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.


Share on other platforms

Other news

Initiative for Space Weather Investigations 2025

By Rota Rulle • May 22, 2025
BLU 2025 - workshop of the Bulgaria – Latvia – Ukraine Initiative for Space Weather Investigations June 2-6, 2025 Primorsko, Bulgaria

A delegation from the Norwegian space industry visited VUAS

By Rota Rulle • May 22, 2025
Last week, a delegation from the Norwegian space industry visited Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre. The delegation included representatives from nine Norwegian companies and organizations. The visit was organized by Austris Keišs, Director of Export Promotion in Norway at the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA). Among the visitors was Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Norway’s largest defense manufacturing company, which produces advanced defense, aviation, and space systems, including combat management solutions and remote weapon stations, as well as developing air defense systems and missile technologies for various military applications. The company also offers maritime systems such as autonomous and remote-controlled solutions for naval forces. Also visiting Ventspils was Space Norway, one of Norway's leading satellite and space infrastructure companies; PaleBlue, a company that offers spaceflight simulations; Spectrum Blue, which uses quantum technologies to develop and produce next-generation materials used in healthcare and sustainability sectors, as well as digital decision-support systems for building management. Other visitors included Inventas, a leading Norwegian design and innovation company; Rocket Grace Group, which organizes Spaceport Norway, one of the largest space conferences in the Nordic countries; and startup Nava Space, which plans to manufacture next-generation space suits designed for extreme environmental conditions by combining artificial intelligence solutions with smart materials. The visit also included representatives from the University of Oslo, the engineering research foundation Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, and the Norwegian Industrial Forum for Space Activities (NIFRO). During the visit, the delegation toured the VIRAC and VUAS electronics laboratories. VUAS Rector Andris Vaivads gave a presentation introducing the activities of both VUAS and VIRAC. According to Austris Keišs, Head of the LIAA representative office in Norway, the goal of the visit was “to promote cooperation in the space industry between Latvia and Norway and to integrate Latvian companies into international projects and supply chains, positioning Latvia as an attractive investment destination for Norwegian companies.” VSRC Director Mārcis Donerblics assessed the visit as productive: “We were pleased that the Norwegian Ambassador to Latvia, Ine Måreng, who is a strong supporter of the space sector, also joined the visit. The visit was doubly effective because both the political and industrial sectors were represented,” said Donerblics. “Of course, we took the opportunity to exchange contacts with representatives from various institutions, and with several, we agreed to continue the dialogue in one-on-one meetings. It’s too early to mention specific examples, but we are interested in topics like telecommunications, satellite communication antenna systems, and student exchange opportunities.” Donerblics also reminded that VIRAC already has a strategic partnership with the Swedish Space Corporation and that there is a solid basis to hope for broader partnerships among the Nordic and Baltic countries.

Guest lecture by the Head of the Culture and Press Section of the German Embassy

By Rota Rulle • May 20, 2025
On 15th of May, students of the Faculty of Translation Studies had the opportunity to attend a guest lecture about German-Latvian cooperation, embassy work and diplomatic protocol. The guest lecture was given by Christopher Grounau, Head of the Cultural and Press Section of the German Embassy, and Nataļja Buinicka, graduate of VUAS’ bachelor and master study programme in translation. At the beginning of the day, the visitors were welcomed by the 3rd year students of the translation bachelor study programme; the students gave them a short tour of the University and told them about the daily life of students and about the VUAS in general. During the guest lecture, the Embassy representatives told the students of the Faculty of Translation Studies about the work of the Embassy, its structure and responsibilties of specific units, shared some aspects of their daily duties, and answered questions asked by students. Matīss Jansons and Elēna Šatrovska, 3rd year students of the bachelor study programme Translation, Interpreting and Language Technology shared their impressions of the tour and the guest lecture: Matīss said: "Until now, I had no idea how close and diverse the cooperation between Latvia and Germany actually is. It was interesting to hear how much attention and support they give to cultural projects that really bring our countries closer together. I used to think that diplomacy was all about fine suits, empty speeches and champagne at events, but today I realised that there is much more to it. It's a lively, dynamic environment where every day is different, and behind it all, there's people who do exciting and important work.” Elena also shared: “It was a wonderful opportunity not only to learn how the Embassy works from the point of view of insiders, how diplomatic meetings are organised, where so many details need attention, but also to meet the people who make the Embassy run smoothly. Moreover, meeting them in person allowed me to see the human perspective of their work making it more understandable, not as something idealised, complicated and unachievable.” Event organized by the lecturer of the VUAS Egita Proveja. Information prepared by the students of the bachelor study programme Translation, Interpreting and Language Technology.

European Space Agency Mission “Comet Interceptor” Applies Comet Models Developed in Latvia

By Rota Rulle • May 20, 2025
Through collaboration between Latvian technology company Nanocraft SIA, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, and the Tartu Observatory, the photo-realistic modelling project “CI3D” has been successfully delivered to the European Space Agency (ESA). The project activities have produced computer-generated images used for testing the cameras of ESA’s “Comet Interceptor” mission. Since the mission, scheduled for the early 2030s, will approach a still-unknown target comet—its trajectory from the Oort cloud towards the Sun currently too distant to observe with telescopes—photo-realistic images are needed to validate the mission’s cameras.

Literary Translation Workshop at the VUAS Library with Poet Linda Mence

By Rota Rulle • May 20, 2025
On May 7, the second- and third-year students of the study program “Translation, Interpreting and Language Technologies” participated in a literary translation workshop at the VUAS Library. The event was led by poet, translator, and editor Linda Mence and attended by students with a particular interest in literature and literary translation. The main theme of the workshop was the voice embodied in the text. This voice can belong to an author or translator, although the translator’s voice usually plays a symbolic role. At the beginning, Linda Mence introduced the audience to the questions that should be asked before starting a translation, such as: “Identity – who is the speaker?”, “What are the lexical layers and the emotions conveyed by the words?” Students read several texts – poems and story excerpts – and expressed their opinions during discussions in order to reach a common understanding. They also translated texts from English into Latvian to explore the nuances of literary translation. The poet and translator also shared her experience of translating various works and spoke about “absolute language pitch”, which is comparable to absolute musical pitch and is just as undeniably a great talent. Moreover, this sensitivity can be developed by reading works of various genres and authors from different time periods. However, translation should begin with shorter forms – essays and short stories. Two third-year students, Ilze Jaunzeme and Natālija Dolgova, shared their feedback on the event. Ilze said: “Once again, I was reminded that translating expressive texts is not an easy task. What I really liked was that it felt more like a conversation with a like-minded person – a colleague who is genuinely interested, listens freely and curiously to all ideas, and offers suggestions. This event was incredibly valuable; I hope no one loses interest and that more of these workshops will follow.” Meanwhile, Natālija commented: “I truly enjoyed how heartfelt this event was. Linda Mence explained very clearly and engagingly the aspects that must be considered when translating literature. She didn’t just lecture – she actively involved the audience, and I believe that the exchange and weighing of different translation options taught us more than if we had simply listened.”  The event was organized by the Dean of the Faculty of Translation Studies at VUAS, the Ventspils International Writers’ and Translators’ House, and the VUAS Library.

VUAS Culture Day: Unveiling the Cultural Iceberg

By Rota Rulle • May 12, 2025
Join us for an insightful and delicious journey around the world at our upcoming Culture Day event! On May 21st at 4:30 PM in the VUAS student lounge D0, students from Turkey, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, China, and India will take you on a fascinating exploration of their unique cultures, inspired by the concept of the Cultural Iceberg. Just like an iceberg, there's so much more to a culture than what meets the eye. Our presenters will go beyond the familiar tourist sights and delve into the deeper, often unseen aspects of their heritage. Prepare to: Savor authentic flavors: Taste traditional dishes prepared with love by our student representatives. It's a culinary adventure you won't want to miss! Uncover hidden depths: Through engaging presentations, discover the values, beliefs, and customs that truly shape each culture. Navigate cultural nuances: Learn about intriguing taboos and gain a better understanding of potential cultural misunderstandings. Challenge stereotypes: Engage in open discussions and hear firsthand perspectives that break down common misconceptions. This is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, connect with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of our global community right here at VUAS. Don't miss this chance to: Expand your cultural intelligence. Make new friends and connections. Enjoy delicious international food. Participate in thought-provoking discussions.  Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 21st at 4:30 PM and head to the VUAS student lounge D0 . Let's explore the fascinating depths of culture together! We look forward to seeing you there!
Other news