In the following interview, we have the opportunity to meet Kateriniovi, a talented astrophysics student who is currently continuing her studies in Estonia. The conversation focuses on her personal experiences and the journey that led her to the world of galaxies, astronomy, and research. From her early steps in school and the observatories of Crete, to her decision to study astrophysics at an international level, Kateriniovi talks to us about the people and events that inspired her, the challenges of her academic path, and her personal aspirations in the field of astrophysics. Exploring her passion for space and the applications of astrophysics in modern life, this interview offers us a unique insight into the thoughts and dreams of a young researcher who desires to uncover the secrets of the universe.

What made you choose astrophysics, and specifically astrophysics in Estonia, as your field of study?

I have always been fascinated by the stars, shooting stars, and anything related to space. I used to think it was something far beyond my reach—something we see in documentaries about people from distant places, studying at prestigious universities I believed I could never attend.
When I was in high school, I attended one of the open nights at the Skinakas Observatory, and that’s when I realized… I could actually learn about galaxies and work at an observatory just two hours away from my home! A few years after that night, I became a student at the Physics Department in Heraklion and did my internship at that very observatory.

I didn’t have a specific city in mind for where I wanted to go. After completing my undergraduate studies, I went to France, to LAM (Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Marseille), for a master’s program filled with everything I had dreamed of learning—full of fascinating stories about how the universe was created.
As I started shaping my own path for the future, I knew I wanted to do something that combined programming and astronomy. After attending a conference in Estonia, I chose this position to continue my studies. So far, the research itself, my supervisor Rain Kipper, and the galaxy group (including my supervisor and other professors like Peeter Tenjes and Indrek Vurm) have continuously fueled my curiosity. They have kept me engaged in discussions and motivated me to learn more, conduct my own research, read, explore, travel, and expand my knowledge across different continents.

Was there a specific event or person that inspired and influenced you significantly?

While I was in school, my English teacher, Nana Koutsandreou, inspired me with all the travels she shared with us in class—showing us where she had been and all the adventures she had experienced. She also took us on hikes in the mountains and to different places, broadening our horizons.
Then, there was my private physics tutor in high school, Giannis Berdahas, who is no longer with us, but he had a huge impact on me. He explained physics to me so well that I never had to study it on my own. The first thing he ever told me was, “We are free citizens,” emphasizing that passing our exams and chasing our dreams is entirely up to us.

From my university years, Łukasz Stawarz, the head of the observatory in Krakow and my supervisor during my Erasmus, had a huge influence on me. Through all our astronomical discussions about blazars and the life of a researcher, he shaped my perspective. Even though I had secured a PhD position with him, he believed it was more important for me to follow my heart, chase my dreams, and pursue my own galaxies.
The discussions, the passion for research and discovery, his guidance—especially in the final months of my master’s—and his unwavering belief in me are some of the most important reasons I continue on this path today.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your studies and research?

Sometimes, it’s the feeling that I haven’t done enough. Other times, it’s when my personal values conflict with what would be considered “best” for my future.

What is the academic environment like there? Is there anything distinctive about the philosophy or infrastructure of the universities there?

My supervisor and the galaxy meetings we have are full of knowledge, aiming for understanding and learning. As a student, I am not afraid to ask questions or… Additionally, these four people who primarily lead the meetings are eager to learn about what’s happening in new papers that appear daily, and how various concepts and processes connect with each other. The meeting, in turn, strengthens my enthusiasm for both general knowledge and those focused on my doctoral studies. Not everyone has such great supervisors, and I wouldn’t say the same about various other meetings at the observatory or the university, as I know other people at the doctoral level. Overall, Estonia is a country where I have not felt discrimination based on my gender or individuality in general terms, and I have seen that efforts are being made to embrace disabilities, rights, and mental health in practice. I believe it is about how lucky you are and how you pursue what you want. For me, for example, it is about learning and being excited about what I learn.

Are you part of any scientific team or project?

Yes! From a purely research perspective, we have a galaxy group here in Tartu (with the names I mentioned earlier), and our research mainly focuses on how galaxies formed and what happens to them over time.
This is also connected to the J-PAS telescope, which (finally!) has provided us with its first images! Right now, we are studying the enormous voids left behind by multiple supernova explosions and how they influence the evolution of a galaxy’s disk.

For the general public… Lately, I’ve been writing popular science articles about astronomy for UNI-MAG!

What inspired you to participate in UNI-MAG?

Basically, it started when I googled Eirini and found an interview of hers where she was playing chess. Beyond that, when I first started writing for UNI-MAG, I was a bit in the dark about how things worked. But the magazine reminded me of those childhood summer newspapers I used to have at the beach—full of little quizzes, crosswords, and stories that continued from one issue to the next.
I love that I have the freedom to add humor, a sense of playfulness, and my personal experiences while writing. I can travel with Captain GG, stumble upon random facts along the way, and make discoveries—just like in real life, filled with humor, challenges, and vibrancy.
What excites me is the idea of taking something that might seem like dry knowledge to some and delivering it with enthusiasm to the reader—someone who will follow the adventures of Daphne and Adrianos and learn, not because they have to, but in the same way they’d excitedly explain their favorite ice cream flavor to a friend. The goal is to make learning feel natural and engaging while staying true to the essence of science and facts.

Which article that you’ve written do you consider the most special, and why?

The article about the Northern Lights! Mainly because it was one of the first ones I wrote and because the photos we included were taken by my friends who saw them in different places!

Is there a specific research direction you would like to pursue?

I’m interested in anything related to the dynamics and evolution of galaxies. I still have a year to decide on my next step, so I’m taking it one step at a time.

How do you think astrophysics can impact daily life or the general public’s understanding of the world?

Here in Estonia, astrophysics is one of the main tools used in schools. The magic of space draws children in, encouraging them to play and learn.
As for understanding the world in general, I’m not entirely sure. Personally, it has helped me realize how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things—how, in a few years, we will be forgotten in the vast universe. No star cares about the failed stars around it that couldn’t sustain nuclear reactions and ended up as planets.
With that perspective, I want to do the best I can—not only for those around me but also for expanding my own knowledge about the universe and the world we live in.

What is your favorite celestial body and why?

Ummm… the Phantom Galaxy, NGC 628! Just when I thought I knew everything about it, I ended up learning so many new things. Also, when the James Webb telescope captured it, it was filled with so many colors and structures—it’s simply stunning.

Also, Saturn, because it was the first planet I saw so clearly through a telescope. At first, it was just a tiny spot, and I knew I had aimed correctly. But after adjusting the telescope a bit, it appeared in full view—with all its rings.

If you could travel to any planet, which one would you choose?

Actually, I’d love to visit the asteroid Niobe 71, since it shares my name!

What would you say to someone who wants to pursue astrophysics as a field of study and career but is hesitant?

Hahaha… to be honest, I’m not sure! I’d say that there will be a lot of math… and they should definitely learn programming! They should ask questions, be curious, and they’ll find their own path.
Other than that, I believe that similar challenges exist in many other fields as well.

Post navigation