On the path of new discoveries: YSU PhD student Silvard Tadevosyan undergoing training in Germany

Silvard's scientific project, "Study of Redox Changes in Antibiotic-Resistant E. Coli as a Mechanism for the Antibacterial Effect of Plant-Derived Metabolites," has been approved for funding under the "Professional Training 2024/2" competition, announced by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia.   

"My research focuses on studying the antibacterial, antibiotic-modulating, and antioxidant properties of plant extracts, essential oils, and their components from various plants grown in Armenia. The main subjects of this study are strains of Escherichia coli that exhibit resistance to various antibiotics," says Silvard, highlighting that the topic integrates microbiology, biochemistry, and biotechnology, providing an opportunity to find innovative solutions in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Silvard, a PhD student at YSU, left for Germany on January 14 of this year, for a two-month training program. Although she acknowledges that two months is not a long time for conducting scientific work, she strives to make the most of this period by acquiring new skills and achieving the best possible outcome.

"My full attention is focused on scientific activities here. Every morning I go to the laboratory, conduct the experiments planned for the day, and then return home to analyze the data. The next day, I discuss the results with my scientific advisors to clarify my next steps," Silvard shares about her daily routine.

Silvard's research at YSU is progressing efficiently, as it requires not only the proper organization of experiments but also detailed data recording. To this end, she constantly uses a notebook to document all the important details.

Currently, she is working on several research projects simultaneously to make the most of the short period. Some experiments are already in their final stages, while others are still in the preparatory phase.

"I am using methods here that I have not previously applied at the university. The knowledge I gained at YSU has been incredibly helpful in conducting these studies. I have already created bacterial strains that I will use in further experiments. Despite only being halfway through the training program, I have already achieved more than I expected. By the end of the program, I will not only have learned new methods but also obtained research data that I will use for writing scientific papers and reports," says the researcher.

Silvard believes that the methods and research approaches used at Ruhr University Bochum (Germany) complement her professional knowledge and skills. She plans to apply the new mechanisms for studying bacteria when she returns to YSU and share them with her colleagues and students.

While in Germany, Silvard has also established new collaborative connections with the research groups at the host university. She hopes that this collaboration will continue in the future through collaborative research and exchange programs. She mentions that while her foreign colleagues were already somewhat familiar with her university, she also provided them with detailed information, especially about the scientific activities at YSU.

Silvard's interest in biochemistry, microbiology, and biotechnology developed during her school years, thanks to her teachers. When it came to choosing a university, she never hesitated—she was confident that she wanted to study at YSU Faculty of Biology even before becoming a student there.

"During my studies, I was especially drawn to microbiology because of its vivid and in-depth content, which clarified my future professional direction. Moreover, working with my scientific advisor motivated me to continue my studies in the master’s program and conduct research in biochemistry, microbiology, and biotechnology," Silvard says.

According to her, engaging in science is a unique "adventure" that constantly offers opportunities for new discoveries. By relying on the results obtained each day and conducting new research, she is inspired by the boundlessness of knowledge. Science allows one to freely express and develop ideas, turning them into reality.

"At Yerevan State University, scientific life and opportunities are constantly evolving, and the university motivates you as a scientist to keep moving forward, becoming more competitive on the international stage. YSU's international collaboration gives young scientists the opportunity to acquire new skills and overcome new challenges," she says.

Silvard hopes to continue her scientific career at YSU in the future, becoming a devoted member of the university, sharing her knowledge with students, and contributing to the development of science in Armenia.

Currently, Silvard Tadevosyan is in her second year of postgraduate studies, actively involved in both the scientific and educational processes at YSU, and as she puts it, she enjoys the high and honorable titles of both university staff member and student.