Samarkand University postgraduate student Sanjar Kenjaev: “Everything is perfectly organized in Polytechnic University”

Sanjar Kenjaev, a postgraduate student of Sharaf Rashidov Samarkand State University, spent one semester at St. Petersburg Polytechnic University under the academic mobility program, working on algorithms for intelligent processing of heterogeneous data. In this interview, Sanjar shares his impressions of cooperation with Russian colleagues, talks about the challenges and achievements, as well as plans to implement his developments in Uzbekistan.

Sanjar, tell us how you chose your sphere and why did you decide to go to SPbPU?

I studied in Uzbekistan, specializing in «System Analysis, Information Processing and Management». We were offered several universities for internships, and St. Petersburg Polytechnic University had the closest to my subject programs. I wrote to the professors and they agreed to accept me. Besides, there is a memorandum of cooperation between our universities, which simplified the process.

What exactly did you do during your internship?

My dissertation is on algorithms for intelligent processing of heterogeneous data. The tasks were quite ambitious: to optimize the storage and processing of data, including unstructured data, in real time. Under the guidance of Polytechnic University professors, such as Vadim Pak, I finalized the dissertation chapters, participated in seminars and prepared papers for conferences. It is important that I was allowed to use the power of the SPbPU supercomputer — this seriously accelerated the experiments.

What achievements can you point out?

In St. Petersburg, I corrected the title of my dissertation to a more precise one — «Algorithms for intelligent processing of heterogeneous data» and in co-authorship with colleagues from SPbPU, we prepared four papers for international conferences. We have also agreed on remote participation of SPbPU professors in further research in SamSU laboratories.

What do you think of St. Petersburg and the university?

The city struck me with its atmosphere, although the sun is a rare guest here. But this is compensated for by the openness of the people. In Polytechnic University everything is perfectly organized: a clear schedule, teachers are always in touch, libraries and laboratories are equipped in accordance with the latest technology. I remember how professors instantly involved colleagues from other departments to solve complex issues — this is an indicator of the level of teamwork.

Were there any difficulties?

There were no problems with the language — I know Russian well. But I had to worry about documents: registrations, pass regulations.... But I think this is a general situation in Russia, not specific to Polytechnic University.

How did you communicate with other postgraduate students?

In the dormitory there were guys from different countries: China, Iraq, Lithuania. We discussed scientific tasks, shared contacts of conferences. Even with those who had a different sphere, we found common topics. I only regret that I did not attend the Interclub events — I found out about them too late.

What are your plans after returning to Uzbekistan?

I want to develop cooperation between SamSU and SPbPU: offer exchange programs and summer schools for students. I have already discussed with my colleagues the possibility of joint projects. I also want to continue research using data from my partner UzInfocom. If I am lucky, I will stay in the academic environment — to teach or work in the international department.

Advice to future postgraduate students who want to go to Polytechnic University?

Don’t be afraid to show initiative! Teachers here appreciate interest. And be sure to participate in conferences — it’s a great chance to make a name for yourself. And yes, take warm clothes — the St. Petersburg fall requires it.