Where are you from?
I am from Nigeria, a country on the Gulf of Guinea in Africa.
What are you studying at ITMO?
I am a first-year Master’s student of food technology. I did my Bachelor’s in microbiology. After my graduation, I worked as a quality control manager for some time. Then, I decided to study further and specialize in food biotechnology.
How did you come across ITMO?
I was a winner of the Russian scholarship for higher studies. Then I had to select a university but I was spoilt for choices. I was surfing through the internet when one fine day, I bumped on ITMO’s social media. I was fascinated by the campus, the laboratories, and the people. Making up my mind was not difficult thereafter.
What do you think about the program?
Education at ITMO is far better than what I saw online. I don’t know if I would have been happier elsewhere. I had to study the first semester remotely due to the pandemic. Once I got here, I had a lot of catching up to do. So, I was quite busy with studies and lab work but I also took out some time to relax and take part in other activities. Overall, I am really enjoying my time here at ITMO.
Tell us something about your research.
Our lab is focused on cutting-edge research involving biomolecules such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. We are also actively working in the field of functional biotechnology. I participated in a mini project that studied the characterization of new specialized food items that can be produced easily at a fraction of the cost. Such research can help overcome the food crisis that the world is currently facing.
“Winter in St. Petersburg is rough but fun,” says Adenyi. Photo courtesy of the subject
Did winter get the better of you?
I arrived in February, which is supposed to be the late winter. But the weather was brutally cold with daily snowfall. The temperature was around -10 degrees. To me, this is incredibly new as winters in Africa are not so cold. Despite the snow, the city always bustled with people which made me feel good and warm. The weather in St. Pete is very unpredictable. It adds to the adventure, I would say.
Have you tried Russian food?
Yes, I have tried some but I have not got the opportunity to try anything traditional. As I said, I have been very busy with all the catching up to do. I eat whatever is easily available, mainly in the university cafeteria. However, once I have some more time, I will make sure to try some of the best-known Russian dishes.
Do you cook your own food?
I love cooking but I don’t get enough time to prepare a meal every day. Therefore, I have to depend on stolovayas and takeaways. Nevertheless, I would like to learn a few recipes for sure.
What has been your impression of Russian people so far?
Russians are nothing like what the media paints them to be like. They are very friendly and cooperative people. From day one, I have received such warm gestures from the people. Even when there is a language barrier, the people patiently listen and try to offer you help. Technology is also quite advanced in Russia. I would say it is a great place to learn and do science.
Adenyi interacting with delegates at ITMO’s Fork Up NIght. Credit: Nadya Serova, БиоТех
How did you feel at the Fork Up Night event organized by ITMO’s Faculties of Biotechnologies?
It was a wonderful event. Quite casual yet full of knowledge. Representatives from leading food brands had gathered there to share information about their research and products. The event was completely in Russian. So, it was somewhat of a challenge for me. But I managed to see it through. I got to interact with some of the delegates and also enjoy some delicious snacks. I am looking forward to more such events at ITMO.
What are your future plans?
I would like to do a PhD in food biotechnology, preferably at ITMO. I want to grow as a researcher and contribute to the larger community. As of now, I have no other plans but to get involved in science.
