How long have you been working in sPHENIX and at what institution?
I joined the sPHENIX collaboration in March 2024, when I came to Stony Brook University as a postdoctoral researcher. So I have now been working with sPHENIX for about two and a half years, although until recently my main focus has still been PHENIX research.
What is the focus of your work on the sPHENIX experiment? What is the title of your Ph.D.?
My main work in sPHENIX has been focused on the TPC, particularly tracking software and understanding and correcting TPC distortions.
Before joining sPHENIX, much of my work was based on PHENIX data, including identified-hadron production, strangeness, flow, electromagnetic probes, including thermal dielectron radiation, and heavy flavor.
My Ph.D. was in elementary particle and high-energy physics at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and was devoted to measurements of phi-meson production in asymmetric ion collisions.
Where did you grow up and what is your educational background before your current position?
I grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia. I studied physics at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, where I received my Ph.D. During my studies, I joined the PHENIX experiment at RHIC, initially working on measurements of hadron production in different collision systems. That was the beginning of my involvement in experimental heavy-ion physics.
Awards or biggest talk highlight?
I think my biggest talk highlight was presenting PHENIX physics highlights at SQM 2026.
How did you decide to go into heavy ion or spin research?
I was interested in physics, mathematics, and programming already in school, and I knew that I wanted to work in fundamental experimental physics. During my university studies, I had the opportunity to join the PHENIX group and start working with real collider data. I became fascinated by the idea that measurements of particles produced in collisions can tell us about the properties of matter under extreme conditions.
I have to admit that there was also a less scientific reason behind my choice: I learned that our department regularly sent students to experiments abroad for shifts, and the opportunity to travel sounded very attractive to me. In the end, that choice worked out pretty well.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy traveling, playing basketball, watching movies, listening to music, and solving chess puzzles (https://www.chess.com/member/mitrankov). I also enjoy getting people together and have been involved in organizing our Physics and Astronomy department soccer tournament and social events at Stony Brook.
Fun fact?
Mariia and I met during our undergraduate program in St. Petersburg, and since then we have probably spent more than 90% of our time together, especially since we have often worked in the same office as well.
As a child, I dreamed of coming to the US to play in the NBA. As Uncle Iroh from Avatar said, “Destiny is a funny thing.” I did eventually move to the NY, home of the NBA champion Knicks, who somehow managed to win their first title in 53 years shortly after I arrived. So maybe I helped a little.