Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your research project.
My name is Nicole Agadzhanyan, and I am a second-year Master’s student in molecular biology and biotechnology at ITMO’s SCAMT Institute. I am a researcher at the experimental oncology lab in SCAMT and a visiting student at the Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg. I am currently investigating the therapeutic activity of nanoparticles in treating cancer. I study the role of copper oxide nanoparticles and other copper-based complexes in combination with some common antioxidants in anti-tumor treatment. The research is soon going to enter in vivo testing. In the coming days, I would be working with rats and studying the efficiency of our potential drug candidate. If we are lucky, then our research will soon enter clinical trials.
After a very hectic semester, the summer vacation must have been the perfect opportunity for you to slow down a bit and relax. How did you plan your trip to the US?
The last semester was incredibly productive! It was interesting but, of course, very tiring. So I was really looking forward to this opportunity to truly enjoy my time. For me, a trip to the US was a pretty easy choice because I have relatives there. It had been a long time since I last saw them, so I planned my vacation to spend some quality time with them. Getting my visa was not that difficult because I already had an existing visa from 2019, the last time I went to the US.
Tell us something about your journey. How did it feel to travel during the pandemic?
I used to travel a lot. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I couldn't do it so often anymore. Naturally, I missed being at the airport, boarding flights, and the whole atmosphere of going on a trip. So, this journey came as a big sigh of relief for me. To be honest, it did not feel any different from flying before the pandemic, except for the fact that we had to constantly wear masks! During our 12-hour flight, we had to change our masks three times! So, that is the only thing that reminded me of the pandemic. Apart from that, thanks to efficient flight management, I had an extremely smooth journey.
What are some of the best experiences of your trip? Any favorite food or drink?
That is quite a question! I have been to so many different places and all of them were so good. It is really difficult to compare them and choose a favorite. Some of my most vivid memories from this trip as well as from my last trip to the US include Las Vegas with all the casinos, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood, the Dolby Theatre where the Oscar ceremonies take place, Griffith’s Observatory with some amazing visuals of stars and planets, and so much more! It was just an incredible experience. I also visited San Diego’s Coronado Hotel where the movie Some Like it Hot featuring Marilyn Monroe was shot. To have actually been there and seen these places is an unbelievable experience for me. I specifically remember the Dolby Theatre. It gave me chills when the guide pointed out the aisle down which the winners of the Oscars, like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have walked. It felt surreal! My list can simply go on and on! As for my favorite food or drink, well, everything I tried was just great. American cuisine is very tasty. The only complaint I have regarding the food is the amount. They really bring you a lot of food! Nevertheless, every dish I tasted there was simply amazing, especially fast food, desserts, and sushi.
This amazing summer vacation must have refilled you with a lot of energy. How ready are you for the new academic year?
This trip really recharged me and filled me with Vitamin D and by that I mean I really basked in the sun a lot. My skin is now the color of milk chocolate and I am happy about it because St. Petersburg is usually not so sunny. I am really hyped up and energized right now. I have also made some important decisions regarding my future. This trip and this place really helped me realize certain important facts. I am highly inspired. I visited many universities there during my trip, learned about their courses, the lifestyle of the students, and their career opportunities. After this trip, I am more than ready to come back to St. Petersburg and start working on my project with new energy and enthusiasm.
Interview by Subhrajit Barua
