Directly from sunny Croatia the doctor of science and specialist in the field of biochemical engineering Martina Andlar came here within the international project of the European Union’s program “People for the European Bio-energy Mix (PHOENIX)”. She shared many interesting facts about the project and told us what it is like to be a doctor of science in 29.
– Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you come from? What do you do?
– I’m 29 and I’m from Zagreb. I’ve been studying at the university of Zagreb at the Faculty of Food Technologies and Biotechnologies. Now I work there as a research assistant in the biochemical engineering and industrial microbiology laboratory. Last year I got my PhD.
– Was it difficult to get PhD at such an early age?
– The preparations for submission took me 3 years, that was the peak of my career. Yes, it was hard from time to time, but still I got satisfaction from work. Maybe that’s why I accomplished it at that age. Thesis of my doctoral dissertation is “System of integrated processes for production and allocation of bioethanol from lignin-cellulose raw materials with the usage of reactors of various types”.
– Tell us about the purpose of your visit.
– I arrived in Minsk on 4th March intending to stay in the city for 3 months. I conduct research on biomaterials processing here and simultaneously write an article on that subject. In addition, I work with students: lecture them and give the opportunity for my students to give lectures in front of your audience. I meet my students 2-3 times a week, provide them with literature and tell them what they should write about. With my help, they will be able to write an article and make a presentation.
– We’ve noticed photos of Minsk in your Instagram. Did you have the time to explore the city? What was the first thing to catch your eye? And how Belarus is different from Croatia?
– You have incredibly wide and clean streets, I cannot help but be encouraged. The nature is very beautiful and food is delicious. Sour cream, buttermilk, cottage cheese, cheese, butter –gorgeous!
– How did you like our chocolate glazed curd bars?
– Yeah! These green ones with a girl on the package? Yummy, I loved them! Actually, all your dairy products are better and even cheaper than in Croatia. To have a lunch in a restaurant would cost twice less as well. I spend around 5 euros, in Croatia – at least 10 euros. I indeed like it here: sunny and warm. I’m very impressed by the city.
I’ve taken several tours of Minsk with a guide and he told me lots of amazing stories about the city. Minsk is just like a phoenix, which was reborn from ash after the Second World War. It’s such a pity I have no time to visit other cities of the country. I heard there are many charming places in Belarus and I dream of seeing them one day.
Still there is one thing I consider strange: many people spit in the street. It doesn’t bother me, nonetheless it looks extremely weird.
– By the way, in your Instagram there are photos from holidays: sea in the background and you having a great muscular body. Moreover, in one of your videos on YouTube channel you show how to do physical exercises correctly. Do you usually put aside time for sport activities?
– (laughs). I made that video when I was in Zagreb. There was one competition and the video was made to take part in it, and later I got money (smiles). As for sport activities, I love to go to the gym, try to watch my figure.
– Referring to our collaboration. Tell us please, are you going to perform with your lectures anywhere except of BNTU?
– With lectures – no, but I’ll attend professors’ conference in May. I would be glad to participate anywhere else, unfortunately, I have no time for that now. I write articles, work with students, I’m really pushed for time.
– Do you plan to come back to Belarus in the future and give lectures here?
– If we continue to cooperate than probably yes. In fact, I don’t know, to be frank. The project I carry out right now finishes at the end of May, what will happen next – have no idea.
– What does our partnership depend on?
– We collaborate only due to the project. Professor should apply for the new project, and in that case he would be considered as a partner. Right now we work only in that one.
- How did your project start? Why do you participate in it?
- 16 countries are engaged in that project, it has begun four years ago. Honestly, I was not going to take part in it, but it was compulsory for the submission of my doctoral dissertation. This project is directly related to my dissertation, that’s why I participate.
- Do you plan any other projects after completing this?
- Yes, even now I am working on three different projects. One of them is markedly different: it studies the interaction of proteins with each other. Let me explain in simple language. With the help of enzymes, we will produce gold and silver nano-particles. There is a reaction, there are different enzymes and we monitor how they interact with each other. The result of this interaction are nano-particles. In this project, we use biomass and various animal waste. From this waste we get bio-gas. There are 18 bio-gas processing plants in your country and they are not profitable on account of misusing biogas. Now we want to connect production with science, as the gap between these areas is huge. This problem exists in the other 16 countries of the “PHOENIX” project and we are working on it’s elimination.
- Let's talk a little about your free time.
- I go to the gym, which is located not far from here, up the street. I spend a lot of time in a seated position, so I try to move more when I take time out from work.
- What do you like to do at home? I noticed that you liked one of the “Top Gear” releases on YouTube.
- (laughs). Yes, I follow the development of this program. Earlier we frequently watched it with my boyfriend, that’s why I got involved. This is probably the main reason (laughs). Now I strongly monitor the development of "Game of Thrones".
– Can you tell us about your favorite films than?
– Oh, that’s a difficult question. “Inception”, “Interstellar”… I love films a lot and it’s hard to choose one (smiles). “Bohemian Rhapsody”! Yeah, definitely! Oh my God, that’s fantastic. I’m in love with Freddie Mercury despite anything (laughs).
– And are you interested in fiction?
– I do not read, to be honest. I read just books and articles for work. I got tired of pages, that’s why when I want to unwind I watch a TV-show or go for a walk.
– If you walk a lot than you, obviously, listen to music. Tell us about your tastes.
– One of my favorite types of music is folk. As a matter of principle, in any sort of music I can find something that fits me, except for metal (smiles). Hard music is not my cup of tea.
– Taking into account your scope of work, you must be traveling a lot. What countries have you already been to?
– Austria, Slovenia, Belarus, Germany, Greece, Italy and, I guess, that's it. I visit Austria on work related issues. What about all the other countries, I’ve travelled there in my free time to have a rest.
– Tell us, how have you chosen your profession?
– I haven’t chosen the university, it’s the university that has chosen me (laughs). Having finished bachelor’s degree, I was one of the 5 top students and applied to grad school. After that, I had some time to spare and decided to work for a while: I looked after kids, I was a nanny. I had the time to think things through and decide what I want. I travelled as well. Eventually, I came to university.
- Are you dreaming of something now? Do you have any global plans in mind?
- I would like to live in another place. I am not sure that Croatia is the most suitable country for me. Maybe Austria, Germany or the Scandinavian countries, I'm not sure. I cannot settle down, it is hard.
– What encourages you to do what you are doing now?
– Definitely not money (laughs). If you work at university, you apparently face low wages. Alternatively, I meet all sorts of people from different countries, I have a possibility to travel, to attend conferences. I reckon, that’s the main reason: communication. If you want to make a profit do not take a job at university (smiles).
Obviously, I have a chief. However, he’s different from production manager. I have flexible working hours: I can work when I want to. The result, that’s what’s significant. I can come to work any time of the day. And I like it.
– Have you ever planned to change the field?
– Yes, I have. It would be something connected with industry. The main reason is higher income. It can be pharmacy, food industry or something else. Bioengineering is an extremely broad scope and you can advance in any direction.
– As you take care of your health, so that the food must be corresponding. What is your favorite dish?
– Oh, I love cooking! My favorite food is homemade. The favorite meals are cheesecake and lasagna. I make pasta by myself and cook according to my own recipes. Mainly with chicken, vegetables and cheese. I do my best to eat healthy.
– Thank you very much for such an interesting conversation. We wish you good luck in your research and look forward to further cooperation!
– Thank you a lot as well, that was fascinating!
