#StudentsTalk: VMU AA Opened up Opportunities to Improve Myself in a Personal and Professional Way
Andrii Zabrodskyi, Environmental Engineering PhD student, Chief Specialist at International Cooperation Department at VMU
Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy is not only an institution of studies and research, but also a space where solutions are created, discussed, and sought after, where every innovative idea is extremely important. It is interesting to get to know our wonderful students, who enrich the Academy with its uniqueness, smartness, and openness to the world.
Andrii Zabrodskyi, Environmental Engineering PhD student from Ukraine and currently Chief Specialist at International Cooperation Department, working at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, shared his experience about choosing studies in Lithuania and his journey here at VMU Agriculture Academy.
– Why and how did you choose to study at VMU Agriculture Academy?
I already wanted to go to graduate school in Ukraine, but my scientific supervisor advised me to try my hand in Lithuania. He heard about this possibility discussing with his colleague from VMU Agriculture Academy. When I arrived at Lithuania for the first time, I really liked these places, especially Kaunas and its surroundings, so I decided to study PhD, as I always wanted, and fully enjoy the beauty of Lithuania.
– What did you know about Lithuania before coming here?
Not so much. Just short knowledge about history, geography, culture, mostly from school lessons. Even now I don’t know too much, but I am trying to discover more every weekend.
– What study program do you study? What research do you carry out?
I am PhD student in Environmental Engineering. My research topic is related to soil compaction and possible solution for minimizing its negative effects. Nowadays its very actual problem in Environmental Engineering. Together with Ukrainian colleagues we described theoretical model for support optimal tire inflation pressure for minimizing compaction risks and maximization tires service term. It may sound difficult, but when you are engaged in it, it founds really interesting.
– In what activities besides studies are you engaged at the University?
In 2020, I started as a volunteer helping foreign students in VMU International Cooperation Department (ICD). Since I really enjoy this activity, I decided to continue working at this field, so since September 2021, I have been working in the ICD, coordinating full-time foreign students at VMU Agriculture Academy. I would like to continue this even after my graduation.
– What study or practical activities at VMU Agriculture Academy are the most memorable for you?
There is no doubt it is working at the Agriculture Academy Experimental Station in Akademija together with my colleagues from Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Agronomy.
– What experience do you appreciate the most?
VMU Agriculture Academy opened up opportunities for me to improve myself in a personal and professional way. Coming here in Lithuania, even not knowing a lot about the country, lead me to the present, where I communicate in Lithuanian language, carry out highly important PhD research and realize myself in professional field working with VMU Agriculture Academy students. I appreciate it a lot and hope my journey at VMU Agriculture Academy could be an inspiration for students, that still have doubts about trying themselves in something new.
Andrii is open to answer the questions about studying at VMU Agriculture Academy – it is his work and his pleasure. If you are interested, feel free to contact Andrii on Facebook.
