Get to Know the ITMO.NEWS International Editorial Team

Mariia Khuzina
Also known as the boss, she makes sure that the team is focused, all texts are planned and published on time – and in the best possible form.

How did you start working at ITMO?

Higher education was a traumatic experience for me, so after getting my diploma I practically swore to myself that I would never go near academia again. But then I was offered to try out for a position at ITMO, and it was both digital and international, and with such a strong drive to make the educational experience better and cooler that I simply could not resist. So here I am. :)

A quote you remember in times of trouble

“This too shall pass.”

What do you do to unwind? 

I walk. For a very, very long distance. And I listen to music, and watch the water flow (so, St. Pete is an ideal place for this – and for me!).

If you could study at ITMO, would you? 

Despite all the almost-oaths, I’m starting to think that I would give ITMO a chance to convince me that getting a higher education is not as traumatic as I remember. On the contrary, it is a lot of fun!

A book that influenced you most?

A huge number of books have had an incredible, life-changing impact on me – I'm a bookworm, bear with me – but perhaps the first was Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom.

I was young and quite intolerant in my judgments, and this book made me see that it doesn’t matter what god you believe in (or don't), and how different your views are from the ones of your interlocutor – you can always understand each other if you just stay open and kind. So I try to be that, no matter what.

Elizaveta Shevchenko
Elizaveta manages English social media. She also updates the university’s websites, writes original articles for ITMO.NEWS, and makes weekly newsletters.

How did you start working at ITMO?

During lockdown, my friend Zoe inspired me to write a blog for ITMO.NEWS. I wasn't a busy student anyway, so that's what I did. Luckily, Maryam, who was in charge of blogs (and many other things) at the time, liked it and asked if I was interested in working at their office. I started off by helping with English versions of our websites, and later joined our awesome editorial team.

Advice to a younger self 

Be patient and don’t fight with your little sister, you’re an awesome team and the greatest support for each other.

Moscow or St. Pete?

St. Petersburg, for sure! For me, it’s a city with an immense potential for exploration. Even after eight years of living here, I still find myself stumbling upon new streets, landmarks, and historical facts that leave me in awe.

What do you do to unwind?  

Weather permitting, I cycle or simply walk. The rest of the time I raid bakeries.

What’s your favorite food spot in the city?

Характер кофе – their grilled cheese sandwich is the best comfort food on Earth!

What are the articles you’re most proud of? 

A story about Kanonersky Island that was my first piece about unexplored St. Petersburg. I still feel how excited I was working on it! Another great experience was way out of my comfort zone when Catherine and I walked around Lomonosova campus and asked students about their outfits.

What’s your secret sauce to generating ideas for stories and social media?

I try taking a look at mundane situations, both my own or those of my friends, and see if I can solve them with a story. Also, I watch memes and short videos to keep up with the latest trends (or at least I try to).

Marina Belyaeva
Marina translates articles and event announcements, as well as writes original stories for ITMO.NEWS, creates and translates content for and updates the university’s websites, and brainstorms ideas for its social media.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite part of my job is having a variety of tasks on my hands, as well as being able to structure my work day and challenge myself creatively. 

A fun fact about yourself

The more tired I am, the more often I mix up same-letter words. Me confusing dinosaurs and dragons has even become an inside joke with my friends. 

What do you do to unwind?

I read, as simple as that – it’s my personal brand of escapism :)

What’s your favorite food spot in the city?

City Grill and Bekitzer.

A book that influenced you most?

Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham. This book inspired me to follow my passion, namely languages. I read it first in high school and plan to re-read it this year. 

Your pet peeve?

I can’t stand ticking clocks. 

What are the articles you’re most proud of?

I’m happy the most with stories, in which I (hopefully) managed to bring together humor, creativity, and smarts, even if they aren’t the top searched. One day, I’m going to tell my grandkids that I wrote about Soviet memes and the weirdos of Russian literature.

Catherine Zavodova
Catherine translates articles, documents, and other content, writes original pieces and conducts interviews for ITMO.NEWS, performs web analytics of ITMO websites, and contributes to social media analysis.

What’s your favorite thing about your job? 

At first, it was definitely the feeling that I was sort of studying at two universities at once. Now, I also love being among the first to learn about all things ITMO: from scientific breakthroughs to PR campaigns. It is always exciting and inspiring. 

A quote you remember in times of trouble

“We know that from time to time, there arise among human beings, people who seem to exude love as naturally as the sun gives out heat.” I know I am being dramatic, but I believe love is always the answer.

What do you do to unwind?

Roll out my mat for a lengthy yoga session. Or take my noise-canceling headphones out for a walk. 

What’s your favorite food spot in the city?

For coffee – Pitcher on Marata St., always and forever. And for everything else Хорошие Люди Романтики – it’s the place for delish vegan meals. 

A book that influenced you most?

In terms of values – Noon: 22nd Century or nearly anything by the Strugatsky brothers; prose-wise – Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, I keep coming back to it.

Advice to a younger self? 

Please be kind to yourself – I know it’s hard and a little scary, but it’s worth it.

What are the articles you are most proud of?

Interviews – because they are always unique, exciting, and a step out of my comfort zone. The three that come to mind are with Subhrajit, with one of our  top physicists, and with ITMO’s esports club. Another highlight is Dune: Five Themes Not To Miss – it was such a joy dissecting one of my favorite novels. Also, our scouting missions with Elizaveta – to learn about student fashion and go-to meals – were a fun challenge.

Vasilii Perov
Vasilii proofreads and translates various documents and sometimes writes original stories.

How did you start working at ITMO?

By pure chance. Our office was looking for translators, and found me by word of mouth. Nevertheless, it’s the only job that I’ve been at for a long time, and never wanted to quit.

What’s your favorite thing about your job? 

I get to learn a lot of things. Also, I feel that I’m contributing to something … good, I guess? – even though just a bit. But every bit counts, doesn’t it?

A quote you remember in times of trouble

“Do what you must, and come what may.”

What do you do to unwind? 

I leave the city and spend some time in the nature. Nothing beats staring at a bonfire in the midst of a forest, or swimming naked under the stars.

Moscow or St. Pete? 

Neither. 

If you could study at ITMO, would you? 

Sure, that would’ve been a fun experience. 

What’s your favorite food spot in the city?

Canteen at Datsan Gunzechoinei. 

A book that influenced you most?

Apollon Bezobrazov by Boris Poplavsky. Not in a good way, now that I think about it, but it was still worth it. As for a good influence, that was The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck.

Advice to a younger self? 

Don’t rely on others’ advice. Which makes the whole idea rather pointless.

Your pet peeve?

Polymeric foam.

Subhrajit Barua
Conducts weekly interviews with international students, occasionally writes original articles, and helps in social media copywriting. Sometimes, he also has the duties of a videographer/photographer, content creator, and editor.

How did you start working at ITMO?

I saw a vacancy on ITMO’s portal and applied for it. I also did an interview for ITMO.NEWS, but I wasn’t selected for my position back then because I was not yet in St. Petersburg. After a few months, this vacancy was available again and I was informed about it. I submitted the required tasks and got called up for this role.

What’s your favorite thing about your job? 

Talking to numerous international students as a part of the interviews that I do. Listening to them helps me broaden my perspectives and appreciate everything even more profoundly.

A fun fact about yourself

I have discovered two main belt asteroids (between Mars and Jupiter). 

A quote you remember in times of trouble

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

What do you do to unwind? 

Play computer games, watch movies, or just sleep!

Do you have a dream? What is it? 

Yes I do. I want to celebrate the New Year with my family in Disneyland (most probably in Paris).

What’s your favorite food spot in the city?

Tandoor. Authentic Indian cuisine with portion sizes that are comparable to those in India. Also, the mood there is great.

A book that influenced you most?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Life to me is an adventure where we must always continue learning. We don’t know what treasure we are all hunting, but the journey must be cherished at all times.

Advice to a younger self? 

Stop judging yourself. No one is perfect, but everyone brings something to the table. Just go out and express yourself!

Your pet peeve?

Metallic screeches. Do you know what I mean?

Vadim Galimov
Vadim is a writer, translator, and editor with ITMO.NEWS. He also helps develop the university’s social media content, as well as works on translations of various documents, websites, promo material, and campus infrastructure.

What’s your favorite thing about your job? 

Getting to know all about how a university really works. It’s also a joy to watch new students find their place among others, and achieve success – and to know that you may have helped it happen (if only a little).

A fun fact about yourself

I can do a halfway decent Donald Duck impression.

A quote you remember in times of trouble

“Life is soup, I am fork” – and I’m not even kidding.

Moscow or St. Pete? 

Our landmarks may not be as epic, but here in St. Pete we’ve got the white nights and the Gulf of Finland – and that’s a win in my book.

What’s your favorite food spot in the city?

The oddly-named bar Gypsies & Jews right across the street from our Lomo campus – their tuna sandwich is to die for. 

Advice to a younger self? 

It’s not arrogant to tell yourself that you’re good at something.

What are the articles you are most happy with?

From Russia With Kasha: Inventive Recipes To Try on World Porridge Day: in writing it, I discovered some interesting history and made some amazing dishes, so that’s a win-win.

Exploring the St. Petersburg Metro and Digging Deeper: Literary Origins of St. Petersburg Metro Stations: one of the cool things about this job is that sometimes you can look at things you see every day and discover layer upon layer of incredible things you never even noticed. 

History in Pictures: ITMO Through the Years: speaking of which – digging through the archives for this was an absolute joy. The things those buildings have seen!

What’s your secret sauce to generating ideas for stories?

The best source of inspiration is a well-defined deadline.