Aleksandr and Olesya Samodolovs
8 July is Family, Love, and Fidelity Day in Russia. Family is an unwavering foundation, a source of inspiration, and the most important value in every person's life. It is among our loved ones that we draw strength for new achievements and find support and understanding. A strong, close-knit family is the foundation of our society's well-being and the key to the country's prosperity.
In the "Family in Science" series, we present the story of a research union and married couple—Aleksandr and Olesya Samodolovs, both employees of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Municipal Services, Department of Water Use and Environment. Aleksandr is the Department Assistant and Deputy Dean for Educational Work, and Olesya is the Department Assistant and Deputy Dean for Career Guidance Counceling. Their journey exemplifies how personal history, research, and professional work can form a unified space for development and support.
First meeting and the start of a common journey
The family's story began long before they started work at the university. The couple had known each other before entering academia, and their path into science was a shared decision. They were later introduced by a mutual friend, and they then began their master's studies together.
Over time, joint studies developed into a deeper immersion in science: first a master's degree, then a postgraduate degree, and then professional work at the university.
Selecting a scientific direction
The decision to dedicate their life to ecology and water management was conscious and based on the topic's relevance. The couple notes that environmental pollution, industrial impact, and changes to natural ecosystems make this area particularly important.
Their professional interest is linked to the desire to contribute to solving environmental problems and improving the quality of water resources for future generations.
Professional activities and roles at the university
Today, the couple works in the same educational and scientific system: Aleksandr Samodolov is involved in student education, combining administrative and teaching responsibilities, while Olesya Samodolova is responsible for career guidance and helps students choose their career path.
Despite the different directions within the university, their research interests are closely intertwined.
Common scientific projects and research
The couple have collaborated on numerous scientific publications and projects. Their research is related to water resources, but with different focuses:
- urban areas and industrial enterprises,
- surface and polluted waters,
- differences in pollution sources and treatment methods.
In addition, they took part in joint projects during their master's and postgraduate studies.
The university's impact on family life
Working and studying at the same university became an important part of their family history. The university played a key role in shaping their professional paths and academic interests.
At the same time, the couple emphasizes that they know how to separate work and personal life: at home, they try not to discuss work issues, maintaining a balance between professional activities and family.
Children and a scientific dynasty
The family is raising children, but the continuation of the scientific dynasty remains an open question. The parents admit they would like to see their children in science, but the final choice of profession remains theirs.
Today, children's interests lie in various areas, including the field of aviation.
Work-family balance
Despite their shared professional background, the couple notes that they manage to maintain harmony: work tasks remain at the university, rare difficult issues can be discussed at home, and the rest of the time the family completely switches to their personal life.
They consider this balance to be one of the key factors for successful cooperation.
Shared hobbies and family traditions
Besides science, the family also shares common interests: walks and discovering new places, family weekends, and board games, which have become a new tradition.
These activities help to switch off and strengthen family ties.
Professional goals
The couple's current professional goal is to defend their dissertations and obtain a PhD of Engineering Sciences. They plan to continue their scientific development and expand their research.
Advice for young families in science
The couple highlights several key recommendations: support each other in professional development, move towards goals gradually, step by step, do not put off important tasks, and do not stop along the way.
In their opinion, it is mutual assistance and common goals that help maintain both scientific and family harmony.
An interesting episode from life
One memorable moment was a curious situation where, due to an error, the wrong coursework was printed and submitted. Despite the misunderstanding, the situation was quickly corrected, and the work was successfully accepted.
Conclusion
The Samodolov family's story exemplifies how shared interests, mutual support, and a shared professional path can forge a strong alliance in science and life. Their experience demonstrates that, with the right balance, it is possible to successfully combine family, career, and scientific development while remaining a united team.