ITMO.STARS 2021
This year’s winners discuss their successes and dreams
The ITMO.STARS contest allows talented applicants to enroll at ITMO University tuition-free based on the merit of their achievements and talents regardless of their Unified State Exam scores.
This year, 19 school graduates from St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, Moscow, Tyumen, Irkutsk, Donetsk, Magnitogorsk, Cherepovets, and Chita are among the winners.
In these interviews, they tell us about their projects, dreams, plans, and their first impressions of ITMO University.
This year, 19 school graduates from St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, Moscow, Tyumen, Irkutsk, Donetsk, Magnitogorsk, Cherepovets, and Chita are among the winners.
In these interviews, they tell us about their projects, dreams, plans, and their first impressions of ITMO University.
Dmitrii Denisov, St. Petersburg.
Enrolled in the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence program.
Enrolled in the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence program.
Built a robot equipped with a computer vision system. Dreams of perfecting his skills in robotics.
I designed a robot which our team took to the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition. It was a challenging project with plenty of different problems to solve. My main task was to develop the software and document its functions.
The project is a robot that picks up rings strewn about a given area, stores them, and shoots them at targets. The robot is equipped with a computer vision system that allows it to gauge the number of rings at the start of the game. We also developed an automated navigation system that uses three odometers to calculate the robot’s vector of movement and its traversal within a system of coordinates.
In the future, I hope to continue developing robots and participate in other competitions if the opportunity presents itself.
The project is a robot that picks up rings strewn about a given area, stores them, and shoots them at targets. The robot is equipped with a computer vision system that allows it to gauge the number of rings at the start of the game. We also developed an automated navigation system that uses three odometers to calculate the robot’s vector of movement and its traversal within a system of coordinates.
In the future, I hope to continue developing robots and participate in other competitions if the opportunity presents itself.
Aleksandr Bankov, Tyumen.
Enrolled in the Bioengineering program.
Enrolled in the Bioengineering program.
Developed a new method for express assessment of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Dreams of becoming a bioengineer.
I’ve been working on different projects since seventh grade. I take part in a lot of competitions and educational initiatives. For two years in a row, I participated in the Big Challenges program at the Sirius educational center. There, under the supervision of a team from ITMO, I developed a technology for which I submitted a patent application.
When I was planning my education, another program I considered besides ITMO.STARS was a bioengineering program offered by BIOCAD. But, having had some experience with ITMO and knowing the university’s structure and the opportunities it offers, I decided to apply here.
The idea for the project that got me into ITMO was born quite a while ago and has received recognition from various experts. For instance, in 2020 I took part in the Baltic Science and Engineering Competition, where I received the highest award – a first-class diploma and a regional prize.
When I was planning my education, another program I considered besides ITMO.STARS was a bioengineering program offered by BIOCAD. But, having had some experience with ITMO and knowing the university’s structure and the opportunities it offers, I decided to apply here.
The idea for the project that got me into ITMO was born quite a while ago and has received recognition from various experts. For instance, in 2020 I took part in the Baltic Science and Engineering Competition, where I received the highest award – a first-class diploma and a regional prize.
I have developed a way to quickly assess the antibiotic resistance of bacteria. Existing methods take one to seven days to produce results. We came up with a way to evaluate a bacterial strain’s level of sensitivity to antibiotics in just two hours.
The project also uses the method of probe microscopy, in which the defining parameter is the ratio of a bacteria’s length to its width. We also use a substrate we developed, which has a specific texture. Bacteria placed onto it are subject to Van der Waals forces, which causes them to be deposited in an orderly fashion and without overlapping. Once they’ve been attached to the substrate and screened with a scanning probe microscope, the software we developed is used to measure and assess the dynamics of changes in the bacteria and their membranes.
This data tells us what we need to know about the bacteria’s level of antibiotic resistance. By my third year of studies, I plan to bring this project to its logical conclusion.
The project also uses the method of probe microscopy, in which the defining parameter is the ratio of a bacteria’s length to its width. We also use a substrate we developed, which has a specific texture. Bacteria placed onto it are subject to Van der Waals forces, which causes them to be deposited in an orderly fashion and without overlapping. Once they’ve been attached to the substrate and screened with a scanning probe microscope, the software we developed is used to measure and assess the dynamics of changes in the bacteria and their membranes.
This data tells us what we need to know about the bacteria’s level of antibiotic resistance. By my third year of studies, I plan to bring this project to its logical conclusion.
Leonid Nagornyi, Donetsk.
Enrolled in the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence program.
Enrolled in the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence program.
Designed an exosuit and an AR headset. Dreams of working on exoskeletons.
I chose ITMO because it’s a cool university; it gives you creative freedom, which is not something many universities can offer. And more importantly, ITMO gives you the resources needed to bring your ideas to life.
I developed an exosuit combined with an AR headset. The first iteration was pneumatic, while the subsequent ones were electronic – I used linear actuators, the kind found in automated entrance gates.
As for the headset, I got into mixed and augmented reality fairly recently, but I’ve already completed two prototypes. The design was inspired by a PlayStation 5 presentation – when I saw it, I decided to make something similar.
I developed an exosuit combined with an AR headset. The first iteration was pneumatic, while the subsequent ones were electronic – I used linear actuators, the kind found in automated entrance gates.
As for the headset, I got into mixed and augmented reality fairly recently, but I’ve already completed two prototypes. The design was inspired by a PlayStation 5 presentation – when I saw it, I decided to make something similar.
I submitted my project to Big Challenges and won a visit to Sirius. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go this year since I was getting ready for my exams – my studies were a bigger priority.
In the future, I’d like to hone my knowledge and skills and meet like-minded people. I’ve already gotten to know a few, as there were several other exoskeleton developers among the participants of ITMO.STARS.
In the future, I’d like to hone my knowledge and skills and meet like-minded people. I’ve already gotten to know a few, as there were several other exoskeleton developers among the participants of ITMO.STARS.
Daniil Taiakin, St. Petersburg.
Enrolled in the Mobile and Network Technologies program.
Enrolled in the Mobile and Network Technologies program.
Developed a music streaming service. Dreams of changing the world for the better.
I’ve been following ITMO for a long time and found out about ITMO.STARS a few years back. Even back then, I thought about how cool it would be to win. I like the community that’s being formed here – there are many like-minded people here to team up with.
I submitted a business proposal for my music streaming service PewPee, which is available all over the world. You can use the app (available for iOS and iPadOS) or the online client (more platforms will receive support in the future). The iOS app has topped the App Store charts in several countries (the USA, Mexico, Ireland, Colombia, Ukraine, Egypt, Norway, Slovenia, Germany, and more). The number of registered users already exceeds 90 thousand.
I submitted a business proposal for my music streaming service PewPee, which is available all over the world. You can use the app (available for iOS and iPadOS) or the online client (more platforms will receive support in the future). The iOS app has topped the App Store charts in several countries (the USA, Mexico, Ireland, Colombia, Ukraine, Egypt, Norway, Slovenia, Germany, and more). The number of registered users already exceeds 90 thousand.
PewPee has its own music database that includes more than 200 thousand licensed tracks and continues to grow. The service also allows you to import songs from the cloud or directly from your device.
Its features are just as extensive as those of other streaming apps. You can use it in offline mode, create playlists, add playlists, albums, and tracks to your media library, request new music, subscribe to updates from friends and follow new releases, charts, and popular playlists and artists. You can also search by genre, shuffle songs, set a sleep timer, and so on.
PewPee is currently in active development. In the future, I plan to not only launch apps for other operating systems, but also introduce convenient services for artists through which they can promote and monetize their work.
Its features are just as extensive as those of other streaming apps. You can use it in offline mode, create playlists, add playlists, albums, and tracks to your media library, request new music, subscribe to updates from friends and follow new releases, charts, and popular playlists and artists. You can also search by genre, shuffle songs, set a sleep timer, and so on.
PewPee is currently in active development. In the future, I plan to not only launch apps for other operating systems, but also introduce convenient services for artists through which they can promote and monetize their work.
Oleg Rybalko, Rostov-on-Don. Enrolled in the Mobile and Network Technologies program.
Designed a facial recognition system that detects the use of face masks and measures body temperature. Dreams of working on mobile network technologies.
I began working on my project in 2020. Back then there weren’t any systems that you could set up at, for example, schools to automatically monitor the use of face masks and measure people’s body temperature. I thought it would be useful if we could replace security staff, who now have to do these things, with just a single device.
I quickly found a partner – a friend of mine who is better at electronics than me. He’s the one who assembled the device while I developed the software.
The system isn’t very precise at identifying masks right now: for instance, you can bring your phone to your mouth and it’ll think you’re wearing a mask. So that’s one nuance to iron out. But it’s quite good at identifying faces already, even in low visibility conditions. I submitted my project to a competition run by the Rostov Oblast Innovations Agency and placed third.
I quickly found a partner – a friend of mine who is better at electronics than me. He’s the one who assembled the device while I developed the software.
The system isn’t very precise at identifying masks right now: for instance, you can bring your phone to your mouth and it’ll think you’re wearing a mask. So that’s one nuance to iron out. But it’s quite good at identifying faces already, even in low visibility conditions. I submitted my project to a competition run by the Rostov Oblast Innovations Agency and placed third.
I’ve wanted to study at ITMO since the ninth grade. I was drawn to St. Petersburg and the university itself – and its philosophy.
I plan to study mobile network technologies. In addition to the facial recognition system, I have another project: an iOS app called Mercury. It’s an English language dictionary where you can group words into collections and hone your knowledge. It’s completely free because I believe that education should be open and accessible. I’d like to continue learning and improve that project further to help people learn English.
I plan to study mobile network technologies. In addition to the facial recognition system, I have another project: an iOS app called Mercury. It’s an English language dictionary where you can group words into collections and hone your knowledge. It’s completely free because I believe that education should be open and accessible. I’d like to continue learning and improve that project further to help people learn English.
Wrote his own programming language. Wants it to be used by everyone.
I developed a simple scripting language called I. You can use it to write and launch software. Its interpreter is written in C++. Suppose you have a program written at the low level using C++, but you want to make part of its logic high-level so you don’t have to control memory manually. My language lets you do just that.
Compared to other languages, it might not look like anything special. But in the future, if developed further, it could fill a certain niche among embeddable languages.
As for my studies at ITMO, I’d like to develop myself as a programmer and continue my project. I like how class schedules work here – it leaves you plenty of time for personal growth, which is great when compared to other universities.
Compared to other languages, it might not look like anything special. But in the future, if developed further, it could fill a certain niche among embeddable languages.
As for my studies at ITMO, I’d like to develop myself as a programmer and continue my project. I like how class schedules work here – it leaves you plenty of time for personal growth, which is great when compared to other universities.
Uliana Noskova, Moscow.
Enrolled in the Infochemistry program at the Infochemistry Scientific Center.
Enrolled in the Infochemistry program at the Infochemistry Scientific Center.
Conducted a study of the immobilization of enzymes on the surface of a quartz sensor via piezoelectric microweighing. Wants to dedicate her life to science.
When I started the 11th grade, I began attending practical lab classes at the Infochemistry Scientific Center. I came here to find out what infochemistry is. I worked all year to complete a quite difficult and challenging project and submitted it for the IChem Prize.
I didn’t win, but I did get into the final stage of ITMO.STARS.
My project is about the immobilization of enzymes on the surface of a golden electrode. I used polyelectrolytes that I layered onto the electrodes. Then, I covered it with the uricase enzyme, which we can use to oxidize various organic compounds, such as uric acid, and detect them in various fluids. In essence, it’s like a sensor.
I didn’t win, but I did get into the final stage of ITMO.STARS.
My project is about the immobilization of enzymes on the surface of a golden electrode. I used polyelectrolytes that I layered onto the electrodes. Then, I covered it with the uricase enzyme, which we can use to oxidize various organic compounds, such as uric acid, and detect them in various fluids. In essence, it’s like a sensor.
I want to be a scientist. I really like the idea of infochemistry: chemical computers, programmable cells – it’s all so interesting! There’s an X-Men character called Mystique whose special ability is that she can change her appearance. Perhaps in the future we, too, will learn to program our cells in order to change the color of our hair and skin; we’d be able to combat hereditary diseases and treat strokes and thrombosis.
I will probably continue working with electrochemistry and developing sensors for other organic compounds using other polyelectrolytes. In the future, I hope to try creating an artificial cell, some crystals, or other new materials – that’s all very interesting to me, as well.
I will probably continue working with electrochemistry and developing sensors for other organic compounds using other polyelectrolytes. In the future, I hope to try creating an artificial cell, some crystals, or other new materials – that’s all very interesting to me, as well.
Participated in the development of a project on the visualization of complex mathematical objects via sphere tracing. Dreams of becoming a game developer.
I’ve been going to a programming and computer graphics club since the ninth grade. It was a lot of work, but I learned to do cool things. My projects deal with the development of a new game engine similar to Unity or Unreal Engine. In particular, I wrote some ray-tracing software that produces impressive images complete with reflections, diffraction, and other optical effects.
I also worked on some simple online platformer games written with JavaScript and HTML. Now I’m thinking about doing a bigger project and I’ve already got some ideas for it.
I’ve heard lots of good things about ITMO. It seems that studying here is much more interesting than at other universities. And it has the subjects I need – design and computer graphics. Finally, ITMO has the ITMO.STARS contest, which allowed me to enroll regardless of my exam score.
In the future, I’d like to become a game developer and launch a small game studio for just two to three developers. I’m tired of working for others – now, I want to do something for myself and based on my own ideas.
I also worked on some simple online platformer games written with JavaScript and HTML. Now I’m thinking about doing a bigger project and I’ve already got some ideas for it.
I’ve heard lots of good things about ITMO. It seems that studying here is much more interesting than at other universities. And it has the subjects I need – design and computer graphics. Finally, ITMO has the ITMO.STARS contest, which allowed me to enroll regardless of my exam score.
In the future, I’d like to become a game developer and launch a small game studio for just two to three developers. I’m tired of working for others – now, I want to do something for myself and based on my own ideas.
Wrote a Bezier curve-based algorithm for an artist robot. Wants to bring all his projects to fruition.
A lot of my friends and teachers studied at ITMO and suggested it to me. What drew me to the university is not just the quality of education, but the infrastructure, too: coworking areas, e-scooters, sports facilities, and a wealth of opportunities for self-development, be it in research, as a professional, or in sports. When I was at school, I also took part in a few of ITMO’s robotics projects as a programmer.
I wrote the software component for an artist robot. I decided to start with simple stuff like realism. The robot receives specific information on what to paint. My task was to pick the right combination of brushstrokes that would produce an image similar to the initial sample. It was decided that the brushstrokes would be represented as Bezier curves – these are used, among other things, as a tool in computer graphics. I used evolutionary algorithms to pick the optimal combination of brushstrokes.
I wrote the software component for an artist robot. I decided to start with simple stuff like realism. The robot receives specific information on what to paint. My task was to pick the right combination of brushstrokes that would produce an image similar to the initial sample. It was decided that the brushstrokes would be represented as Bezier curves – these are used, among other things, as a tool in computer graphics. I used evolutionary algorithms to pick the optimal combination of brushstrokes.
First, the program generates random combinations of brushstrokes and then sets the so-called target function: it determines how much the resulting image resembles the original. Just like with actual evolution, after a series of reproductions and mutations we end up with the best-adapted result – in this case, a near-reproduction of the original image.
Among other projects I’ve worked on is a mathematical bot, a program that analyses literature, another that picks musical chords, and more. But I have even more projects that I have yet to start. I get new ideas all the time and I have a list of about 60 of them right now. But I keep that list confidential so that no one can use those ideas before me.
Among other projects I’ve worked on is a mathematical bot, a program that analyses literature, another that picks musical chords, and more. But I have even more projects that I have yet to start. I get new ideas all the time and I have a list of about 60 of them right now. But I keep that list confidential so that no one can use those ideas before me.
Designed and assembled an exoskeleton that allows those wearing it to lift 20 kg with one hand. Plans to keep improving his project.
Compared to other universities in St. Pete, ITMO is strikingly modern in allowing me to enroll with a project on an active exoskeleton, which amplifies a person’s strength and endurance. The exoskeleton works on compressed air that is pumped from its environment.
I assembled it on my own in a garage and I had to make many of its parts myself. For that, I had to master 3D printing, modelling, soldering, and even welding.
I currently have two prototypes. The first one has a steel frame and other parts made from aluminum and plastic, while the second consists of only the latter two. I’ve participated in the Baltic Research and Engineering Contest twice – and both times won prizes.
At ITMO, I am planning to keep improving my project.
I assembled it on my own in a garage and I had to make many of its parts myself. For that, I had to master 3D printing, modelling, soldering, and even welding.
I currently have two prototypes. The first one has a steel frame and other parts made from aluminum and plastic, while the second consists of only the latter two. I’ve participated in the Baltic Research and Engineering Contest twice – and both times won prizes.
At ITMO, I am planning to keep improving my project.
Maria Kuznetsova, St. Petersburg.
Enrolled in the Computer Technologies in Design program.
Enrolled in the Computer Technologies in Design program.
Developed a manual on the basics of programming in Python. Plans to open her own web design studio in the future.
ITMO has been my dream since the eighth grade. I even took part in the ITMO.STEP program where together with a team of other school students we developed a business concept for an app that would help students stay organized.
One of my greatest achievements is putting together a manual on the basics of programming in Python that I’ve been writing over the last two years at school. It should help school students who wish to code in this language or pass an informatics exam.
My other project is a 3D model of a room in the Zvanka mansion of Gavrila Derzhavin that burned down. Together with my classmates, we recreated it using blueprints and documents from the poet’s museum located on Fontanka Embankment. We’ve presented the project at three conferences and have now shared it with the museum.
One of my greatest achievements is putting together a manual on the basics of programming in Python that I’ve been writing over the last two years at school. It should help school students who wish to code in this language or pass an informatics exam.
My other project is a 3D model of a room in the Zvanka mansion of Gavrila Derzhavin that burned down. Together with my classmates, we recreated it using blueprints and documents from the poet’s museum located on Fontanka Embankment. We’ve presented the project at three conferences and have now shared it with the museum.
I am hoping to once found my own business, but first I want to receive basic training in web development. Even though my specialization has more to do with programming, we also study the humanities, such as psychology – I think it’s great because programmers have to understand their users to develop good-quality apps.
There are many things I’d love to try my hand at, but I don’t have any specific plans yet. I am certain that I will be involved in various projects. I will also definitely join ITMO Accelerator, but I also might get interested in research. ITMO gives a lot of opportunities to grow as an individual and acquire soft skills, participate in the Accelerator, do research, study and work abroad, join student clubs and found your own ones, and learn different languages. Here you can develop in many fields.
There are many things I’d love to try my hand at, but I don’t have any specific plans yet. I am certain that I will be involved in various projects. I will also definitely join ITMO Accelerator, but I also might get interested in research. ITMO gives a lot of opportunities to grow as an individual and acquire soft skills, participate in the Accelerator, do research, study and work abroad, join student clubs and found your own ones, and learn different languages. Here you can develop in many fields.
Makar Poltorako, Irkutsk.
Enrolled in the Programming in Information and Communication Systems program.
Enrolled in the Programming in Information and Communication Systems program.
Developed a system that analyzes social media accounts based on face recognition technology.
The project I submitted for ITMO.STARS can be described as a social media account analysis system based on facial recognition. It’s being developed at the company where I work right now. It has a wide range of applications: from the B2B market, where it can be used for target audience analysis, to law enforcement.
I started working on my first commercial project at the Altruist startup at Irkutsk State University. I was in the ninth grade then. My main project was ARStand, which is a hybrid reality table combined with a mobile AR app that lets you interact with it.
I started working on my first commercial project at the Altruist startup at Irkutsk State University. I was in the ninth grade then. My main project was ARStand, which is a hybrid reality table combined with a mobile AR app that lets you interact with it.
It all started with a competition run by the National Technological Initiative. Our team got into the finals, which just so happened to take place in my hometown of Irkutsk. We didn’t win then, but we drew attention to ourselves and were offered an internship. The next year, we took first place.
Once I graduated from school, I was going to go to Moscow to study; that’s where the headquarters of the company I work at are. But, having looked into different universities, I realized that St. Petersburg has more high-quality IT universities. My choice fell on ITMO as, having read about it, I noticed that it supplements fundamental studies with practical training, which is something many universities lack. It also has a well-developed infrastructure (coworking areas, the Student Services Office, etc.). I didn’t have a very high USE score, but ITMO.STARS gave me the opportunity to study at one of Russia’s best IT universities.
Once I graduated from school, I was going to go to Moscow to study; that’s where the headquarters of the company I work at are. But, having looked into different universities, I realized that St. Petersburg has more high-quality IT universities. My choice fell on ITMO as, having read about it, I noticed that it supplements fundamental studies with practical training, which is something many universities lack. It also has a well-developed infrastructure (coworking areas, the Student Services Office, etc.). I didn’t have a very high USE score, but ITMO.STARS gave me the opportunity to study at one of Russia’s best IT universities.
Nikita Usatov, Magnitogorsk.
Enrolled in the Programming and Internet Technologies program.
Enrolled in the Programming and Internet Technologies program.
Created a Telegram bot that relays Discord messages and a data structure visualizer. Dreams of becoming a programmer or a machine learning and AI specialist.
I started coding in the seventh grade. I graduated from Yandex.Lyceum with top grades. Starting from the ninth grade, I began attending IT courses by Compass Plus. It’s a three-year program, but I completed it in two years by attending two courses at once.
My final project there was about visualization of data structures using C++. It’s an interactive app that showcases the principles of such data structures as a stack, a queue, and a binary search tree. Another project of mine – which I submitted for ITMO.STARS – was made mostly for myself. The idea was to make it possible to receive Discord messages from one or more particular users through Telegram. The result was a bot that includes quite a few features.
My final project there was about visualization of data structures using C++. It’s an interactive app that showcases the principles of such data structures as a stack, a queue, and a binary search tree. Another project of mine – which I submitted for ITMO.STARS – was made mostly for myself. The idea was to make it possible to receive Discord messages from one or more particular users through Telegram. The result was a bot that includes quite a few features.
ITMO drew my interest because it’s one of the top universities in IT. Programmers who study here go on to win all sorts of international competitions like ICPC. Also, I really wanted to move to St. Petersburg.
Of course, it’s possible to become a frontend or backend developer without education, too. But at university you can study some cool subjects like machine learning or the deeper aspects of mathematics. I don’t quite have a grasp of those yet, but I hope that ITMO will give me the opportunity to learn more.
I’m not sure who I’ll be in the future: my plans vary from a regular programmer to a business analyst.
Of course, it’s possible to become a frontend or backend developer without education, too. But at university you can study some cool subjects like machine learning or the deeper aspects of mathematics. I don’t quite have a grasp of those yet, but I hope that ITMO will give me the opportunity to learn more.
I’m not sure who I’ll be in the future: my plans vary from a regular programmer to a business analyst.
Oleg Yakunin, Chita.
Enrolled in the Intelligent Systems in Humanities program.
Enrolled in the Intelligent Systems in Humanities program.
Created a tool for frequency analysis of social networks. Wants to become a data scientist.
I like languages and texts – I’m sort of more into humanities and math isn’t my strong side. At the same time, I’ve been into programming since childhood; computers mesmerized me. I always wanted to follow both these paths and avoid choosing to be either a translator or a developer.
In high school, I got into computational linguistics. It was fascinating to find out what it’s like on my own. This led to a project on frequency analysis of social networks. It’s a digital study of social media posts: based on how frequent this or that word is, I tried to see which topics are more relevant in Russian society.
In high school, I got into computational linguistics. It was fascinating to find out what it’s like on my own. This led to a project on frequency analysis of social networks. It’s a digital study of social media posts: based on how frequent this or that word is, I tried to see which topics are more relevant in Russian society.
This led me to ITMO University, as this is pretty much the only place in Russia with the curriculum I need. In the future, I plan to become a data scientist and analyze data – that’s what I was looking for and I’m glad I was enrolled.
I’d like to scale my project up and turn it into an automatized app for sociologists and journalists who research social networks and conduct digital social studies. I’d like it to be free, open-source, and useful for all.
I’d like to scale my project up and turn it into an automatized app for sociologists and journalists who research social networks and conduct digital social studies. I’d like it to be free, open-source, and useful for all.
Mariia Egorova, St. Petersburg.
Enrolled in the Laser Photonics and Optoelectronics program.
Enrolled in the Laser Photonics and Optoelectronics program.
Works on the optimization of glass processing via the laser-induced microplasma (LIMP) method for F-theta optical systems. Dreams of receiving a DSc in Physics and dedicating her life to science.
When I was in 11th grade, I started going to ITMO University’s Laser Technologies School. At around the same time I grew interested in optics research. I’ve always liked that part of physics; in school, I took part in the development of computer algorithms and the design of optical systems for a remote sensing satellite as part of a practical competition in astrophysics and satellite engineering. I wanted to learn more about what’s happening in the world of optics and laser technologies. That’s how I first learned about the LIMP method, which was developed at ITMO and is actively researched here.
I started looking into the topic on my own by reading articles on ITMO.NEWS and then learned more about it at the Laser Technologies School. There, I expanded my knowledge of optics, especially laser physics, and prepared myself for lab work.
I started looking into the topic on my own by reading articles on ITMO.NEWS and then learned more about it at the Laser Technologies School. There, I expanded my knowledge of optics, especially laser physics, and prepared myself for lab work.
My project deals with the optimization of glass processing via the laser-induced microplasma (LIMP) method for F-theta optical systems. The LIMP method isn’t very stable for now, but it’s useful due to its advantages over other methods. That’s why optimization is very important for its future large-scale application.
You can use microplasma to create microstructures in various materials and to process samples. I studied the parameters of laser focusing and assessed its effect on the material; I also studied glass processing using a polished graphite target.
You can use microplasma to create microstructures in various materials and to process samples. I studied the parameters of laser focusing and assessed its effect on the material; I also studied glass processing using a polished graphite target.
My project is just the beginning of an attempt to optimize the processing of transparent materials. When I applied to ITMO, I knew I would continue studying LIMP. In fact, I’m always working with an ITMO research team headed by Maksim Sergeev. We’re developing microlens arrays using various methods, LIMP included.
I’ve been drawn to science since childhood. I loved figuring out every detail of a complex subject. I plan to get a DSc in Physics and conduct lab research into optics, particle physics, and biophysics.
I’ve been drawn to science since childhood. I loved figuring out every detail of a complex subject. I plan to get a DSc in Physics and conduct lab research into optics, particle physics, and biophysics.
Artyom Shmelev, Cherepovets.
Enrolled in the Computer Technologies in Design program.
Enrolled in the Computer Technologies in Design program.
Designed a VR museum. Wants to develop games and learn to promote them.
I would like to become a game designer. I applied with several projects, one of which is a VR museum to be located in the Vologda Oblast. It includes several rooms themed around science, video game history, horror history, and music history. We presented this project at a VR festival and found a client who’s ready to buy it.
I’ve found like-minded people at ITMO and would like to develop and promote games with them. For example, my friend and I have a project for a mobile clicker game, the main character of which becomes tiny and is trying to get out of his own hat. The player will help him get out and grow bigger.
I’ve found like-minded people at ITMO and would like to develop and promote games with them. For example, my friend and I have a project for a mobile clicker game, the main character of which becomes tiny and is trying to get out of his own hat. The player will help him get out and grow bigger.
Vladimir Tikhonov, Kipen (Leningrad Oblast).
Enrolled in the Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems program.
Enrolled in the Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems program.
Came up with a gas detector for drones. Wants to develop his project.
When I was choosing a university to apply for, I thought of ITMO straight away because I’m into all things IT. Plus, I was told about ITMO.STARS and, given that I was engaged in several projects, I decided to give it a try and surprisingly, I won.
I developed a device that measures the level of gases in the atmosphere and can be attached to a quadcopter. I will study in the Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems program. I would like to develop my project, obtain new skills, keep growing, and find a well-paid job in the future.
I developed a device that measures the level of gases in the atmosphere and can be attached to a quadcopter. I will study in the Industrial Cyber-Physical Systems program. I would like to develop my project, obtain new skills, keep growing, and find a well-paid job in the future.
Andrey Probochkin, Gostilitsy (Leningrad Oblast).
Enrolled in the Information Security Technologies program.
Enrolled in the Information Security Technologies program.
Conducted a safety assessment of network infrastructures at schools. Wants to become an information security specialist.
I chose ITMO because it’s unconventional. ITMO.STARS is yet another proof that not your exam results but your individual skills are appreciated here. My project is called Testing Government Educational Institutions for Network Infrastructure Safety. I checked the networks of three Peterhof schools for vulnerabilities and found out that their level of safety is critically low because their system administrators don’t realize the importance of data security. I contacted the schools’ administrations and they took measures.
I plan to continue studying information security and take part in CTF tournaments. But maybe I will also try my hand in another field – perhaps, I’ll develop a mobile app or launch a startup.
I plan to continue studying information security and take part in CTF tournaments. But maybe I will also try my hand in another field – perhaps, I’ll develop a mobile app or launch a startup.
Vlad Ekushev, St. Petersburg.
Enrolled in the Mobile and Network Technologies program.
Enrolled in the Mobile and Network Technologies program.
Developed an alternative client for Habr. Wants to become a fullstack developer.
I’ve been choosing between Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and ITMO University for a while, but ITMO won me over with its modern and progressive approach to studies. Plus, as a web developer, I would like to learn from young lecturers and practicing specialists from large companies.
I learned about ITMO.STARS by accident when I clicked on various links in my application profile. I didn’t even think about winning. My project is a new customizable Habr client with a new design. I developed it fully on my own so I had to learn a lot – I’d say, it drastically enhanced my development skills. Each year I reported my progress as an article on Habr and people loved reading about it. Habr’s HR staff even offered me an internship.
At ITMO, I plan to deepen my theoretical knowledge of math and algorithms because as a school student, I acquired mostly practical experience by developing websites. But I won’t abandon my projects: right now I’m working on a planner for home and lab assignments.
I learned about ITMO.STARS by accident when I clicked on various links in my application profile. I didn’t even think about winning. My project is a new customizable Habr client with a new design. I developed it fully on my own so I had to learn a lot – I’d say, it drastically enhanced my development skills. Each year I reported my progress as an article on Habr and people loved reading about it. Habr’s HR staff even offered me an internship.
At ITMO, I plan to deepen my theoretical knowledge of math and algorithms because as a school student, I acquired mostly practical experience by developing websites. But I won’t abandon my projects: right now I’m working on a planner for home and lab assignments.
Project by:
Text by: Maria Osina, Ekaterina Shevyreva
Translation: Vadim Galimov, Kseniia Tereshchenko, Catherine Zavodova
Photography: Dmitry Grigoryev, Margarita Erukova
Design: Ekaterina Shevyreva
Editors: Anna Kirillova, Elena Menshikova
Text by: Maria Osina, Ekaterina Shevyreva
Translation: Vadim Galimov, Kseniia Tereshchenko, Catherine Zavodova
Photography: Dmitry Grigoryev, Margarita Erukova
Design: Ekaterina Shevyreva
Editors: Anna Kirillova, Elena Menshikova
