“I want to create a research center for antibiotic resistance”: Mbarga Manga Joseph Arsen, microbiology postgraduate student from Cameroon

When did you realize that you were interested in microbiology?

I have always loved everything related to nature. Since childhood, I observed plants and animals and was interested in how the world is built biology-wise. That’s why I went to the Institute of Technology at Ngaoundere University in Cameroon. I majored in bioengineering with a specialization in biological and biochemical analysis. Microbiology was at the center of all processes. Studying the microcosm and the way it functions is very exciting!

Why did you choose Russia for your master's degree?

While I was studying in Cameroon, I heard positive reviews about the level of education in Russia. But my sister Nora inspired me to come to study in Moscow. She also studied at RUDN, majoring in geology, and talked a lot about the university. I knew that I would not be alone here, and this gave me hope.

Remember the moment when you walked down the plane after landing in Moscow. What was your first impression?

 

As I remember, I was struck by the size of Vnukovo terminal. It seemed to me that all the airports in Cameroon could fit in one airport building.

For your master’s degree, you studied at the Agricultural and Technological Institute, but chose the Institute of Medicine for postgraduate studies. What made you change the place?

When I studied Agroprocesses at ATI, we had a lot of microbiology in our curriculum. For example, we studied how fermented food products based on milk and grapes are created, how to research them, how microorganisms that participate in fermentation work. And when time came to think about my dissertation, I decided that I wanted to focus on microbiology.

Then I started looking for something similar to my interests at RUDN University. And at the Institute of Medicine I found the Department of Microbiology named after V.S. Kiktenko. I came to interviews several times, at which, together with Irina Podoprigora and Larisa Smolyakova, I discussed the theme of my dissertation research. After determining the theme and drawing up a plan, I defended my master’s thesis on the topic of my dissertation. I also published a scientific article in the scientific journal included in Scopus database.

Since completing my paper, I have been working at the Department of Microbiology, there are all conditions for successful continuation of my scientific research and professional growth.

What is your dissertation research about?

I am studying the antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, modulating activity of some plants from Cameroon and green synthesized silver nanoparticles in their counteracting microorganisms that cause urinary tract infections. Now it is important to either look for new antimicrobial drugs, or increase the effectiveness of existing drugs, using them in synergy with new substances. Among them, for example, are plant extracts. Ultimately, I want to develop new antimicrobials against pathogenic bacteria in general.

What is your professional dream?

I want to create a research center to study antibiotic resistance and find alternatives to antibiotics.

What has been inspiring you?

 

All scientists want to discover or create something new. The thought that you can make a discovery is inspiring.

Is it difficult to be a scientist?

I recently had a son. That’s why I would say it is difficult to be both a scientist and a parent. And sometimes it is very complicated to find a balance between spending time with family, doing research, reading articles, writing, and reviewing articles for journals. But so far things have been going well for me.

What saves you from routine?

It is time with family and hobbies. I love gardening. I have a lot of plants at home. There are some I buy and some I grow myself. For example, there are tangerines, chrysanthemums and roses. It’s nice to look at the flowers you grew blooming before your eyes. Also I’ve recently bought dracaena and planted garlic, onions and potatoes.

You have been living in Russia for several years. Do you have any favorite dishes?

I love Caesar salad, although it can hardly be called a Russian dish. Rather, it is European.

Interesting choice. The most common answer is borscht.

I don't really like soups. But sometimes I can eat it.

What is the most important thing in life?

 

There must be balance in everything you do. This applies not only to work. I am sure that balance is the recipe for living in harmony.

Mbarga Manga Joseph Arsen recently took part in the FEMS-2023 scientific conference in Germany. The results of his research were published in the Scopus database scientific journal.

The interview was conducted by Anastasia Zhuravleva, a student of the Faculty of Philology (“Journalism”, IV year).