Talents for Ukraine by the KSE Foundation recognizes Ukrainian scientists, researchers, and educators whose daily work contributes to the development of science and education. Among this week’s winners are a microbiologist and researcher of extreme ecosystems who has taken part in Antarctic expeditions, an ornithologist and biology teacher, as well as a biochemist and educator who develops STEM education.
Yevheniia Prekrasna-Kviatkovska is a microbiologist and researcher of microorganisms inhabiting extreme ecosystems. She has participated in Antarctic expeditions. She works in the field of environmental microbiology, studying microbial communities in extreme ecosystems (Antarctica, Black Sea, South Ocean) and their role in biogeochemical cycling of elements. She studies the microbiome of Antarctic plants and the impact of climate change on microbial communities. She studies the interactions between plants and endophytic bacteria and their effects on plant physiology and stress tolerance. Yevheniia is a participant in international research projects and an author of publications in peer-reviewed international journals. She is involved in training young researchers and in science communication.
“Curiosity, persistence, and the ability to look at problems from an unconventional perspective help me achieve results,” says Yevheniia.
Vadym Zhulenko is a biologist–ornithologist, museum professional, and biology teacher. He studies winter avifauna of Ukraine, bird synanthropization, and the impacts of climate change, conducting field surveys and data analysis. He works at the Zoological Museum of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (exhibitions, excursion, educational events). Teaches at Lyceum No. 37 in Lviv and implements modern teaching methods. He is the author of the YouTube channel «Біо» (9+ years, 24K subscribers, 150+ completed videos) and creates educational videos for «Heneza.» He has completed the BirdID certified course of Nord University, works with students of the Small Academy of Sciences (MAN), and promotes birdwatching.
“I am inspired by people who are interested in what I do,” Vadym notes.
Inna Domina is a biochemist, biotechnologist, and a teacher of the highest category, recognized as one of the TOP 50 best teachers in Ukraine by the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine. She is a co-author of the conceptual frameworks and model curricula for the science and technology sectors of the NUS. As an expert in her field, she has authored numerous scientific and methodological materials and developed modern STEM courses for educators. Inna has mentored winners of national biology and chemistry Olympiads at various levels and is dedicated to fostering systemic scientific thinking in her students.
“In people, I value above all the combination of intellectual honesty and agency,” Inna comments.
