Series of blitz interviews by MIPT – Phystech with participants of the educational program “Science to the Regions through Empathy”

The Empathy Charitable Foundation, established by Mikhail Shelkov, together with the Foundation for Development of Physics and Technology Schools conducted an educational program based on Phystech. ⚛ Over the course of two weeks, students received training in specialized subjects and project activities from the university's top educators and the P.L. Kapitsa Phystech Lyceum. They visited closed laboratories and explored the Russian capital city. We have gathered a series of blitz interviews with the participants of the program for you!

Pavel Kuznetsov, from Perm Region

❓ If you could create a project on any topic, what would it be? 

I think it would be a project related to the study of black hole behavior.

❓ If you could be a fly on the wall during any scientific discovery in history, which one would it be?

I would like to witness the discovery of a radioactive element, such as Polonium.

❓ It is well-known that physics is all around us. Which physical phenomenon in everyday life amazes you the most? 

It’s not exactly from everyday life, but it would be the Dzhanibekov Effect.

❓ Do you think there is a need for a comic book about a superhero physicist? If so, what would you name it, what would the superhero look like, and what superpower would they possess? 

This superhero would be called Mr. F, and his superpower would be possessing all the knowledge of physics (from all its branches, even those that humanity hasn’t acquired yet) and geometry. He would also have all the abilities of Doctor Strange.

❓ What motto would you choose as your life’s creed? 

If you don’t know what to do, go sleep.

❓ Complete the sentence: “Every true physicist should do three things in their life: …”

Watch fire burn, recreate the laminar effect, and attend lectures by Leonid Koldunov.

Sofia Gakashova, from Perm Region

❓ If you could create a project on any topic, what would it be? 

If I weren’t limited by my knowledge, I would conduct research related to quantum particles. I would like to confirm the theory that quantum particles can regenerate after decay.

❓ If you could be a fly on the wall during any scientific discovery in history, which one would it be?

I would like to witness the discovery of X-rays. In my opinion, it is one of the most important and interesting discoveries in history. X-rays are still used in medicine, and based on Wilhelm Röntgen’s experiments, many other unusual studies have been conducted, leading, for example, to the discovery of radioactivity.

❓ Which famous scientist would you most like to have dinner with?

With Marie Curie. She inspires me with her hard work and intellect. I have always been curious to know how she came up with the idea to research radioactivity and what motivated her.

❓ Which physical phenomenon in everyday life amazes you the most?

I am most amazed by lightning. It’s strange to me how such a powerful electric discharge appears seemingly out of nowhere and disappears into the ground.

❓ Do we need a comic about a superhero physicist? If so, what would you name it, what would the superhero look like, and what superpower would they possess? 

I think it would be a fantastic comic. In my opinion, the superhero should resemble Tony Stark and not possess any superpowers because he would be a brilliant physicist, using his knowledge to fight evil.

❓ What motto would you choose as your life’s creed? 

If you struggle for long enough, something will work out.

❓ Complete the sentence: “Every true physicist should do three things in their life: …” 

Question the discoveries of their predecessors, make their own discoveries, and leave behind followers.

Maria German, from Sverdlovsk Region

❓ If you could create a project on any topic, what would it be? 

I would like to create an automatic information transmission system for constructing various buildings without the assistance of humans, using neural networks.

❓ If you could be a fly on the wall during any scientific discovery in history, which one would it be? 

I would like to witness the discovery of the law of gravity.

❓ Do we need a comic about a superhero physicist? If so, what would you name it, what would the superhero look like, and what superpower would they possess? 

He would be similar to a superhero named Maxwell Dillon, who controls electricity. I would name him Volt.

❓ Complete the sentence: “Every true physicist should do three things in their life: …” 

Achieve their goal, receive a Nobel Prize and continue what they started.

Ivan Semyonov, from Yekaterinburg

❓ It is well-known that physics is all around us. Which physical phenomenon in everyday life amazes you the most? 

Why does a slice of bread always fall butter-side down?

❓ What three items would you take with you to a deserted island? And how would physics help you there?

I would take a needle to determine the cardinal directions using magnetic fields, a magnifying glass to start a fire (if it counts as a physical process), and fish food.

❓ Do you think there is a need for a comic book about a superhero physicist?

Yes. A comic about Lomonosov’s journey to becoming a scientist.

❓ What motto would you choose as your life’s creed? 

I know that I know nothing.

❓ Complete the sentence: “Every true physicist should do three things in their life: …” 

Jump into a bathtub filled with water, look into a mirror and make a paper airplane.