Al Muzaiqer Mohammed Ali Yahya Ali: University of Tyumen is a home for international youth

Al Muzaiqer Mohammed Ali Yahya Ali, a postgraduate student of the Physics and Technology Institute, a citizen of the Republic of Yemen, talks about his experience of being a postgraduate student at the University of Tyumen under the Talent ++ program. He shares about his move to Russia and plans to build his scientific career here.

– Mohammed, what brought you to Russia?

– Back in the late 80s – early 90s, my uncle studied in Russia – in Ryazan – as a doctor. He is now one of the most successful doctors in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen. His stories about your country and the professional skills he got here impressed me, and I’ve decided that when I grow up, I will study in Russia. 

I was an honor student upon graduating school. Due to my high marks, I was able to enter a government scholarship program to study abroad... And I chose Russia. I did not regret it at all, I am very pleased, I want to stay here and continue my career.

– What was you journey?

– I moved to Russia in October 2010, first I studied Russian in Lipetsk. Then I enrolled in the Kazan State Power Engineering University and got my Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Shortly after I won the University of Tyumen competition "Talent ++", a program for international students within the framework of Project 5-100, and entered the University of Tyumen postgraduate school.

– Why did you choose to continue your scientific career at University of Tyumen?

– After getting my Master's degree, I was looking for good postgraduate programs. I had several options in mind. But I chose University of Tyumen, because it had great perspectives for international fellows, in particular, it provided the opportunity to independently engage in research work. And I must say I was impressed. Previously, when I was engaged in research I did not have the option to do it on my own. Here I have all the creative liberty, contributing at all stages of the project and seeing it to the end.

– Was it easy to get settled in University of Tyumen? What other opportunities did the university provide for foreign citizens?

– University of Tyumen has a great support system. UTMN staff helped me to adapt, find a flat and apply for a visa.

I was also impressed that a lot of UTMN students and staff know English so well. Speaking from personal experience, it is rare among Russian universities; in particular, it was not the case in Kazan. Having language support helped me to communicate with people and adapt quicker.

In addition, the university created the Center for Arab Culture, uniting representatives of the Arab world, who study and work in Tyumen. I believe that such centers help international students and stuff to adapt quicker. Moreover, I am very glad that I had an opportunity to be one of the community organizers there. Here young people can meet, communicate on various topics, interact with Russian students and share about their countries. The center is well in demand these days and is led by my friend from Egypt, Ahmed. As for me, I am currently working at the Photonics and Microfluidics Research Laboratory, where education and science are my main priorities. 

– What kind of research do you do here?

– Together with my scientific advisor Natalya Ivanova, we are developing methods for controlling the processes of organizing particles in monolayer colloidal structures (films). We see it as one of the urgent tasks of modern fundamental and applied science. Now we are conducting a study to determine the influence of various factors on self-organization processes. In the future, this will act as a base study to develop new methods for creating materials with specified properties, such as photonic crystals, metallized ceramic materials, etc.

Currently, we propose a methodology for controlling the process of aggregation (self-organization) of micron-sized particles based on the Marangoni thermal effect.

– What are you planning for the future?

– I have applied to enter a conference on Thermal Physics and Physical Hydrodynamics in the Crimea. I also want to take part in the Marangoni conference in China. I am waiting to hear back from them currently. 

In my country, there is no scientific field for micro- and macrophysics at all. Therefore, in order to pursue science, I will stay here in Tyumen. Therefore, now my priority is to write and defend a thesis, complete my postgraduate studies and continue to engage in research.