Nick Howell's interview

Nicholas Howell PhD student at University of Oregon gave an inteview on his visit to the Faculty of Mathematics of Higher School of Economics

1. Tell me something about yourself. Where are you from? Where are you studying? Is it your first visit to Russia?

 

I am from the United States. I have lived in central New York state, in a small town in Minnesota, and Minneapolis for my undergraduate. Now I am working on my dissertation at University of Oregon, in the small city of Eugene, OR.

This is my first visit to Russia. It seems to me it is rare for Americans to visit Russia; at least, I know very few people who have done this. My friends in the U.S. are all very interested to hear what life in Moscow is like.

 

2. When and where did you find out about the Faculty of Mathematics of Higher School of Economics? What did you study here? 

 

I was first told about the HSE by my advisor, Prof. Vadim Vologodsky; the energy and enthusiasm here are great! While here I have mostly been thinking about my research, planning a talk in the geometric structures seminar, and attending this and other seminars.

 

3. What were your first impressions of Moscow and the university?

 

I think that Moscow is a really wonderful city: I have enjoyed the culture and food, parks, convenient public transportation, but most especially the people here have been very nice to me. I like what I have seen of the university, but I admit that I spend most of my days working, so I have not explored it very much.

 

4. Did you have any difficulties during your visit?

 

I was present when the radiator flooded the third floor, which was quite exciting. Aside from that, my visit has gone very smoothly.

 

5. Did you make friends with HSE students? 

 

I am attending several seminars and discussing mathematics with a few students, and they have been very friendly; some of them will show me around city later this week. There are also a couple of mathematics students in my dormitory, and we talk regularly.

 

6. Did you like the professors who are lecturing? 

 

I have not attended very many classes, as most are not directly related to my study, but I have attended several lectures which have been very stimulating, at HSE, Stekhlov, and the independent university. The style of lecture here is much better than in the United States, in my opinion: they are longer, and this allows more time for discussion.

 

7. Was the HSE dormitory comfortable for you?

 

Yes, the dormitory staff has been very nice to me, and having easy access to the kitchen and gym is wonderful. It is even convenient to ski to the Faculty from the dorm (when there is enough snow).

 

8. Would you like to visit the Faculty of Mathematics again?

Yes, very much so. The trouble is finding money for a plane, which costs maybe 150k rubles. We are trying to arrange for me to visit again in July; I hope I can see Moscow in the summer.