The Russian Nuclear Education Ambassadors Program helps increase the visibility of Russian universities and attracts international students to study in Russia. The ambassadors are foreign students enrolled in Russian universities. These young professionals, passionate about science, provide informational support to prospective students from different countries and promote knowledge about the nuclear industry. Alina Begimova from Kazakhstan, a student at one of Rosatom’s backbone universities, MEPhI, is one such ambassador. In this interview, she shares her journey into nuclear energy.
At first, I wanted to study languages, but life steered me to nuclear engineering. I became fascinated with physics in my 10th grade when a new math teacher joined our school. He was a graduate from the Nuclear Reactors and Materials department of the National Nuclear Research University (MEPhI). His enthusiasm was so contagious that I decided to follow in his footsteps. By the 11th grade, I knew for sure I wanted to enroll at MEPhI. I started gathering information, preparing documents, and participating in academic competitions. Eventually, I was admitted to MEPhI’s Obninsk branch, which offers a strong engineering curriculum. Obninsk is the birthplace of Russia’s nuclear industry, so studying there felt special.
I learned about the Marie Skłodowska-Curie program between my bachelor’s graduation and the start of my master’s program. It offers scholarships to outstanding female students pursuing a master’s degree in nuclear sciences, along with internship opportunities supported by the IAEA.
Getting into the program is not easy as competition is fierce, with fewer than 10 students selected annually. Still, I decided to apply and submitted a comprehensive dossier. A few months later, I received a confirmation that I was in. I was thrilled. The program is an incredible chance to attend major events, build connections, and exchange experiences with women leaders in nuclear and related industries. There was a student from Uzbekistan among the selected candidates, and we became close friends.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Power and Thermal Physics. With this qualification, you can work as an engineer, in electrical departments, at thermal power plants, or even as an operator at a nuclear station. In other words, it is a highly versatile field. I am now pursuing a master’s degree in the same discipline.
Next, I plan to enter a PhD program—another four years of study. I want to engage in research and earn a doctoral degree. I would like to work on managing radioactive graphite waste produced by RBMK reactors.
Long-term, I hope to tackle challenges in nuclear energy or contribute to a major project—maybe even become a role model for other young women or international students. I would also love to keep developing our music band, Liven (Rainfall).
Kazakhstan has enormous potential for nuclear energy development. I grew up in a city with severe air pollution, where smog is an everyday reality, and I would love to see nuclear plants replace coal-fired ones. It would be fantastic if Rosatom helped build a nuclear station in my country. Right now, Kazakhstan lacks young nuclear professionals, so the industry needs rapid development to attract new talent.
Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—it is key to professional growth. Let new experiences into your life. Surround yourself with people who share your drive.
Personal development matters, and so do hobbies. At MEPhI, academics and extracurriculars are well-balanced. Thanks to this, students grow professionally, participate in major events, gain high-quality knowledge, and graduate as well-rounded specialists.
Photo by: sknews.kz
