Zoya Morina came to study in Samara from Novokuibyshevsk. And in 2023, she completed her Bachelor's degree at Samara University and graduated with honours; a couple of months later she received a diploma of the second highest education at the Junior Academy of Public Administration, entered the Master's program, won the Roscosmos "Orbit of Youth" competition, and in 2024 became a scholarship recipient of the Vladimir Potanin Charitable Foundation. The girl conducts research in the field of theoretical mechanics, works at Samara University and organizes scientific battles of scientists "Science Slam | Samara University". She told the Polyot newspaper how she managed to keep up with everything and achieve success.

– I am from a city that is closely connected with the oil industry, but I understood that I did not want to connect my life with the oil industry. And with the results of the uniform state exam, I went to study the website of Samara University. I came with a request: "I need mathematics and physics, please. And the more the better!" I chose several of the most liked areas, and when I arrived at the admissions office, I met the Head of the Mechanics and Mathematical Simulation Department, Ruslan Sergeevich Pikalov. And now I study at the Institute of Aerospace Engineering at the Department of Theoretical Mechanics. Since childhood, I have not dreamed of building rockets. And my area is not always only about space. 

– What is mathematical simulation?

– At first glance, mathematical simulation may seem far from practical cosmonautics. However, no modern space mission can pass without our calculations and models. Even if we use the simplest models, we can predict the behavior of objects in orbit. For example, my work is devoted to predicting the rotation of the vehicle. I enter the technical parameters of the satellites into the program – their mass, dimensions, orbit coordinates and other characteristics. I solve various equations – kinematic and dynamic equations of motion. As a result of these calculations, I can determine without leaving the Earth how the vehicle will move in orbit. Now I can calculate the angular motion of satellites with dissipative dampers – devices that dampen vibrations.

– How do mathematical models correspond to reality? An example is three lunar missions, three different states, and each is unsuccessful in its own way. Did someone calculate something wrong?

– It's hard to say. There may be problems with the design of the vehicles. Many people confuse the concepts of a mathematical model and a design solution. Each unsuccessful case requires a detailed analysis of the causes and model adjustments for more accurate forecasting and planning of future missions.

- All right. Let's assume that you are not only a theorist, but also a diplomat. How did it happen that you got interested in mathematics?

– Since childhood, I have been interested in the universe of numbers, the magic of equations. In general, optimization techniques for solving equations still fascinate me. I feel an aesthetic pleasure in getting the right answer. First of all, at school I liked mathematics and calculations, from physics – subdisciplines of theoretical mechanics and dynamics. By the way, I'm sure if you don't like physics, then you just haven't found your subdiscipline! And I must say that this is a family thing: mom is an analyst, dad is a programmer, grandma is an economist. So I have already consciously chosen the fifth grade with a mathematical bias. Among the liberal arts, I will still mention literature.

– Did you do scientific research at school?

– In the 10th grade, I moved to the best class in school – Rosneft. This class attracted me by its strong teaching staff. And since my goal was to pass the exam with high scores, I decided to choose it. It was here that I started doing scientific work. I chose computer science – I wrote a program related to databases. I don't think it was any significant research, especially if you look at the programs I'm working with now. I think that for a student, science is an opportunity to try and learn, not necessarily to create something truly new.

To do science, you need to be very careful, be able to focus, look for errors in the code, be able to disconnect from the rest of the world – to concentrate. The supervisor plays an important role. In my case, it was my computer science teacher, Natalia Borisovna Pototskaya, who advised and guided me in the right direction. 
To keep up with everything, you need to be able to manage your time. And research work teaches time management indeed.
Yes, my research activities took up quite a lot of time. Just like studying. I graduated from school with excellent grades. But I also managed to walk, read, and communicate. Communication with people is also important to me. 

– What year of study did you start your scientific activity from?

– Actually, I started studying science at the Гniversity relatively late. In my first year, I decided to try something different from science and study. A lot of specialized subjects immediately appeared in my schedule, and I felt that I didn't know a lot. Then I completely immersed myself in social activities and became the leader – first of the group, and then – of the institute. We organized various events for students and applicants, as well as field schools and seminars for activists.

By the third year, I realized that it was time to start writing my thesis. Choosing a thesis tutor, I became interested in the topic, which was taught by Anton Vladimirovich Doroshin. He also taught some subjects and worked as an employee at the department where I studied. In addition, we had previously collaborated: when he was the director of the institute, and I performed the duties of the leader of the institute, and it was comfortable for me to work with him.

– Was it scary?

– Yes, very much. Initially, I was afraid to seem stupid. When you get acquainted with the doctoral work of a thesis tutor in the third year, a lot of questions arise. You read and try to understand the fragmentary pieces, and it seems that it is impossible to grasp the essence. At conferences, you always expect some kind of trick: they're about to ask you something, but you won't be able to answer! But soon, when I had gained experience, I calmed down.

– Have you encountered stereotypes about girls?

– It happened. I went to a conference in Krasnoyarsk, I was the only girl in the section. After my speech, there was silence in the audience. And then a sigh came from the back rows: "My God, why do you need this?" I think all this is nonsense. I'm interested in what happens, you count, analyze, draw conclusions, and when you find out that your calculations turned out to be correct, you feel pleasure. And you think with a sinking heart: what will happen next?

– Do you visualize your mathematical calculations? Mathematics confuses many with its abstraction from reality.

– We still have numbers. They come to life when concrete results appear. Our tasks are absolutely real. These are specific satellites, specific characteristics. I understand what I'm doing and why.

– Do you think it's harder for you in science than for guys?

– I don't think about it. I compare the levels of education. I understand that my research and the work of graduate students are in different weight categories. I'm trying to figure out where I am now and where I'm going to grow up. 

Elena Pamurzina
Photo by Ruslan Pikalov