Minds in the Spotlight – Our Scholarship Holders at the OTDK

“I knew exactly what I wanted to research, and that clarity kept me focused and motivated throughout the entire process. I truly enjoyed working on this topic, it felt meaningful and personally relevant, which made the research and writing process manageable.”

Eduarda Markosyan – 2nd place at the OTDK

The Power of the Press: The Transgenerational Impact of the French-Armenian Newspaper Haratch (1925-2009)

“As we live in a world where many women’s stories, especially from minority backgrounds, are ignored or forgotten, giving voice to female figures of literature and history is very important to end the existing discrimination. Louise Aslanian’s life speaks to issues we still face today: displacement, political activism, feminism, war, and identity.”

Anna Minasyan – 3rd place at the OTDK

The Political and Feminist Landscape in the Literary World of the French-Armenian Writer Louise Aslanian (1904-1945)

“What kept me going was my strong desire to understand how history influences people’s sense of who they are. I also gained a deeper appreciation for how history is not just about facts but about stories that are told and retold, shaping who we are as a society.”

Meri Alaverdyan – Special prize at the OTDK

Black Hours and Golden Age in Armenian History Textbooks

"I experienced significant challenges while writing the Machine Learning Algorithms, as it took weeks to almost two months to crack it down. What kept me motivated and going is as follows: (1) Mentorship: My advisor, Prof. Dr. Norbert Peter Szabo, emphasized that discrepancies are part of research and encourages iterative problem-solving, and many other technical advice I applied that later worked out great; (2) Small Wins: Successfully matching the predicted porosity with the core porosity in one of the well sections restored confidence and (3) Bigger Purpose: Remembering that even incremental progress contributes to sustainable energy solutions."

Martins Uchenna Obidiegwu - 1st place at the TDK

Evaluation of Shale Reservoirs by Estimating the Total Organic Carbon, Mineral Compositions, and Porosity using Well Logs

“There were moments I felt overwhelmed, but the motivation to contribute to healthcare and my desire to make my university proud kept me going. Through this journey, I learned how resilient and curious I am when facing complex problems. The most surprising discovery was how impactful even a student-led research project can be when aligned with real-world needs.”

Rama Khazna – 1st place at the TDK

Performance Evaluation of Deep Learning Models in Breast Cancer Classification

“In general, the whole process was a bit stressful. But the idea that this research could genuinely help SMEs kept me motivated. […] The most surprising thing I discovered was that knowing any tools or methods is not enough. Success of any productive methodology really depends on leadership commitment and the holistic integration and value sharing of that whole process.”

Abishae Noel – Special prize at the TDK

Exploring the Impact of Lean Management Practices on Supply Chain Optimisation in Small and Medium Enterprises: A Systematic Literature Review and Data Analysis

“Imagine if a common kitchen spice held the key to reducing cellular damage in major diseases—that is what my research explores. […] I was surprised by how much perseverance and creativity academic research requires. It is not just about following protocols and procedures; it is about asking the right questions and being open to where the evidence leads, even when it challenges your expectations.”

Faith Oluwafunmilayo Adetunmibi – 3rd place at the TDK

Effect of Selected Curcuminoids on Cellular Thiol levels

“What kept me going was my faith in God and the prayers of my parents, which gave me strength and perseverance, along with the support of my mentors and a deep belief in the importance of the topic. My passion for contributing to positive change in healthcare reminded me why I started in the first place.”

Shaloom Sarfraz - Honorary Award Certificate at the TDK

The Impact of Digital Healthcare on Social Support and Health Outcomes in the United Kingdom

Interviews

Eduarda Markosyan

What was the topic of your research, and why did you choose it?My research explores the impact of the Haratch newspaper on the French Armenian community in France, focusing on how it contributed to cultural preservation, political engagement, and social cohesion. I chose this topic because I have a personal connection to both media and diaspora issues. I worked in the communication department of the Armenian parliament for almost two years, which gave me experience with how media influences public life and shapes societal dynamics. I have also been deeply interested in diaspora studies, and the 20th century when newspapers were a central form of communication—offered a unique opportunity to understand how media shaped identity and community among displaced populations. I focused on the Armenian community in France because it is one of the largest and most active Armenian diasporas in Europe, making it a rich case study.Why is this topic relevant today?In our current era of globalization and displacement, it is crucial to understand how diasporic communities maintain their identity. Media plays a key role in that process. Studying the role of newspapers in the 20th century especially at a time when many nations experienced mass migration due to events like World War I and World War II offers valuable insight not just into the Armenian diaspora, but also into the development of other communities around the world. These kinds of studies reveal the long-term influence of media and help explain how communities’ function today, often still shaped by those early forms of communication.If you had to “sell” your research in one sentence to someone unfamiliar with the topic, what would you say?It is about how one newspaper that became the voice and backbone of a community in exile—connects people, preserves identity, and influences generations. How do you think this topic could be made more accessible to everyday people?By focusing on real stories and human experiences—sharing the voices behind the newspaper, the families it connected, and the cultural memory it helped to preserve. Creating accessible formats like short videos, articles, or podcasts could make these stories resonate with wider audiences today.How did you prepare for the conference? What methodology did you use?To prepare for the conference, I began by conducting an in-depth literature review on diaspora and media studies, identifying the core theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches relevant to my topic. My thesis adopts a qualitative methodology, with narrative and content analysis as the primary tools. I focused on examining how Haratch addressed key areas such as cultural preservation, political advocacy, social cohesion, and educational influence within the French Armenian diaspora. The study uses an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on both diaspora studies and media studies. Diaspora studies provide the lens through which I explore how diasporic communities navigate identity, belonging, and memory in host societies. Media studies, on the other hand, help me investigate the role of ethnic media in this case, Haratch as an active agent in shaping and maintaining diasporic identity. This dual perspective allows for a deeper understanding of how community newspapers not only reflect the diaspora’s concerns but also influence their sense of self and collective memory. To frame my analysis, I applied Jürgen Habermas’ theory of the public sphere, particularly from his work The Theory of Communicative Action (1981). Habermas argues that the public sphere is a space where individuals come together to shape public opinion—this concept can be adapted to diasporic contexts, where media acts as a “diasporic public platform.” In my thesis, I argue that Haratch functioned as this kind of platform for the Armenian community in France, providing a space for dialogue, political participation, cultural continuity, and knowledge sharing. Additionally, I employed Eric Hobsbawm’s theory of the “invention of tradition” from his 1983 book. Hobsbawm discusses how communities create and maintain traditions to foster unity and identity, especially during moments of historical disruption. For the Armenian diaspora in France particularly in the post-genocide context, Haratch played a crucial role in sustaining collective identity through language, culture, and shared memory.What challenges did you face during the research process?To be honest, I did not face any major difficulties during the research process. However, one of the main challenges was maintaining a clear focus. Haratch was more than just a newspaper it functioned almost like an institution within the French Armenian community, influencing cultural, political, and social life in multiple ways. Because of its broad impact, it was initially difficult to narrow down my research question. I found myself drawn to many different directions, from its political role to its cultural influence and its intergenerational legacy. Another challenge was working with the sheer volume of material. Haratch published over 22,000 issues, and while having access to such a rich primary source was a privilege, it also made it difficult to decide which articles to analyse. I had to be very selective and disciplined to maintain a focused narrative. Ultimately, defining a specific research angle helped me manage these challenges and allowed me to explore the topic in depth without becoming overwhelmed by its scope.Was there a moment when you felt like giving up? What kept you going?No, there was not a moment when I felt like giving up. From the beginning, I was confident about my topic and genuinely passionate about exploring the impact of Haratch on the French Armenian community. I knew exactly what I wanted to research, and that clarity kept me focused and motivated throughout the entire process. I truly enjoyed working on this topic it felt meaningful and personally relevant, which made the research and writing process manageable. My interest in both diaspora studies and media gave me constant inspiration and a sense of purpose in what I was doing.What did you learn about yourself through the research that you do not think you could have learned otherwise?Through this research, I realized how much I enjoy working on complex topics that combine personal interest with academic depth. I discovered that I could stay focused and organized over a long period, even when dealing with large volumes of multilingual sources. I also learned that I am truly passionate about exploring themes like identity, memory, and diaspora. What was the most surprising thing you discovered – either about the topic or about academic work in general?What surprised me the most was realizing just how powerful and influential a single newspaper could be within a diasporic community. When I began my research, I had not expected Haratch to play such a central and multi-dimensional role in preserving Armenian identity, culture, and political awareness in France and that it maintains its influence until now. What struck me even more was the lack of extensive academic research on how newspapers have impacted diasporas and minority communities. As I continued my work, I spoke with people from different parts of the world who shared similar stories about local newspapers that played an essential role in maintaining their own cultural identity abroad. This made me realize how widespread and underexplored this phenomenon truly is. Media, both then and now, is an important part of communal life not just for the majority population, but for minorities and diasporic groups as well. It is a topic that deserves far more academic attention, especially in an age where media continues to shape how communities perceive themselves and interact with the world. In terms of academic work more broadly, I was surprised by how deeply engaging and personal academic research can become. It is not just about collecting data or analysing texts it is about discovering connections, building narratives, and contributing to something bigger than yourself. This process made me feel more connected to my own heritage while also broadening my understanding of others. It was a reminder that academic work, especially in the humanities and social sciences, has the power to reveal untold stories that still resonate today.

Anna Minasyan

What was the topic of your research, and why did you choose it?My research is about a French-Armenian writer and political activist, Louise Aslanian. I analysed her novel and her poems through the lens of feminist writing. She was a feminist writer who moved from Iran to Paris to become a musician but ended up taking part in the French Resistance. In my research, I show her feminist path from a traditional Armenian environment in Tabriz to her participation in the French Resistance. I focus on how her writings changed over time, reflecting her personal development, her political awareness, and the historical context she lived in. The decision on the topic was probably the easiest part of my research. I always knew that I wanted to write about literature or cinematography, as I am more interested in art and creativity. I discussed with my supervisor, and I told him about what I want to write, so he suggested that I write about Louise Aslanian. I did a little bit of research about her figure and was very much inspired. As she is not very famous both in Armenia and beyond, I intended to restore her legacy and bring attention to her story.Why is this topic relevant today?As we live in a world where many women’s stories, especially from minority backgrounds, are ignored or forgotten, giving voice to female figures of literature and history is very important to end the existing discrimination. Louise Aslanian’s life speaks to issues we still face today: displacement, political activism, feminism, war, and identity.If you had to “sell” your research in one sentence to someone unfamiliar with the topic, what would you say?It is hard to summarise the whole research in just one sentence, but if I had to describe my research to others in one sentence, the sentence would probably be the following: My thesis gives voice to an Armenian woman who challenges the discrimination against women in the fields of literature and politics at a time when few dared to do so.How did you prepare for the conference? What methodology did you use?Once the writing part of my research was finished, I started preparing for the conference and my presentation. Since I only had 20 minutes, I had to decide carefully what to include from my full thesis. That was the hardest part, there were so many good points and examples I wanted to share. First, I focused on identifying the most important messages I wanted to deliver in my speech. Once I had the structure of my talk ready, I began working on the PowerPoint. That part was the easiest for me, because I really enjoy making creative presentations and I have a good experience in it. What challenges did you face during the research process?One of the main challenges in my research was the lack of sources, especially in English. Louise Aslanian is still not well known, even among Armenian circles, so there is not much written about her. Most of the existing materials were only available in Armenian, which I needed to translate. Since her literary works were also written in Armenian and not translated into English, I translated her poems and parts of her novel myself in order to analyse them directly. It was really time-consuming and difficult, but I felt it was necessary to fully understand her voice and share it with others.Was there a moment when you felt like giving up? What kept you going?In my opinion, every student writing a thesis or dissertation feels like giving up at some point. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed or stuck during such a long and challenging process. When those moments come, I believe it is a sign to take a break, step away for a little while, and return to the research with a fresh mind and new energy. For me, those periods were when I felt like I was lacking some sources, or I was overwhelmed by translating the existing Armenian ones. When such a period came, I asked my supervisor and friends for their advice and perspectives on the direction of my thesis.What was the most surprising thing you discovered, either about the topic or about academic work in general?The most surprising thing I discovered was how little-known but incredibly powerful Louise Aslanian’s story really is. I was deeply impressed by her journey from growing up in a traditional Armenian town to becoming an active member of the French political resistance. Despite the dangers, she bravely fought against fascism and oppression. What surprised me most was learning that even after being captured by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp, she never stopped writing and creating. She remained strong even in such harsh conditions, without giving up the hope of freedom. It is deeply inspiring to realise that, although Louise Aslanian died in the camp, the poems she wrote there still carry her living spirit from that time. She teaches us to never give up and to always hold on to hope. Her poems from that time are filled with hope and strength, reminding us to keep believing even in the darkest moments.

Meri Alaverdyan

What was the topic of your research, and why did you choose it?My research, Black Hours and Golden Age in Armenian History Textbooks, focuses on how Armenian history textbooks have portrayed what I call the “Black Hours” and “Golden Ages” throughout different historical periods. I chose this topic because textbooks not only reflect historical narratives but also shape collective memory and national identity. Why is this topic relevant today?This topic is highly relevant today because the way history is presented in textbooks influences national identity, especially during times of geopolitical tension. For example, the ongoing conflicts and displacement of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh have intensified debates on historical memory and victimhood. Additionally, changes in how Armenian history is officially taught, including intention of renaming the subject to “History of Armenia,” reflect broader shifts in national narrative and self-understanding.If you had to “sell” your research in one sentence to someone unfamiliar with the topic, what would you say?My research reveals how Armenian history textbooks have changed the way they portray periods of hardship and prosperity, showing how education shapes national memory and identity through shifting political and cultural lenses.How did you prepare for the conference? What methodology did you use?I prepared for the conference by conducting extensive content analysis of Armenian history textbooks from five distinct periods: the Tsarist, Ottoman, Soviet, Diaspora, and Post-Soviet eras. I used content analysis because it allows both quantitative counting of themes and qualitative exploration of how events and figures are portrayed, focusing on omissions, emphasis, and narrative shifts over time. What challenges did you face during the research process?Finding the textbooks was difficult, but I was able to gather more than 20 from different periods. At first, I worried that handling such a large amount of material would be hard, but I managed it well.Was there a moment when you felt like giving up? What kept you going?Sometimes, the complicated political and historical background made me wonder if I was able to fully understand all sides of the issue. What kept me going was my strong desire to understand how history influences people’s sense of who they are. Through this research, I learned the importance of critical thinking and patience in academic work. I also gained a deeper appreciation for how history is not just about facts but about stories that are told and retold, shaping who we are as a society. This perspective broadened my understanding of identity and the power of education.What was the most surprising thing you discovered, either about the topic or about academic work in general?The discovery was how textbook narratives shift dramatically depending on the political context. For example, the stark contrast between Soviet-era textbooks’ focusses on class struggle and post-Soviet textbooks’ emphasis on national pride and resistance. This showed me that history textbooks are not neutral but active tools in political and cultural battles over memory.

Rama Khazna

What was the topic of your research, and why did you choose it?My research focused on "Comparative Analysis of Deep Learning Models for Breast Cancer Classification." I chose this topic because breast cancer remains one of the most common and life-threatening diseases among women worldwide. I believe technology, especially artificial intelligence, can play a vital role in improving early detection and diagnosis, which is critical for survival.Why is this topic relevant today?This topic is highly relevant today, as deep learning is increasingly used in healthcare to support medical professionals with faster and more accurate diagnostics. In a sentence, my research shows how AI can help save lives by identifying cancer more effectively and efficiently through medical imaging.In your opinion, how could this topic be made more accessible to "everyday people"?To make this topic more accessible to everyday people, I would use simple analogies, like comparing the AI model to a highly trained assistant that can scan thousands of medical images and alert doctors when something suspicious appears, just like a second pair of expert eyes.How did you prepare for the conference? What methodology did you use?To prepare for the conference, I conducted a comparative study using several deep learning models, including ResNet, VGG, MobileNet, and EfficientNet, applying them to medical imaging datasets to evaluate their performance. I used Python and TensorFlow for implementation and evaluation.What challenges did you face during the research process?The biggest challenge was fine-tuning the models for high accuracy while avoiding overfitting and managing the large volume of image data. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, but the motivation to contribute to healthcare and my desire to make my university proud kept me going.What was the most surprising thing you discovered, either about the topic or about academic work in general?Through this journey, I learned how resilient and curious I am when facing complex problems. The most surprising discovery was how impactful even a student-led research project can be when aligned with real-world needs.

Abishae Noel

What was the topic of your research, and why did you choose it?My Topic was “Exploring the Impact of Lean Management Practices on Supply Chain Optimisation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A Systematic Literature Review and Data Analysis.”I chose it because I want to excel more in process optimization and improvement. Large corporations have a well-defined structure that is formed by experts. But, SMEs often lack in this regard because of challenges such as resources, finances, digital transformation, etc.Why is this topic relevant today?This work dives into how lean principles like waste reduction, continuous improvement, and process efficiency can help SMEs build more resilient, automated and digitalised, and optimised supply chains. Given that 99% of EU businesses are SMEs (European Commission), this topic is not only timely but crucial for enhancing competitiveness and long-term sustainability in our region.If you had to “sell” your research in one sentence to someone unfamiliar with the topic, what would you say?Lean methods can help small businesses do more with less—if we understand how leadership and practical application work together. SMEs are facing rising pressure to be efficient and sustainable, and Lean can help them stay competitive and resilient.How do you think this topic could be made more accessible to everyday people?By linking it to real-life workplace problems—like stressful workflows, bottlenecks, overtime, and wasted effort and resources, and showing how Lean can fix them.How did you prepare for the conference? What methodology did you use?I used a mixed methods approach combining Systematic Literature Review and a comprehensive data analysis retrieved from around 800 respondents from Hungarian SMEs. What challenges did you face during the research process?Cleaning and structuring the large dataset was time-consuming, and interpreting results without overcomplicating them was a key challenge.Was there a moment when you felt like giving up? What kept you going?Yes, especially during data cleaning and formatting. In general, the whole process is a bit stressful. But the idea that this research could genuinely help SMEs kept me motivated.What did you learn about yourself through the research that you do not think you could have learned otherwise?That I enjoy turning complex data into insights, and that I can stay persistent through long, technical tasks.What was the most surprising thing you discovered – either about the topic or about academic work in general?That knowing any tools or methods is not enough. Success of any productive methodology really depends on leadership commitment and the holistic integration and value sharing of that whole process.

Faith Oluwafunmilayo Adetunmibi

What was the topic of your research, and why did you choose it?My research focused on the Effect of Selected Curcuminoids on Cellular Thiol levels. I chose this topic because of the increasing interest in natural compounds with potential therapeutic applications, while also studying the limitations to their usage, especially those that can modulate oxidative stress pathways in human cells.Why is this topic relevant today?Oxidative stress is linked to a wide range of chronic conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and metabolic disorders. Understanding how natural compounds like curcuminoids influence thiol levels could pave the way for safer, more affordable adjunct therapies.If you had to “sell” your research in one sentence to someone unfamiliar with the topic, what would you say?Imagine if a common kitchen spice held the key to reducing cellular damage in major diseases—that is what my research explores.How do you think this topic could be made more accessible to everyday people?By simplifying scientific concepts through relatable examples and emphasising the potential health benefits of everyday natural compounds, such as turmeric-derived curcuminoids, we can bridge the gap between laboratory research and public understanding.How did you prepare for the conference? What methodology did you use?I worked under the guidance of my supervisor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods to assess the reaction between different curcuminoids and thiol compounds. I also reviewed relevant literature and practised scientific communication to prepare for presenting my findings.What challenges did you face during the research process?One major challenge was optimising experimental conditions to obtain reliable, reproducible results. Managing time effectively between academic responsibilities and laboratory work also requires strong discipline.Was there a moment when you felt like giving up? What kept you going?Yes, particularly when results were inconsistent or unexpected. However, my curiosity and the support of my mentors and peers kept me motivated, reminding me that setbacks are part of the scientific journey.What did you learn about yourself through the research that you don’t think you could have learned otherwise?I discovered a deep sense of resilience and problem-solving ability. Engaging with real scientific inquiry taught me to be patient, critical, and innovative.What was the most surprising thing you discovered, either about the topic or about academic work in general?I was surprised by how much perseverance and creativity academic research requires. It is not just about following protocols and procedures; it is about asking the right questions and being open to where the evidence leads, even when it challenges your expectations

Shaloom Sarfraz

What was the topic of your research, and why did you choose it?My research was titled “The Impact of Digital Healthcare on Social Support and Health Outcomes in the UK: A Systematic Review.” I chose this topic because I was deeply interested in how the rapid shift to digital healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has influenced both health outcomes and the quality of social support for vulnerable populations.Why is this topic relevant today?As digital healthcare becomes increasingly integrated into health systems worldwide, it is crucial to assess its effectiveness and inclusivity. This topic is highly relevant for ensuring that digital solutions do not unintentionally widen health inequalities.If you had to “sell” your research in one sentence to someone unfamiliar with the topic, what would you say?Digital healthcare has the power to transform lives—but only when it is inclusive, accessible, and designed around real human needs.How do you think this topic could be made more accessible to everyday people?In my view, digital healthcare can be made more accessible through user-friendly technologies, community-based education, and inclusive design processes that actively involve patients and marginalized groups from the very beginning.How did you prepare for the conference? What methodology did you use?I followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for conducting a systematic literature review, analyzing peer-reviewed articles from the past five years. I applied thematic synthesis to evaluate the impact of digital healthcare on both health outcomes and social support networks.What challenges did you face during the research process?Managing a vast amount of literature and distilling it into clear, evidence-based findings was a major challenge. Additionally, maintaining academic rigor while balancing other responsibilities requires strong time management and resilience.Was there a moment when you felt like giving up? What kept you going?There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming, especially while balancing research with my mentoring and academic responsibilities. What kept me going was my faith in God and the prayers of my parents, which gave me strength and perseverance, along with the support of my mentors and a deep belief in the importance of the topic. My passion for contributing to positive change in healthcare reminded me why I started in the first place.What did you learn about yourself through the research that you do not think you could have learned otherwise?I discovered my ability to independently manage a complex academic project while staying focused on long-term goals. It also helped me develop confidence in transforming a socially significant issue into impactful research.What was the most surprising thing you discovered about the topic or academic work in general?I was surprised to learn how digital healthcare, if not thoughtfully implemented, can unintentionally exclude already vulnerable populations. This reinforced the importance of equity-focused design and patient-centered innovation in healthcare.Thank you once again for the opportunity to share my work. I am truly grateful to be part of the Hungary Helps community.

Martins Uchenna Obidiegwu

What was the topic of your research, and why did you choose it?My research topic is "Evaluation of Shale Reservoirs by Estimating the Total Organic Carbon, Mineral Compositions, and Porosity using Well Logs." I chose this research because it evaluated shale reservoirs by estimating Total Organic Carbon (TOC), mineral compositions, and porosity using well log data. This is because shale reservoirs are critical for unconventional hydrocarbon exploration, and accurately assessing their properties helps optimize resource extraction while reducing environmental risks. Well logs provide a cost-effective and efficient way to characterize reservoirs without relying solely on expensive core samples.Why is this topic relevant today?Shale reservoirs dominate global energy production (e.g., shale gas/oil), yet their complex geology makes evaluation challenging. With the energy transition emphasizing cleaner extraction and reduced waste, my research contributes to:- Sustainable resource management: Precise TOC and porosity estimates minimize unnecessary drilling and environmental degradation.- Economic efficiency: Well log analysis cuts costs compared to lab-based or traditional methods.- Carbon reduction: Better reservoir assessments aid potential studies in carbon capture/storage (CCS).If you had to "sell" your research in one sentence to someone unfamiliar with the topic, what would you say?My work helps energy companies find oil and gas more accurately and sustainably by turning underground rock data into actionable insights using advanced logging tools.How do you think this topic could be made more accessible to everyday people?Just like doctors use X-rays to see inside your body, MRI to scan the brain, Geoscientists and Geophysicists use well logs to 'scan' rocks deep underground. My research helps find the best spots to drill for oil and gas- saving money, reducing environmental harm, and keeping energy affordable.How did you prepare for the conference? What methodology did you use?To prepare, I thoroughly reviewed well log interpretation techniques, focusing on innovative methods for evaluating reservoirs, ΔLogR for TOC estimation, density-neutron cross plots for porosity, spectral gamma-ray/log-derived mineral analysis, and Machine Learning method, which is a recent trend in the field of research in geosciences. My methodology included:- Data Collection: Acquiring well log data (gamma-ray, resistivity, density, neutron) from shale formations via my institution.- Model Calibration: Where available, validate log-derived TOC and porosity against lab-measured core data.- Software Tools: Using GeoLog, TechLog, writing Python codes for log analysis (LASIO, matplotlib), and Excel-based models for log analysis.- Visualization: Creating a clear wireline interpretation (e.g., TOC vs. depth, mineralogy logs, and porosity) to present findings effectively.For the conference, I rehearsed my presentation with peers and simplified technical terms for broader accessibility.What challenges did you face during the research process?The challenges encountered during the research process are as follows;- Data Limitations: Missing core data for calibration forced reliance on published empirical models.- Log Quality Issues: Noisy or incomplete logs required preprocessing (e.g., depth-shifting, normalization).- Complex Mineralogy: Shale heterogeneity made mineral composition hard to resolve without advanced logs (e.g., spectroscopy).- Software Barriers: Learning industry tools (Petrel, Python) demanded extra time.- Lack of Funding: I was out of funding as I was using my stipends to acquire some software packages for my research.Was there a moment when you felt like giving up? What kept you going?I questioned my approach when log-derived TOC and mineralogical log estimates disagreed with core data. I also experienced significant challenges while writing the Machine Learning Algorithms, as it took weeks to almost two months to crack it down. What kept me motivated and going is as follows:- Mentorship: My advisor, Prof. Dr. Norbert Peter Szabo, emphasized that discrepancies are part of research and encourages iterative problem-solving, and many other technical advice I applied that later worked out great.- Small Wins: Successfully matching the predicted porosity with the core porosity in one of the well sections restored confidence.- Bigger Purpose: Remembering that even incremental progress contributes to sustainable energy solutions.What did you learn about yourself through the research that you don’t think you could have learned otherwise?- Resilience: I can troubleshoot failures without losing momentum.- Adaptability: Switching methods (e.g., from Excel to Python, and then using the numerical data obtained to visualize it in the petrophysical software) improved efficiency and expanded my skills.- Curiosity: Frustrations deepened my interest in petrophysics, and I now enjoy digging into technical papers about petrophysics and machine learning.What was the most surprising thing you discovered; either about the topic or about academic work in general?About the Topic: I discovered how mineralogical composition and minor TOC variations (1-2%) can drastically change a shale play's economic viability.About Academia: Research is rarely linear! Initial hypotheses often evolve, and collaboration (e.g., discussing logs with geologists) is as vital as technical skills. Also, Peer feedback exposed blind spots (e.g., ignoring diagenetic effects on log response), proving that collaboration is greater than solo analysis."I also discovered that the challenges in log calibration taught me the importance of multidisciplinary validation - now I always integrate geological context into petrophysical models."