Interview with Gulmira Keldiyorova, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Lecturer at the Department of Ecology and Life Sciences, Samarkand State University

    Gulmira Keldiyorova is the author of over 80 scientific articles published in national and international journals. There are 5 articles published in the journals indexed by Scopus. To date, she has received 3 patents, 1 international and 1 local grant. At the age of 21, she was nominated for the title of "Most Active Young Leader" at an international competition in Bulgaria. In 2018, she took first place in the international competition "Student of the Year", initiated by the Center for International Scientific Cooperation in Penza, Russia, and in 2019 in the international competition "Researcher of the Year 2019". In 2020, she became the winner of the international competition "The Best Scientific Work of the Year" in Russia.

    - What is the main reason for choosing the field of science and what topic are you currently doing research on?

    “When I was in college, I was very jealous of the female teachers who taught us.” I have always tried to be like them. Years passed, and I also dreamed of becoming a scientist. The reason why I chose the field of ecology is a separate topic. There are many manufacturing companies in our area. The dust and the toxins they emit will continue to affect the population. Over the past five years, the number of allergic diseases in our area has increased dramatically. Then I came up with the idea of ​​scientifically studying the impact of harmful substances in the workplace, creating new ways to reduce exposure to dust. Then I applied to Samarkand State University to the Faculty of Geography and Ecology. In my research, I studied the impact of harmful substances produced by building materials companies on the environment and developed an innovative project to create equipment to reduce the impact of dust and bring it into industrial production. When we tested this equipment in factories, the cleaning efficiency was between 85% and 98%. In the course of my research, I have witnessed that while the dust collectors used today in manufacturing plants are only capable of cleaning dusty substances, our equipment is superior in cleaning both dusty and gaseous pollutants. With this innovative project, I became the absolute winner of the republican competition of the 100 best innovative projects of women in Uzbekistan in 2020. We recently received a patent for this project. Now we are trying to make it attractive to manufacturing companies.

    - Have you ever found your place in society?

    “I can proudly say that I have found my place.” Today, the field I have chosen and the scientific work I have defended are of interest to scientists all over the world.

    - What are the three main factors a woman needs to find her place in life?

    - First of all, you need to be able to manage your work, family and household chores. The second is to agree with everyone. Third, to go on looking.

    - The main responsibility for the upbringing of children lies with the mother. How do you feel about being a mother?

    - I always try to be a good mother. But, on the other hand, the results that I have achieved, the successes that I have achieved in science, are an excellent example for them. I'm glad they told that they want to become scientists in the future. In fact, raising a child is the greatest scientific undertaking.

    Have you found everything you have been looking for in life so far?

    - Not yet. I'm still looking.

    - What are you afraid of?

    - I'm afraid of losing my family.

    - Do you have a desire?

    - I have a dream. But now it's all over. I received my bachelor's and master's degrees from the Institute of Architecture and Civil Engineering. At that time, my dream was to study at SamSU. Passing by Samarkand State University, I thought to myself: “I didn’t have the opportunity to study here.” However, my intentions were sincere, and I was lucky to study at the SamSU doctoral program and work there.

    - When was the last time you cried?

    -Yesterday. I missed my mother and wanted to see her, and I cried.

    -Science, family and more. How do you do it?

    - I'm the only girl in the family. So I try to visit my parents often. They are used to it too. If it gets dark, they call me themselves.

    - What limits a woman?

    - Misunderstanding and distrust towards her.

    What advice would you give to women and young female researchers who are hoping to get off the path of science?

    -Today the main issue is to support women in any field, to create opportunities for them. It is important to use these opportunities wisely and not be indifferent to changes in society. Whatever happens, it's important not to give up and ignore what others have to say. First of all, a woman must rely on herself, believe in her knowledge and strength. Only then can she reach the highest peaks.

 

Samarkand State University

News office staff

Interview by Iroda Bekmuradova

Photos by Shavkat Akramov.