Nurgul Soltanbek

 Being a master’s student at Gumilev University‘s faculty of Physics and Technology, 24-year-old Nurgul Soltanbek studies nanomaterials and nanotechnology. In 2021, she became one of the 17 winners of the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation’s competition. Almost 500 applicants participated in it! A young Kazakhstani is a junior researcher. Today she shares her life hacks that will help you win the competition and find your favorite thing in life.

Why did you choose this particular specialty?
I studied nuclear physics during my undergraduate studies, and now – nanomaterials. The world does not stand still, and we must constantly grow in different directions. In addition, nanomaterials and nanotechnologies are used in many fields: nuclear physics, electronics, construction and others.

What does the specialty study, and who do they work after graduation?
This direction is relatively new in Kazakhstan. It examines materials at the molecular and atomic levels and creates objects from components with microscopic dimensions. We are talking about new materials or robots the size of a molecule. Graduates work in research institutes and companies of medical-technical, nuclear-physical and chemical-technological profile.

Why do you think you won?
I think I was able to present myself correctly. Self-confidence, sincerity, a desire for growth, a clear understanding of the goals and ways to achieve them helped me to stand out among other candidates. And I also believe that the love of what you do always leads to success.

Some life hacks for this year participants?
Be able to be flexible, develop, be active, try to do useful things for yourself and society, and your achievements will begin to speak for you. Be emotionally stable. Strive, believe, win!

What do you want to do and where to work when you graduate, Nurgul?
I plan to enroll in doctoral studies and simultaneously to work at a research center, to create new materials there. There is an idea to take an international internship as well. I would also really like to learn to swim.

What activities bring you joy?
I love listening to podcasts, singing, and reading comics. I play the ukulele, pick up the chords. Recently I learned to sew and knit. I love outdoor activities. My family and I often go to the countryside: skiing, cycling, or just on a picnic. Once a year we gather with friends in a new city where we have not been yet. Such trips create forces and motivation for new achievements.

Tell us a little about your family?
I am the youngest and the latest child in the family. I have very understanding parents, they support me in everything, for which I am very grateful to them. My family is my support.