Czech student advances her profession-specific skills at YSU

Natalya Lubenskaya's professional visit was made possible through the collaboration between YSU and the University of Veterinary Sciences in Brno.

"I am here to improve my skills, work with various laboratory instruments, and learn how to correctly approach research related to bats," said Natalya.

She noted that she has already performed DNA extraction from rodents—an experience that marked her first attempt in this area.

"At YSU, I have significantly expanded my knowledge. In particular, I have conducted dissections of rodents and learned which organs are relevant for various types of research. I also plan to carry out DNA analysis to identify the species and gender of the rodents and bats," she added.

Natalya's research also includes identifying the types of insects that serve as food for bats. She is studying both ectoparasites (external) and endoparasites (internal) found on bats and examining the level of metal contamination within them. According to her, the study of bats also involves ultrasonic recordings of their calls and subsequent analysis.

Natalya’s scientific supervisor at YSU, Head of the Chair of Zoology Astghik Ghazaryan, noted that they have conducted fieldwork together in Armenia’s Tavush and Lori provinces. As part of the "International Bat Night" event, they also recorded bat calls in the Hrazdan Gorge during feeding activity.

"Natalya is now expected to analyze and interpret those three-hour-long recordings to identify bat species. Since the sounds were recorded during feeding, she will also present the specific characteristics of those calls," said Astghik Ghazaryan.

She emphasized that the analysis of bat calls is conducted using next-generation equipment manufactured in the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

Natalya is convinced that through this kind of research, she is gaining in-depth understanding of a scientist’s work and mastering the subtleties of conducting precise scientific studies.

"After returning to the Czech Republic, I definitely intend to maintain ties with YSU Faculty of Biology. I would very much like to return to Armenia and participate in a research project here," the international student stated.

Speaking about bat-related research, she mentioned that one of their ultimate goals is to be able to distinguish between healthy and infected bats using only ultrasonic recordings.

Currently, the Chair of Zoology is also studying maternity bat colonies, which consist solely of mother bats and their pups.

"By analyzing the parasites found on bats, we determine the degree of infection and compare the results with the call recordings. This allows us to identify the vocal characteristics of bats not infected with parasites. Hence, we will distinguish between healthy and diseased bats purely based on their calls," she explained.

Through these studies, the Chair of Zoology also hopes to identify which types of parasitic infections in bats may pose a threat to humans and to determine the locations of potential outbreak hotspots.

As part of the ongoing partnership, a visit is planned for students of YSU Biology Faculty to the University of Veterinary Sciences in Brno and Masaryk University. During this visit, the students will become acquainted with laboratory work at these universities and engage in an exchange of experience.