. In the age of globalization, it is you, our professors, our mentors, who have opened up to us the boundless world of interstate relations, complex conflicts, and great ideas. You teach us to see law not as a set of dry norms, but as a living instrument capable of building peace and ensuring cooperation between nations. Your dedication to scholarship, exacting standards, and sincere belief in the potential of each student inspire us every day. Thank you for giving us the most powerful tool every day—knowledge that allows us not only to follow the law but also to shape the future. Each professor is a great example for us; we can rely on them at any moment. Every class, every seminar is an investment in our future. “I am proud to be part of this community,” says Anna Tashchyan, a fourth-year student at the RUDN University Law Institute, majoring in International Law.
We received so many warm words about RUDN University faculty that we decided to expand on this article. Stay tuned for part two, with thanks to our super-mentors!
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.