Congratulations to our PhD candidates on their successful dissertation defenses!

Late May marked another achievement for our department, known for its high-quality training of advanced specialists. In September 2024, four PhD dissertations were defended here, and already this year three more of our postgraduate students successfully presented their research.

Oksana Morozova, Stanislav Ligezin, and Vadym Tymofieiev defended their original doctoral work. All have completed their studies at NTU “KhPI” and now work in various research and educational institutions, applying their postgraduate expertise.

Oksana Morozova defended her thesis titled “Composite Material Based on ZrO₂ Nanopowder with Enhanced Performance Properties” (supervisors: Prof. Olena Fedorенко, Dr. Tech. Sci., and Prof. Eduard Gevorkyan, Dr. Tech. Sci.). Her zirconia-based ceramics and composites exhibit high strength, fracture toughness, and abrasion resistance, making them suitable for toolmaking and bioengineering. Oksana now serves as an Administrative Assistant at Chemonics Group UK Ltd., an international development company implementing projects to support Ukraine’s recovery and economic resilience.

Photo: Oksana’s defense (left – committee chair Prof. Y. Pitak, right – PhD candidate Oksana Morozova) — **Photo: Oksana’s defense** (left – committee chair Prof. Y. Pitak, right – PhD candidate Oksana Morozova)

Stanislav Ligezin defended “Wall Ceramic Materials Utilizing Carbon-Containing Feedstock and Energy-Saving Technological Processes” (supervised by Assoc. Prof. Liliya Shchukina, Dr. Tech. Sci.). His research addresses the efficient use of mining waste to enhance wall-ceramic production. Using a custom neural network to predict strength properties, he developed lightweight energy-efficient wall ceramics (certified M75–100, F35 per DSTU). Stanislav continues his research as a Junior Research Fellow at the Department of Ceramics, Refractories, Glass & Enamels at NTU “KhPI”.

Photo: Stanislav’s defense (left – committee chair Prof. V. Taranenkova, right – PhD candidate Stanislav Ligezin) — **Photo: Stanislav’s defense** (left – committee chair Prof. V. Taranenkova, right – PhD candidate Stanislav Ligezin)

Vadym Tymofieiev presented “Impact-Resistant Mullite–Corundum Glass-Ceramic Materials for Special Equipment Protection” (supervisors: Prof. Oksana Savvova and Prof. Olena Fedorенко, both Dr. Tech. Sci.). His dissertation focuses on the development of high-strength, protective glass-ceramics. Vadym is now Head of the Research Laboratory at NTU “KhPI”, working on protective glass-ceramic materials.

Photo: Vadym’s defense (left – committee chair Prof. H. Shabanova, right – PhD candidate Vadym Tymofieiev) — **Photo: Vadym’s defense** (left – committee chair Prof. H. Shabanova, right – PhD candidate Vadym Tymofieiev)

All defenses were successfully conducted before a specialized academic board, colleagues, and friends. Following open voting, the candidates were unanimously awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Chemical and Bioengineering.

We are proud of you, esteemed Doctors of Philosophy, and wish you continued success in science and industry to support the rapid recovery and prosperity of our country!