We continue to get acquainted with girls who have chosen technical specialties at BNTU. In the Year of Belarusian Woman and on the eve of International Women's Day, we spoke with a 4th-year student of the Instrument Engineering Faculty, a Presidential scholar, and the author of dozens of scientific publications, Alexandra Luzhinskaya. The girl told us how her love for order led her to metrology, why stereotypes about "non-female" professions should be left in the past, and why an engineer needs drawing and dancing.
It all started with her father. He was the one who told his daughter about specialists who monitor microns and uniformity all over the world. That's when Alexandra first heard the word "metrology." And in the 10th grade, at an Open Day at BNTU, any doubts about choosing a specialty and profession disappeared completely.
— I was literally overwhelmed by a wave of inspiration. I realized that this is not just boring "nut checking," but a whole world of order, quality, and safety. It's about how to make our lives better and more reliable — from products in stores to airplanes in the sky, — the student recalls.
Today her GPA is 9.59 — one of the best at the faculty. The secret to such success, according to Alexandra, lies in the symbiosis of natural aptitude and daily work:
— I study a lot, but I try to do it wisely, not just by rote. And the main thing is that I genuinely enjoy it.
The student's scientific activity began back in school with her first research on complex numbers. Today, the girl has dozens of publications and two first-degree diplomas at the university conference. Alexandra was also awarded a scholarship from the President of the Republic of Belarus. Each of the girl's works is an effort to transform theoretical knowledge into real-world experience that is useful for the country. For example, research on methods for evaluating measurement uncertainty helps Belarusian laboratories align their test protocols with international standards.
— When you receive the President's scholarship, you understand that it is a symbol of the country's trust that you must justify.
Alexandra's special pride is her trip to India, where she gave a presentation in English during her studies. The nervousness was immense, but the audience received her warmly. This experience gave the student confidence, and now she knows she can present her research anywhere.
Such a difficult path would have been impossible without support. Her most reliable rear is her family: her engineer father, and her grandfather with his principle "do what you must, and come what may." At the university, her academic advisor was the first to believe in her, noticing Alexandra's potential in her second year and guiding her towards science. And the head of the department became an example of a true professional, combining knowledge, efficiency, and humanity.
— Realizing that such people believe in you is the most powerful motivator, — the student admits.
— What advice would you like to give to girls who are currently afraid to enroll in technical specialties?
— The brain has no gender. There are people with abilities for analytical thinking, and it doesn't depend on whether you're a boy or a girl. I perceive this stereotype as a challenge; it's important to show by your own example that only knowledge, hard work, and passion for the matter truly count.
According to Alexandra's observations, the role of women in the engineering community is changing. There are more girls at the faculty, and the number of female teachers and managers is also growing. The student calls the stereotype about choosing between a career and family a false dilemma; these are two routes you can travel simultaneously.
Outside of her studies, the girl has several outlets. Drawing is the complete opposite of formulas, where there are no limits, and dancing gives her an energy boost and the opportunity to be in the moment. Alexandra is also fond of baking:
— Cooking is a bit like metrology: measuring, following the recipe, but adding something of your own.
After graduating from university, she plans to enroll in graduate school and try her hand at teaching. She wants to become for someone the same guide to the world of science that her mentors were for her.
Alexandra Luzhinskaya is one of those who proves that engineering has no gender, and success comes to those who know how to combine talent, hard work, and the support of loved ones. In the Year of Belarusian Woman, her story sounds especially inspiring.
