About me
I am Sofiia Kozynets, a senior at Kyiv Natural Sciences Lyceum No. 145. I am passionate about resolving water pollution issues and helping people who don’t have access to safely managed and potable water. Involved in research, I seek interdisciplinary connections between materials science, engineering, and public policy. I conducted research in the areas of water treatment, materials science, and green chemistry. I also have experience in metallurgy, working with related chemistry and ecology projects. I aim to transfer my knowledge to the next generations; that’s why I am actively involved in different actions that promote science and the importance of education. Namely, I work as a host of the program “Who is Einstein here?” and CEO of the educational non-profit “Melius.”
Education
Kyiv Natural Sciences Lyceum No. 145 (TOP5 in Ukraine)
Average grade throughout high school (grade numbers equal to the US 12 years system):
Lyceum No. 100 "Podil" (2013-2020)
LLC METINVEST SICHSTAL
Internship, junior technologist
Junior technologist in the Engineering Department of METINVEST SICHSTAL LLC.
I deal with problems of flotation and environmental pollution. I developed a plan to optimize the water purification processes necessary for flotation to reduce the company's financial and labor costs. I also took part in negotiations to determine the titration method for researching iron content in ores and other technological projects.
Pedan Buro | Social, work as an educational program presenter
Chosen for the role and worked as a host of an educational and entertainment program for children to distribute educational content in the Ukrainian language. I participated in one of the formats of the educational online project "Collider." I voiced and starred in 6 episodes of the program's first season, "Who's Einstein here?" for the target audience of 9-15 years old.
“Clean Water” initiative, founder of a social initiative, work on a volunteer basis
Creation of an online platform to help people who do not have access to clean water and to spread information about the problem of water pollution in Ukraine and the world. I organized the work of the organization. Currently, I am launching charity funds and conducting interviews with people affected by the problem of water pollution in Ukraine.
NGO “Melius,” one of the founders and CEO of the youth organization
Started and supervised the work of a youth public organization. Creation of the lecture on various topics, particularly on the topics of innovation in chemistry and engineering, the movement of women in science, etc. Creation of thematic clubs and activities for the development of teenagers and adults.
Research activities
Kyiv Polytechnic Institute
Conducting research on plant extract based on deep eutectic biosynthesis of silver
nanoparticles using a solvent.
Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Discovering the properties of epoxy composites with vegetable fillers and analyzing the
the potential of the practical application of them;
Participating in various research competitions: Genius Olympiad Ukraine, Regeneron ISEF National competition, Junior Academy of Sciences research competition;
Working on publishing my paper.
Kyiv Polytechnic Institute
Conducting research study that involved different complex methods of sewage water
purification to remove antibiotic impurifications;
Participating in various research competitions: Junior Water Prize Ukraine, Regeneron ISEF National competition, Junior Academy of Sciences research competition;
Working on publishing my paper.
Academic achievements
-
Gold medal, qualified for Genius Olympiad Global 2023
-
Regeneron ISEF 2023 National Level
Two 1st places in the Environmental Engineering and Materials Science sections -
Regeneron ISEF 2023 National Level
Defense of scientific works at the Junior Academy of Sciences (JAS) 2023 in the fields of ecology and chemistry -
Regional Junior Academy of Science
Winner of research competition 2023 in ecology and chemistry -
National finalist 2023
-
All-Ukrainian Internet Chemistry Olympiad
2nd place (received a recommendation for the All-Ukrainian Chemistry Olympiad), 2023 -
Regional Chemistry Olympiad
1st place (2021-2023) -
American Mathematics Competitions (AMC 12)
1st place, AIME qualification (2022) -
Winner of the regional mathematics Olympiad
Kyiv, Ukraine 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023 -
InventorUA (National level)
2nd place in the section on new materials and nanotechnologies (TOP3 in ranking)
Honorary awards
Educational Ambassador Leader of the Kyiv National Academy of Sciences
Received a title
“Student of the Year 2023”
for the highest achievements
in education and
scientific and research activity among all school students
Distinguished member of the school’s publishing center
Member of enrichment program “Science Mentoring” (held by the civic organization “UkrTeenScience”)
Holder of personal scholarship from Kyiv City Administration
Honor of Pechersk district, Kyiv, 2023
Awarded by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
with a letter of commendation for high academic achievements
and excellence in education for 9 years in a row.
Awarded by the Head of the Kyiv City State Administration Vitali Klitschko with thanks
for contribution to the development of Ukrainian science.
Volunteer and community work
Volunteer tutoring for people of all ages in English, mathematics, chemistry and physics (individual and group lessons through personal relationships or on various educational non-profit platforms, such as Tutoring Without Borders);
Work in animal shelters and animal welfare organizations during wartime. Creation of media content for organizations and shelters, and direct assistance to animals (feeding, care, etc.).
Publications
Biomedical Journal of Science and Technology Research, May 2023.
“WayScience” Journal, 4th International Scientific and Practical
Internet conference (February 23-24, 2023)
Further publications are planned for 2024.
Interests
Conducting research in various Ukrainian institutes.
Participating with my research in various scientific competitions and fairs, planning to apply my findings to the real world.
Selected for Science Mentoring by the “UkrTeenScience” organization.
Working on publishing my research papers.
Leader and developer of public initiative
Creation of prostheses from epoxy clays with vegetable fillers based on my research. Found an investor for the project, planning future production and sales.
I have been engaged in modern dance for eight years
(Two and a half of them are professional). Participation in many group and individual competitions, performances on the main music TV channel of Ukraine as a ballet for Ukrainian celebrities.
Circles of science Olympiads
(includes mathematics and chemistry circles for more than five years).
One of the editors of the school magazine
(attending weekly meetings, writing articles about social life and the development of science in the lyceum, creating presentations/posters, organizing school events) for three years in high school.
The title of Educational Ambassador-Leader of the Kyiv National Academy of Sciences.
Nominated by the "Chemistry and Biology" department of Kyiv Academy of Sciences.
Speeches at lectures, seminars and workshops, participation in planar discussions related to science and business. Conducting events to promote women in STEM. Inspiring young women to consider careers in science.
Skills
Professional skills:
Advanced usage of Microsoft Office, intermediate knowledge of Pascal/Python, PC and MacPC usage proficiency, excellent research and analytical skills, leadership experience, problem solving ability, quick learner.
Languages:
Fluent command of Ukrainian, English (TOEFL certificate – C1 (112/120)), russian