Student Profiles

 The interview with Carlos Nieto from Spain, the 1-st year student of “Cognitive science and technologies” master's program:

Carlos:
1. I liked the overall structure. With the different subjects we study cognitive science from many points what allow us to see all its parts. While other similar programs are very focused in one are like perception, mood,... 2. The international environment is very rich and friendly, both among students and researchers, and all the facilities and research tools avaliable give us a lot of opportunities to develop our skills 3. Here I can learn new things and how to use new tools by the hand of skilled researchers and among a big variety of topics. This is incredible valuable to develop as a researcher and prepare for a future PhD. 

1. What was your motivation to choose the master’s programme 'Cognitive Sciences and Technologies: From Neuron to Cognition'? 
-Initially, the structure of the course appealed to me. The wide range of subjects available at HSE stood out as similar programs are very focused on one aspect of cognitive science. The 'Cognitive Sciences and Technologies: From Neuron to Cognition' master’s program encourages a multidisciplinary vision within cognitive science which was vital for my selection. In addition, this master’s program doesn’t just concentrate on theory but also technical aspects such as mathematics and programming which are crucial during research work. 
2. What do you appreciate the most about this master’s program?
- The international environment is very rich and friendly, both among students and researchers. In addition, the research facilities available give an opportunity to develop practical skills. 
3. How do you think this masters program will help you accomplish your future goals?
The master’s program at HSE fosters a learning environment under working academics. Every day I learn something new, be it a new theoretical concept or a technical method of research. This program is a stepping stone toward my Ph.D. and my development as a researcher.

An interview with a first-year student of the program Sep Rakhimian and his own song

1. What was your motivation to choose the master’s programme 'Cognitive Sciences and Technologies: From Neuron to Cognition'? 

I have always been fascinated by the human brain. After conversing with individuals from different backgrounds, I realized that different fields focus on one particular aspect of the brain. My passion for the mind led my path towards understanding the discipline from many perspectives as early as in my bachelor days. I believe that in order to understand the functioning of the mind better we are ought to abandon the classical single disciplinary outlook.

2. What do you appreciate the most about this masters program? 
While researching the field of cognitive science, I found various institutes that shared my point of view, including HSE. The most important reason for accepting my offer at HSE was their research facility. I remember thinking "this is the place that can prepare me for becoming a scientist while giving me enough freedom to choose for myself”. What I have come to appreciate the most about the program is that the only limit for research is your own imagination. Professors are more than willing to guide, provide opportunities and help students conduct their research. They have the spirit of «it’s a nice idea, let's do it! ". That spirit ignites my fire to work towards my thesis and collaborate with others.

My goals may not align with many of my peers as I'm radically focused on science itself, not its application. This program provides a safe environment to find your research focus and develop your academic character. I am most grateful for the network of intelligent individuals that I have met. I get the opportunity of sharing my ideas and learning from my peers every day. I like to think of HSE as an academic cocoon which given me no choice but to emerge as a glorious butterfly at the end.

Or in our facebook account https://www.facebook.com/cogitosciences/videos/2244845562448147/

Abrar Riaz, the first year student of the program:

Persuasion of excellence act as a magnet to attract you to have a specialized knowledge essential for success, especially of the field of your interest. And when you have this opportunity in a cherished and competitive professional environment, it multiplies your learning.
I am really delighted to join the “Cognitive Science and Technologies: From Neuron to Cognition” a diversified master’s program run by the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at one of the best Russian university “Higher School of Economics” located in the heart of the Moscow city.
What really fascinated me to join the said program, is the availability of number of scientific labs with Neuroimaging, VR and other Brain Sciences techniques, under the supervision of most professional, national and international faculty members, and more precisely that one can get an opportunity to join one or more than one labs of choice at very early stage of the first year of program for better practical learning which definitely is a plus point.
Last of all, the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at HSE in the beautiful city Moscow really cherished my dreams, I would encourage to the Cognitive Neurosciences aspirants to join this program, and they will certainly feel the difference.

The interview with the first year program student Samuel Pinder (UK)





Sasha Burnip from The United Kingdom, the 1-st year student of “Cognitive science and technologies”

-  Why did you choose the program “Cognitive science and technologies from neuron to cognition”?

 I chose HSE because of the broad international aspect and I chose the program Cognitive Sciences and Technologies: From Neuron to Cognition due to it’s teachings in multiple fields such as Maths, Programming and Neuroscience.

 - What advantages do you see in our program?
I think an advantage of taking this program is having the opportunity to publish papers in English, exposing research to a wider audience.

 - What is your scientific interests?
My interests are in Neuroscience and behavioral psychology. I am also interested to see how much further machine learning and A.I. will progress in the near future.

- What is Life in Moscow?

 Life in Moscow is great, unique to most cities in the world but familiar at the same time.

Seungah Lee from South Korea , the 2-st year student of “Cognitive science and technologies”

-  Why did you choose the program “Cognitive science and technologies from neuron to cognition”?
I first became interested in human perception and performance while writing my master thesis. Because in Communication and Media research, I could use self-reports and contents analysis data etc. One thing was for sure, I could not watch how to process in their brain fundamentally. And that’s the first reason for me to pursue to study Cognitive Sciences.
Moreover, last year candlelight situations in South Korea made me wonder. We have known the corruption of government over 10 years, but why now? What triggers made people act on? So many questions occurred, then I tried to find other options for me to get answers from those questions, than the Communication field.


- What advantages do you see in our program?

I am attracted to HSE by the strong emphasis on research and methodology.
The wealth of teaching and research expertise and facilities are the most fascinating. To be more specific, TMS, EEG, tDCS and eye-tracking, all those devices we can use if we can conduct proper projects with supervisors.
Even more, our labs are linked and co-worked with many other institutes, this means students can also involve in various projects with various environment.
HSE has everything I am looking for in a program.

- What is your scientific interests?

The Memory and Motor Control was what I wrote about the purpose of my pursuing this program on my application.
But after I attended classes, some interesting questions occurred to, such as how to solve or draw a map/road dementia while aging, meditation can be useful to a cognitive training, like many eastern people believe?
I need to narrow down, and decide a supervisor soon.

- What is Life in Moscow?

I am trying to live/blend in with Moscow.
The first thing I am into is the public transportation, specifically, the METRO. Fast and convenient.
And the second is people. Even if I can't speak their language at all, they try to explain or show something I ask. They are great!
But it'd be much better if I could speak Russian. Hopefully I will someday.

Venkat Kaushik Sake the 2-nd year student, India

Why did you choose the program “Cognitive science and technologies from neuron to cognition”?
I chose the program Cognitive Sciences and Technologies because of the university having a lot of international collaborations which would help in getting an exposure in multiple places. I was also advised by Prof. Myachykov when we met in a conference related to cognitive sciences before.
What advantages do you see in our program?
The advantages I see with the program are that being an engineer and manager once upon a time, it will help me learn research skills, obvious interaction with academics from different fields and a good deal of mobility internationally.

 What is your scientific interests?
My scientific interests are the whole brain functions which we know and may not yet know like the ones observed among anomalies at times but mostly they are Consciousness, Artificial Intelligence, Language understanding and Philosophy of Mind from an experimental perspective.

 What are you going to do after your graduation?
After graduation, I look forward to a PhD with a good supervisor in preferably the Ivy League universities. There are also other thoughts in my mind on Entrepreneurship which I was into before and from which taking a 2 year break through this master's. I may either go for startup using cognitive phenomena or an MBA in a top-class B-School and then getting into entrepreneurship.

 
VIDYA THIMMANAHALLI SOMASHEKARAPPA the 2-nd year student, India

Why did you choose the program “Cognitive science and technologies from neuron to cognition”?

 Cognitive Science has always fascinated me. The human body and its capacity for many marvelous things are tempered by the fragility of such an intricate system going wrong. Cognitive science is an interdisciplinary scientific study of the mind and its processes. It has given rise to models of human cognitive bias and risk perception, and has been influential in the development of behavioral finance part of economics.

 What advantages do you see in our program?

 Some of the most ground breaking research in the field of cognitive science has taken roots at HSE. Cognitive science has helped to uncover the root causes and results of specific dysfunctions. It is always interesting and astonishing to discover the undiscovered. The intensive structure of the curriculum allows one to involve completely and explore the subject. Students get hands on sessions in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, EEG and Eye-Tracking labs.

 What are your   scientific interests?

 The constant advancement in research, methodology and technology is something I am impressed with and hope I can contribute in the future. I believe that research is the foundation for advancing healthcare services. I have developed a passion for research after I started working on two research projects during under graduation. Currently, I’m part of two research projects related to TMS and t-DCS.

 What are you going to do after your graduation?

 After graduation, I’m looking forward to pursue PhD.

 Life in Moscow?

 Moscow also known as third Rome, is one of the extraordinary, largest and richest cities. Hundreds of museums, Opera, Ballet, Winter sports and massive yet beautiful Moscow metros you use almost every day makes life even better. Moving to another country is always a challenge. I landed in Moscow during autumn, the time when everything bursts with its last beauty. Institute and friends helped me navigate in the city since I was unaware of Russian language. It was a tough journey in the beginning but as I learnt to read Russian I was confident enough to travel all by myself. It has been totally different and interesting living here. Local food is amazing (borsch and Smetana for vegetarians like me). Moscow during winter is a visual wonder. Dazzling colorful lights at parks, ice skating, snow board, ice hockey, skiing makes winter more special. So far, I love Moscow!

 Abdul-Raheem Mohammed the 2-nd year student, Ghana

Why did you choose the program “Cognitive science and technologies: from neuron to cognition”?

 I have this great passion of wanting to learn more about cognition and how it influences us in all spheres of life. I therefore did not hesitate to select this program because I see it as an important avenue to achieve this objective. I looked at the course content and what it promises to impart within the time duration and I felt that  was definitely the program to study. After spending some few months already into the program, I feel vindicated by the decision I made to join the program.

 What advantages do you see in our program?

 Well, it comes with several advantages. The emphasis that is placed on research is something that I felt is quite superior. I see myself to be well equipped in conducting a scientific research activity both during and after the programme.

 It also provides the foundation for one to lunch a career in the field of academia, specifically in Cognitive science and other allied fields. It provides a solid foundation for one to prepare for a PhD programm  anywhere in the world.

 The interdisciplinary nature of the program also provides  the necessary foundation to lunch a career in the field of Cognitive science especially to those who do not have such background prior to the program

 What is your  scientific interests?

 My scientific interests include the following

 Emotions and Cognition: That is the relationship among emotion, memory and other higher cognitive functions such as creativity, decision making and problem solving.

 What are you going to do after your graduation?

 My plans after graduation is to proceed with a PhD program. I want to learn and research more in these scientific interest I indicated above.

Maddex Farshchi the 2-nd year student, Iran

I came to Moscow 4 months ago. I had never been to Russia before and frankly speaking this experience appeared to be quite challenging. The new culture, language, everything here is different. However, all the people that I met were really friendly and helpful which definitely made my life in the new country much easier. Now I can say that I have quite a few good friends here and am fairly adapted to Moscow life.

 As for cognitive neuroscience-I consider it a really fascinating subject for studying and research. It gives a chance to learn more about human brain function and cognitive process.

 Studying at HSE is really a good experience for me mostly because of the brilliant academic staff that work here. Furthermore, HSE provides many good opportunities for conducting the research which I am particularly interested in.