Diana Ghevondyan, postgraduate student of the Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology Chair, YSU Faculty of Biology, is one of the winners of the "Research Assistance Program for Young Applicants and PhD Students - 2023" announced by the Higher Education and Science Committee of RA MoESCS. She is conducting research in the field of microbiology.
In the interview with us, D. Ghevondyan talked about her scientific project, research topic, aims and objectives, as well as the opportunities provided by the university.
The graduate student of YSU, with her scientific research, set an objective to propose a new environmentally friendly and safe method for obtaining surgical sutures, glues and capsules. According to the scientific hypothesis, it may be obtained from exopolysaccharides, sugar-based polymer compounds secreted by bacteria.
"Now we are trying to understand how much and with what properties a polymer may be synthesized from which bacteria. We are especially studying thermophilic bacteria and their synthesized polymers, which may also display high heat resistance," said Diana.
Scientific experiments are carried out almost every day in YSU laboratories with rich and modern material-technical base. Scientific leader of the project Hovik Panosyan, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences in the Chair of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, guides the postgraduate student and supports the practical application of theoretical knowledge, as well as conducting scientific experiments in the laboratory. Diana Ghevondyan enhanced her theoretical knowledge necessary for research in Italy (at the Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry) within the framework of another grant program announced by the Higher Education and Science Committee of RA MoESCS.
"I have already studied the necessary literature and performed experiments to extract certain polymers. Now we have to start the research work to study the composition of polymers, their physicochemical properties, as well as possible applications," she said.
The research "Study of the production of extracellular polymeric substances by thermophiles: insights into composition and environmental applications" will be completed in 2026, and until then daily conduction of laboratory experiments will continue.
"I can't imagine my day without daily experiments and studies. I will not choose only the study of exopolysaccharides among the complementary scientific paths, I will also study other types of biopolymers in the future," the postgraduate student emphasized.
The opportunities provided by the university became an incentive for the young researcher to engage in science and connect her future with the branch of microbiology.
"When you come to the university, both the professors and the laboratory conditions stimulate the student to be interested in science. Our laboratories are equipped with almost all basic necessities. The university supports students to participate in various conferences. At YSU all the conditions are available to accumulate the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge and skills and to develop as a specialist," said Diana, adding that science constantly fascinates her and provides opportunities to propose innovative ideas.
The inclusion of postgraduate students and young researchers in research programs is one of the principles adopted by YSU, and in this regard, practical and targeted steps are being taken.
Emilya Hosyan
