Science and arts rarely entwine as delightfully as they do in the life of Nina Atanasova, who holds a PhD in microbiology from the University of Helsinki, works in Viikki as a researcher, has published in the Journal of Virology, Environmental Microbiology, and Advances in Virus Research among others — and it doesn’t end there! She’s also planning to finish her studies so as to qualify as a music playschool teacher in the future and she works hard to complete her pedagogical studies at the Helsinki University Centre for Research and Development of Higher Education. But are science and arts really that far apart?
In this week’s edition of Campus Celebrity, Dr. Nina Atanasova sheds some light on that very question, as well as gives us a glimpse of what it’s like to be a woman of science. To wrap it all up, Nina has some golden advice to all of you who feel overwhelmed by darkening autumn days.
What inspired you to study microbiology?
I have always been very close to nature and thus naturally and continuously interested in biology, chemistry, astronomy, and so on. Since the beginning of my microbiology studies, I knew I wanted to work with viruses. I was fascinated by them. They are so cool you always want to learn a little bit more about them. You know, there are so many viruses on Earth that if you lined them all up, they would span millions of light years and reach beyond the nearest galaxies.
According to statistics, STEM fields are generally dominated by men, so what is it like to be a woman of science? Have there been any challenges?
Personally, I have not experienced any challenges in being a woman in STEM. In the University of Helsinki, there are much more women studying biology than guys. I work with over 20 women and just two men. Wish there were more of them around! Nowadays the situation in Finland regarding equality is quite good. I believe that a job should be given to the best applicant; grants and quotas reserved only for women seem unfair. Whether you’re a man or a woman, I do not believe gender should help or hinder you in your career.
You also have other passions in addition to microbiology. Would you like to tell us more about them?
I’m quite open-minded and like to draw inspiration from the surrounding environment. I love music, playing the guitar, and singing. I also write lyrics and my own songs. I don’t see these ”passions” as being so far apart. Music and arts are creative. Science is too. What could be more creative than discovering new information?
As we are already far into autumn, do you have any tips for our readers on how to survive the darkening evenings?
Yes, I’ve got many! First of all, it’s very important to avoid stress, and to do that, one needs to recognize the first signs of stress and what causes it. Many people also tend to feel depressed during dark evenings and mornings. Just like with stress, you need to take action immediately when you feel the slightest sign of depression. You should see a doctor if necessary.
I think there is something extremely beautiful and enchanting about autumns. With this attitude, you can see the darkness and the cold wind from a totally different perspective. You can light a candle in the evening and have a cup of tea after work or studies. I feel like the darker the days get, the more relaxation one needs — and deserves. Try meeting new people, participate in an organized excursion to some local attraction you’ve always wanted to visit, or reserve some time for yourself and go for a walk in the woods. I listen to beautiful music in candle light with my cup of tea and spend time with loving friends and family.