Volga Region University continues its celebration of Russian Science Day, with students meeting with university dynasties dedicated to research and new discoveries. A themed meeting, "Science: A Family Affair," allowed faculty and young scientists to informally share their professional journeys.
The event was chaired by Vice Rector for Research and International Affairs Andrey Nazarenko. Addressing the students, he introduced Alexander Chernyaev, Professor of the G.V. Tsyganov Department of Theory and Methodology of Athletics and Rowing, who has worked at Volga Region University for 50 years. Many of the university's faculty and staff are now students.
"Science has always existed at all universities, but everyone started somewhere. I came to work at Volga Region University when it was still known as a branch of the Volgograd State Institute of Physical Culture, from which I graduated. Gradually, I began engaging in research and participating in conferences. At first, fellow scientists helped me, and then I began sharing my experience—six people defended their theses under my supervision," emphasized Alexander Chernyaev.
In his advice to the students, he emphasized the importance of finding reliable information in libraries: "The most important thing, if you want to go into science, is to read a lot." His daughter, Ekaterina Fonareva, an associate professor in the Department of Theory and Methodology of Gymnastics, also shared her story. She recounted how, through science, she met her husband, Dmitry Fonarev, a professor in the Department of Theory and Methodology of Physical Education and Sports.
"Science has been with me since childhood, ever since Alexander Anatolyevich defended his dissertation. When I entered Volga Region University, I thought I wouldn't continue my scientific career and would instead pursue a different direction. However, life has turned out such that I happily continue to develop in science today. So even if you think science isn't for you now, don't be too quick to give up on it. Science can seamlessly integrate into your life and radically change it," Ekaterina Fonareva told the students.
Professor Dmitry Fonarev spoke about the work of the research club in the Department of Theory and Methodology of Physical Education and Sports, which has been named the best at the university for two years in a row. He emphasized that the most challenging part is finding inquisitive minds with a passion for research. This work begins in the summer, during the admissions campaign. Furthermore, mentors play a crucial role in the training of new research staff.
"A research mentor is more than you might imagine. They are the main guide to science. The first steps are taken when a student believes the instructor is wrong, and therefore strives to study as much scientific material as possible and find relevant information, and in its absence, begins their own research. Therefore, in every discipline, a mentor can be a professor. But to do this, you need to approach them and demonstrate an interest in seeking additional information.
You will never regret starting research, because it is an opportunity to explore your intellect, study domestic and international experience, and, most importantly, to prove yourself as a specialist and tell a story that isn't described in any textbook," Dmitry Fonarev emphasized.
Ilya Zemlyanukhin, Associate Professor of the Department of Martial Arts Theory and Methodology, introduced the university's young scientists at a meeting with students. He completed all stages of education at Volga Region University, from undergraduate to postgraduate. He came to the university as an athlete—he competed in Greco-Roman wrestling. He was among the last students to enroll in Naberezhnye Chelny. He immediately decided to continue his education by moving to Kazan.
"My first area of scientific research was psychology. I then continued my work in the Department of Medical and Biological Disciplines under the mentorship of Andrey Sergeyevich Nazarenko, and later, Nailya Khanifovna Davletova. They supported me and taught me how to work with high-tech research equipment—and so, little by little, I began to immerse myself in science," Ilya Zemlyanukhin shared his story.
He noted that he had conducted research at both the Department of Theory and Methodology of Physical Education and Sports and the Department of Theory and Methodology of Martial Arts. He had many mentors at Volga Region University, each of whom enriched him with their experience and knowledge. In particular, Firuza Zotova, a professor in the Department of Theory and Methodology of Physical Education and Sports, assisted him as his supervisor during his PhD dissertation work.
At the end of his speech, Ilya Zemlenukhin encouraged students to more actively participate in grant competitions, particularly those focused on youth startups.
"Tatarstan is one of the top three regions in scientific development, after the Moscow and Leningrad regions. We offer numerous opportunities for both young and established scientists, from scholarships to grants. Therefore, pursuing research in the Republic of Tatarstan is very prestigious. Furthermore, science and sports are closely intertwined, and their symbiosis can benefit each of you," Andrei Nazarenko addressed the university students at the end of the event.
Text: Adelina Khramova
Photo: Pavel Zheleznyak
