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One of us: Assistant Professor from Mexico Jesus Alberto Cazares Montes

June 1, 2022

Mexico is a country located almost ten thousand kilometers away from Latvia. It has a completely different culture that might be foreign for many. Jesus Alberto Cazares Montes, or how colleagues and students call him – Jesus Montes, is a citizen of Mexico who has come this long way to not only teach, but also to get to know our country. When you first meet Jesus Montes he seems like a quiet and shy person, but by the time the conversation begins, the room is filled with warmth. Interesting facts about Jesus Montes are that he earned his doctorate in physics from the “Center of Research and Advanced Studies at National Polytechnic Institute (CINVESTAV–IPN)” in Mexico and he has taught various courses at six universities in both Mexico and Croatia. Since 2019, Jesus Montes has joined the academic staff of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and teaches mathematics and physics study courses in the English-language bachelor's study programme “Computer Science”. While reading this interview you will learn more about how Jesus Montes journey to VUAS and how he fell in love with Latvia, its culture and traditions.


Tell us about yourself and about your life in your home country and how it is different/similar to the one here in Latvia, Ventspils? 


I was born in a small town not so far from Guadalajara, Mexico called Cajititlan (actually, the hospital was in Guadalajara, which is one of the largest cities in Mexico). Because of my father’s job, we lived in different cities in Mexico. 


I would say that I am an open, optimistic person that loves coffee, music and culture in general.


I used to live in Guadalajara and Mexico City and they are very dynamic, crowded and noisy cities, but, on the other hand, they offer a wide range of possibilities and activities. This is something that I miss a little bit: the cultural activities.


Tell us please about your education and work experience before Ventspils.


I got the Bs.Sc. in physics in Zacatecas University, the Ms.Sc. and the Ph.D. in physics in the Center of Research and Advanced Studies which is the 2nd best research center in Latin America and has the 109 position in the world and is located in Mexico City. I have worked in different universities in Mexico including the National Polytechnic Institute. I did a postdoctoral stay at Ruđer Bošković Institute, in Zagreb, Croatia and after that, I worked as a mathematics professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, Croatia. 


How did you get to Latvia? To VUAS?


Here I will share the whole story of how I got from Mexico to Croatia and then to Latvia.


Once I got the Ph.D. in Mexico City, first I went to Croatia as a visiting researcher and then I joined as a mathematics professor at Rochester Institute of Technology in Croatia for three years. When I was teaching in Zagreb, my students often said to me “Professor, why are you here with us? I mean, you are very talented, you are very passionate, you know a lot of things, but many of us believe that you are wasting your time in this place with foolish students that are only interested in passing the course, but not to learn?” Honestly, I did not pay much attention to their comments.


However, that place was interested in acquiring university status, but according to Croatian law if a professor has a diploma in a specific science then they are qualified to teach only that science. As I am a physicist, I was able to teach physics, but not mathematics (the subject that I was teaching at that time).


I took into consideration the comments of my students and I decided to challenge myself by looking for a university where I could teach engineering again. I searched for different positions, I applied and I got a positive answer from our university. I came to Ventspils and we signed the contract. After that, in less than 3 days, I got several more positive answers from universities in different countries - including a one in Croatia!


However, VUAS was the first one. Since I did not like hot weather - Latvia could offer me the perfect weather! So, I chose Ventspils.


Now, looking back at this experience - I am really glad that the events happened the way they did. I think that I was really lucky to get the opportunity to join VUAS as a professor and I am very happy to be part of the VUAS community.

 

How do you see your future here at VUAS? And how do you see VUAS in 3-5 years' future?


I am really lucky to be part of the VUAS community, not only because I am in the faculty of IT, but also because I recently joined VIRAC. This full affiliation will allow me to grow not only as a professor but also as a researcher. Additionally, I am learning the Latvian language, that way I can be of a greater use to the university.


Currently, VUAS is taking part in different projects, both nationally and internationally. This means a bigger projection of our university can also imply growth of the university in a not so far future.


Additionally, I was elected as Assistant Professor two months ago. Do I need more reasons to be proud to belong to the VUAS community?


How would you characterize the student auditorium in VUAS? What techniques work best in the study process? Can you give some advice to students?


Unfortunately, I have not worked exactly with a Latvian auditorium because I am working with international students. This is really an awesome experience because I am learning different approaches and methods from them.


Mathematics is a logical and structured science but it is necessary to work with it, to study a lot to get a full understanding. I have seen that some students can learn things at a first glance and they can remember everything, but I have also seen students that need to work a lot and solve many exercises before they learn the subject. I mean, each one of us needs a different learning process, thus, the first advice that I can give to any student is to know yourself and find what kind of methodology suits you better and work with that.


Something really important is to never limit yourself with the content studied in the classroom. Go to the library and make a review of the materials studied in class and also the materials for the next class - you will understand it better.


There is an interesting quote in the book Xunzi “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn”. The learning process involves two persons - the professor (I see the professor like a guide, nothing more) and the student. If a student is just going to the classroom and not working regularly, it will be hard to get a deeper knowledge of the subject, but when the students read additional materials or discuss the subjects and homework with their colleagues, then success is almost guaranteed.


I can summarize this with a personal quote: Nobody becomes a captain in a swimming pool.


Could you list 3 - 5 beliefs that would make life easier and people happier?


“If your problem has a solution - why worry? On the other hand, if your problem has no solution - then why worry?”


“Good decisions come from experience - experience comes from bad decisions!” (in other words, do not be afraid to be wrong, but learn from the mistakes).


“If lemons fall from the sky, learn how to make lemonade!!” (in other words, transform a problem into an opportunity).


Do you miss Mexico? 


What I really miss from Mexico is the food… It is impossible to find such a kind of food here in Europe. Yes, I know, there are many “Mexican” restaurants in Europe (we even have one here in Ventspils). However, they offer the so-called Tex-Mex food. This is the result of the Mexican influence in the south part of the USA (especially Texas, that is the reason for the name). But certainly, no one offers real Mexican food.


Do you consider Latvia your home?


I think that you can call home a place where you feel comfortable, a place where you can identify yourself with the local culture and especially where you can create bonds. After almost three and a half years here, I have started to tie my identity with the Latvian culture and now that I am learning the Latvian language my bond can only get stronger. Additionally, I am in a folkloric dance ensemble and a folkloric choir ensemble. I now have a dream to participate in the Latvian Song and Dance Festival.



Yes, I consider Latvia my home and every day I become prouder of this land since I am creating a stronger bond with Latvia every day.


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Project DIMD has ended

By Rota Rulle • January 28, 2025
With the last day of 2024, the scientific research project “Desorption of icy molecules in the interstellar medium (DIMD)” ended. It was implemented at the Ventspils University College of Engineering “Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre” and was funded by the Latvian Science Council in its Fundamental and Applied Research Projects programme (project No. lzp-2021/1-0076). In the mid-term project report (2023), we already described the participation of the project participants at several conferences in Latvia and abroad, participation in the international cooperation project LILAC, a popular science article, and, most importantly, the scientific research conducted, which was submitted to the high-level astronomy journal Astronomy & Astrophysics (A&A). “This turn of events left the participants in a poor situation. Before the last year of the project, none of the four planned major studies had been completed or at least submitted to an A&A-level journal.” Several assumptions had to be used in the submitted study, in particular, about the collision speed at which ice chunks break off in collisions between interstellar dust grains. The results of such collisions had been studied in recent calculations by a group of scientists at the University of Kaiserslautern, Germany. From their published works, we concluded that our assumptions were wrong because at the moment of collision the ice mantle behaves like a liquid that deforms, rather than breaking into fragments like a crystal. Consequently, our submitted publication did not contain scientifically valid results and was eventually withdrawn. This turn of events left the participants in a poor situation. Before the last year of the project, none of the four planned major studies had been completed or at least submitted to an A&A-level journal. On the other hand, the work carried out was not without result – we had a highly developed astrochemical model at our disposal. Practically any investigation (except for those based on incorrect assumptions) could provide new, publishable scientific results with this program. At the end of 2023, the model was further improved and the race against time until the end of the project could begin! In the first [1] of the four major research studies conduced during 2024, we examined the general results of the model – the calculated amount of various solid (ice) and gas molecules in an interstellar nebula. This included organic matter, which was a special focus in the project. In the second publication [2], we explained the evaporation of organic matter from frosted dust near a newborn star. Perhaps the most interesting was the third paper, which examined the path of dust from a cold stellar envelope to the planet-forming disk around the young star. Research showed that two types of dust end up in the disk – cold and icy, and slightly warmer, but completely bare grains. The coagulation of such dust into sand, grain, pebble, and increasingly larger-sized clumps started of the formation of planets, including those in our own Solar System. The fourth article was completed with the final bell of the project and studied the origins of interstellar cosmic clouds. All articles were submitted to A&A. The first two have already been published, the third is in press, while the fourth still has the long road of scientific review ahead of it. Other planned works have also been successfully completed. Two smaller articles have been submitted for publication. The first considers the temperature of dust in circumstellar space, while the second addresses the conditions in a cosmic nebula that gravitationally collapses, until forming a newborn star at its centre. The work was explained to Latvian astronomers, interested people, and the public in the scientific conference of the University of Latvia, an article for the popular science magazine Zvaigžņotā debess (Starry Sky), as well as in an interview published in the magazine “Ir” [3]. The work on the project is not over yet – the submitted articles must be brought to publication, and reports are planned for the next (83rd) University of Latvia scientific conference, as well as the Latvian Astronomical Society. This research has been funded by the Latvian Council of Science, project “Desorption of icy molecules in the interstellar medium (DIMD)" No. lzp-2021/1-0076. [1] https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/07/aa50015-24/aa50015-24.html [2] https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/12/aa51858-24/aa51858-24.html [3] https://ir.lv/2024/10/16/zvaigznu-putekli/ Photo: Icy interstellar dust with the James Webb Space Telescope Chamaeleon I in the dark cosmic nebula. NASA, ESA, CSA, and M. Zamani (ESA). Science: M. K. McClure (Leiden Observatory), F. Sun (Steward Observatory), Z. Smith (Open University), and the Ice Age ERS Team

Students Develop Solutions for Creating a More Diverse and Inclusive Environment at VUAS

By Rota Rulle • December 16, 2024
As part of the COLOURS project, an IMAGINE/IDEATE workshop was organized at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, where students applied design thinking principles to address equality, diversity, and inclusion issues within the university environment. This two-day workshop provided an opportunity for participants to analyze existing challenges and develop practical solutions they could implement themselves. During the workshop, students worked in groups, first identifying the challenges they face in their daily lives. They then focused on creating solutions using creative methods. Importantly, the proposed solutions had to be realistically implementable by the students themselves, fostering their responsibility for shaping the environment and driving positive changes. At the end of the workshop, students presented their ideas, and the best proposals were recognized. The winning group, composed of first-year students from the professional bachelor’s program in Intercultural Communication, proposed organizing events to help students integrate into their new environment and find like-minded peers. These events aim to provide practical support to young people facing challenges in adapting to a new social and academic setting. The authors emphasized that such events would foster a positive and inclusive experience, promoting mutual support among students. The workshop’s outcomes demonstrate that by encouraging active student participation and creative approaches, sustainable changes can be achieved in their daily lives. This workshop is part of the COLOURS project, which aims to promote the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in educational institutions.

Rafael Martin Calvo presented the translation of Latvian literature into Spanish

By Rota Rulle • December 12, 2024
On 10 December, the VUAS Library invited students to a meeting with Rafael Martín Calvo, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Translation Studies. He talked about how a writer's work is presented to publishers in another country before it is translated, what to do when only a few Latvians know a certain Latvian word, how many hours it takes to translate a novel and when is the best time to learn a foreign language. He also talked about participation in publishers' events, book fairs and book presentations in different countries. The students also had the opportunity to see translations of Nora Ikstena, Albert Bell, Guntis Berelis and other writers already published and to learn more about each of them. R. Martin Calvo also talked about his dream projects and revealed some of the works he is currently involved in. Thank you to the VUAS Library for hosting the event!

A Forum on Higher Education and Workforce in the Region was Held

By Rota Rulle • December 6, 2024
CoLab ""Higher Education and Workforce in the Region" held at the VIZIUM Science Center brought together academic staff, students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and other members of the community. The discussions focused on analyzing current challenges and exploring innovative solutions to ensure that new specialists are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s labor market. Opening the event, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) Rector Andris Vaivads highlighted the increasing demand for highly qualified specialists in the coming years, referencing forecasts from the Ministry of Economics. He called for closer collaboration between universities, businesses, municipalities, and society to adapt educational programs to the real needs of the labor market. Dr. Annette Klinkert, Executive Director of the COLOURS project, and Dace Štefenberga, VeA’s COLOURS Content Manager, shared insights on the European University Alliance and its benefits for the region. Austris Galindoms, Head of the Economics and Procurement Department at Ventspils City Council, emphasized the municipality’s role in fostering cooperation between education and the labor market. Meanwhile, Sandrine Labory from the University of Ferrara presented Italy’s experience in the Emilia-Romagna region. Other participants included Baiba Kūma, Head of the Kurzeme Planning Region’s Business Center, and Gvido Grinbergs from the Business Support and Digital Innovation Center at Ventspils High Technology Park, who stressed the importance of developing digital skills in the workforce. Raita Rollande, Head of TDL School, a subsidiary of TestDevLab, shared her experience collaborating with higher education institutions to prepare new specialists. Additionally, Maksims Kovalenko, Production Director at Immer Digital, highlighted workforce challenges in the industry. The forum concluded with a panel discussion on the impact of higher education on local economic development and regional growth. The panel featured business representative Raita Rollande, Ventspils City Council Deputy Executive Director Egons Spalāns, VeA Rector Andris Vaivads, and student Kārlis Andrejs Krūmiņš.

Master's student in Translation Adrija Enrika Ēdele participated in Citizens' Language Days in Luxembourg

By Rota Rulle • December 6, 2024
On 3 and 4 of December, the European Parliament's service hosted the third edition of the Citizens' Language Days, a two-day event dedicated to exploring the power of clear language in fostering transparency and democratic participation. The event, organised in Luxembourg, was also attended by students from the translation programmes of the universities included in the EMT (European Master in Translation) network. One student represented each EU language. Latvia and the Latvian language were represented by Adrija Enrika Ēdele, a student of the Master's programme in Translation at VUAS. The students were invited to the European Parliament (EP) in Luxembourg, where most of the staff of the EP Directorate-General for Translation work. In addition to workshops and conferences, the students had the opportunity to get to know the quarter where the European Parliament is located and the work of DG Translation. "During the event, we were able to listen to conferences, workshops and speeches in different EU languages. It was particularly important that we were present at the presentation of the Citizens' Language Guidelines, which are an important tool for language professionals, translators and others interested in the production and adaptation of texts into plain language," says Adrija. It should be noted that the guidelines are derived from the ISO standard on plain language. The guidelines are available in all 24 EU languages and include not only text, but also video and audio material.

Participation of representatives of the Faculty of Translation Studies of VUAS in the conference The Word: Aspects of Research

By Rota Rulle • December 2, 2024
On November 28–29, in Liepāja, associate professor and researcher Silga Sviķe, associate professor and senior researcher Jānis Veckrācis and lecturer, PhD candidate Aiga Bādere participated in the international conference The Word: Aspects of Research organised by RTU Liepāja. The event, which brought together researchers and language experts from the Baltic States and was diverse in its presentations, included two days of scientific discussions. The first day's evening dinner has become a tradition of the conference which, alongside the conference sessions, provides an excellent opportunity for professionals in the humanities to socialize and discuss current issues in the field. During the opening session of the Conference Silga Sviķe presented an emotionally inspiring memorial paper Juris Baldunčiks (1950-2022): Parallel Lines and Crossing Points of His Life, Research and Legacy ; later on Aiga Bādere presented her research paper Searching for Post-Editing Terms in Latvian , and Jānis Veckrācis – his research paper Terminological Discourse of History and the History of Some Basic History Terms in Latvian.
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