Winner of the Andris Klauss Scholarship - Kristofers Volkovs

November 27, 2022

Having just won the Andris Klauss Scholarship, Kristofers has definitely received not only EUR 1500, but also a commendation from the committee and the patron Mārtiņš Lauva as one of the greatest students in the whole university. Working in the IT sector, actively participating in all events, studying - it seems that he has more than 24 hours in one day. Kristofers talks about the opportunities and how he has grown from a confused high school student to a person who knows what he wants to achieve.

 

Tell us a little about yourself!

Professionally I am a programmer, at heart I am an artist, in life I am a person who loves adventures. I am from Liepāja and I am currently studying in the 2nd year of the Master's degree programme "Computer Science". 

 

How did you decide to come to Ventspils University of Applied Sciences?

It's an interesting story - at the time when I was about to graduate from high school, like many people, I was wondering what to do next. At that time I had no idea what I wanted to do and what I was interested in. Then I came to the conclusion that I liked art, because I was already doing it in my spare time, and I liked to play video games. Comparing the two options, I realised that the IT sector could offer more job opportunities. Then it was just a matter of figuring out where exactly I could acquire this education. I refrained from going to the capital because I realised that it would be too financially challenging, whereas Ventspils University of Applied Sciences offered budget places and inexpensive accommodation, which was very important to me.

 

How would you describe your studies at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences?

A tornado. It has definitely been a very cool experience. I have grown, broadened my horizons and perspectives a lot, but most importantly - I have understood what I want to achieve.  This has been the place that has allowed me to discover myself, to understand my interests and has shown me the right path. I could write three whole books on all the benefits, but in short, I have realised that university means endless possibilities. University is one big opportunity. Fantastic friends, knowledge and experience!

 

How would you describe your study process?

 

The process of studying IT is like a roller coaster - there are easier courses, more challenging courses, different lecturers, more interesting courses, less interesting courses, but it really depends on the individual. At the beginning of my studies there were more theoretical courses and later on there was more programming, those were my favourite ones. University is not the place where you get everything drilled into you. You are given the basics to understand what you like and what you are good at, so that later on, through practice and work, you can also expand your knowledge in the fields you are more interested in. It's very individual for everyone, but it's cool that they give you this opportunity to learn what you like, rather than trying to make you specialise in everything at the same time.

 

On 1st of September you received the Andris Klauss scholarship, how did you decide to apply and what do you think made you the right person to receive this scholarship?

When I started my studies, I was in a very challenging situation financially. I had to realise that if I didn't want to work, I had to get scholarships, but in order to get them you often needed various proofs that you were an active student. I had to make the most of the opportunities I was given - I worked on different projects, took part in competitions and joined the Student Council. There I gained experience and various certificates that I could submit to scholarship committees to be able to support myself financially. 

I applied for this scholarship because the first thing – money, and the second thing is that I kind of wanted to prove to myself that I could get it, because I think this is the most prestigious of them all. This is the third time I applied and the first time I didn't even get to the interviews. This is my last year at university, so I will definitely remember this as a cool achievement in my academic phase, which I will finish this year. 

It is very difficult for me to say what exactly made me the most successful candidate, but I can definitely say that I tried to present myself in the best way. I tried to present myself as a person who knows what he wants to do with his life. That is true, because I have thought about it a lot and I have a plan of what I want to achieve and do next.

 

Do you plan to make your life in the IT industry?

Yes, definitely!! Programming is actually a very creative industry with many sub-branches, so I can prove myself in many different ways. I plan to throw all my "balls" into the IT "basket". The more I do, the more I learn what I still need to know. I am now starting a new job and realising that there is still room for growth.

 

 

What would you wish for young people who are just thinking about studying at VUAS?

I would like to wish 2 things:

Firstly, I wish you resilience, because studies can be challenging, you move away from home and you have to be able to push and support yourself. There will be late nights and papers submitted a few minutes before the deadline. 

Secondly, be alert, there are lots of opportunities around but the key is to notice  them. What I see in VUAS, is that young people don't always make the most out of opportunities,  that is why I would like to say that there are a lot of opportunities and I encourage everybody to use them. For future students, know that there are endless opportunities here - come and use them.

 


Share on other platforms

Other news

By Rota Rulle September 9, 2025
On September 1 of this year, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences launched a new European Union (EU) co-funded project “Modernization of the Study Environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences”, No. 4.2.1.8/2/25/I/007. The project implementation period is 24 months, until August 31, 2027. The project aims to ensure the modernization of the study environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, which includes the improvement and development of the infrastructure of the bachelor's study program "Computer Science" and the professional bachelor's study program "Electronics Engineering". To ensure high-quality and competitive education, targeted measures will be implemented within the project framework, focusing on the technological modernization of study spaces, enhancing the material and technical base, and introducing information and communication technologies (ICT). These engineering and IT programs are strategically important for the sustainable economic growth of the Ventspils region and the entire country of Latvia, preparing highly qualified specialists to promote digital transformation and technological development. During the project, the infrastructure of laboratories and classrooms will be enhanced to ensure that study rooms are equipped with the latest technologies and meet the standards of modern higher education. The latest technologies and equipment will be purchased and introduced, significantly expanding students' opportunities to work with current industry tools and software, thereby preparing them to work with technologies widely used in the industry. In addition, it is planned to continue adapting the digital infrastructure to modern requirements, allowing for the implementation of the hybrid and distance learning process in accordance with current educational trends. The modernization carried out will significantly improve the quality of studies and compliance with labour market requirements, providing students with the opportunity to acquire practical skills and adapt to the growing requirements of the industry. This project will not only improve the study environment and promote the integration of innovations into the learning process, but will also contribute to the development of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences as a higher education and research center in Latvia and beyond, attracting students from the region and the country, as well as from abroad. The total cost of the project “Modernization of the study environment of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences”, No. 4.2.1.8/2/25/I/007, is 215,083.00 EUR, of which the planned amount of the European Regional Development Fund is 85% of the eligible expenses – 182,820.55 EUR, and the amount of state funding is 15% of the eligible costs – 32,262.45 EUR.
By Martina Bertāne September 3, 2025
We are pleased to invite you to participate in the VIRAC Summer School on Pulsar Observations at Centimetre and Metre Wavelengths: Ventspils, Latvia |September 8–19, 2025 This intensive and inspiring summer school is designed for Master’s students, PhD candidates, and early-career researchers in astronomy and astrophysics. The event is hosted by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Key Topics: Pulsar observations with the LOFAR telescope Pulsar astronomy fundamentals Observation planning Pulsar data processing and analysis Venue: Engineering Research Institute – Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, Room 407
By Rota Rulle August 25, 2025
The Latvian Rural Advisory and Education Centre, in cooperation with project partners, one of which is Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, invites you to an online opening seminar on August 27 at 10:00 AM on the new My Farm livestock section, which helps to: accumulate and analyze farm data, monitor animal welfare, plan work and make data-driven decisions, save time in preparing reports. At the seminar: You will learn how this idea originated and why it remains relevant today. You will hear about the experiences and benefits of experts for Latvian livestock farmers. You will see a practical demonstration of how to use the tool on your farm. You will receive answers to your important questions. Questions can be asked in the comments during the live broadcast. Live on Facebook profiles @LLKCOzolnieki and @Manslauks, as well as www.llkc.lv Link to the event: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1290216356070792 The event is a part of the project No.: 21-00-A01611-000017 "Efficient Environmental and Animal Welfare Farm Monitoring". Project Objective: The long-term goal is to promote sustainability and competitiveness in the Latvian livestock sector, in line with the guidelines of the European Green Deal. In recent years, global environmental and climate issues have become increasingly relevant, and it can be assumed that in the future, consumers will demand products produced in an environmentally friendly manner. These future challenges compel farmers to reassess their current management practices and explore environmental and sustainability issues. To achieve this goal, an innovative farm monitoring system will be developed for the livestock sector, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis in one place. This system will promote compliance with animal welfare requirements, facilitate sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, and enable the monitoring of daily activities, ultimately reducing the time spent on preparing various reports.
By Rota Rulle August 19, 2025
The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened online registration for the international conference on big data from space, Big Data from Space 2025 (BiDS 2025). This large-scale event will take place for the first time in the Baltic Sea region, in Riga, from 29 September to 3 October. The conference will offer a broad and diverse programme, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the use of satellite data in science, innovation, and the development of solutions that matter to society. Jānis Paiders , Acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia and Deputy State Secretary for Human Capital, Science, and Innovation Policy, highlights: “The fact that the international BiDS 2025 conference is taking place in Latvia marks a significant milestone – this prestigious event is being held in the Baltic Sea region for the first time. It is a testament to Latvia’s vital role in the development of the space sector, as well as the potential of our researchers and companies to apply satellite data for economic growth, societal needs, and the creation of innovative technologies. ” BiDS 2025 programme will include: Workshops at the University of Latvia Academic Centre (29 - 30 September); Panel discussions, presentations, and an exhibition at the National Library of Latvia (1 - 3 October); B2B events, demonstrations, and broad networking opportunities.
By Rota Rulle August 11, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Translation Studies Bachelor’s degree student of “Translation and Language Technology” Matīss Jansons and Bachelor’s degree student of “Intercultural Communication” Līva Slesare participated in an exciting summer school “Responsible Digitalization: AI, Social Media and their Contribution to a Sustainable Society”, which took place from 21st to 25th of July in Paderborn, Germany. The aim of the summer school was to provide a learning experience about sustainable use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for the benefit of society, while promoting collaboration, practical innovation and cultural exchange. The summer school program was intense and dynamic – lectures, workshops and discussions led by lecturers and guest lecturers took place throughout the day, covering the practical application of artificial intelligence, its ethical and social aspects, issues of power, prejudice and everyday life. Each day provided new insights and encouraged students to think about the role of technology in the future society. Outside of lectures, students from Latvia, as well as from various other countries, had the opportunity to go on guided tours and get to know the city of Paderborn in Germany and its ancient history, see the world's largest computer museum "Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum", as well as have informal conversations and make new contacts. Students admit that the opportunity to work in international teams with participants from several COLOURS alliance universities was very valuable. This diversity promoted the exchange of experience and allowed for different approaches to solving problems related to artificial intelligence. Dr. François Vignale's (Le Mans University) lecture on the identification of AI-generated and biased content also aroused special interest, providing practical knowledge and sparking a discussion about these problems in society. This experience gives students the opportunity to gain new knowledge, opening a broader view of the everyday life of students at other European universities, exchanging opinions and creating contacts and future friendships. Read more about the summer school on the COLOURS website: https://colours-alliance.eu/event/international-summer-school-on-responsible-digitalization-ai-social-media-and-their-contribution-to-a-sustainable-society/
By Rota Rulle July 30, 2025
Today, the field of radio astronomy has experienced a resurgence in ‘transient’ science, with more and more astronomical phenomena found to be active on timescales of months, weeks, and even within a single day. For example, high-mass stars form in short, intense bursts of mass accretion that display active variations on day-long timescales. The use of single-baseline interferometers (two telescopes connected together) has been known in astronomy since the 1940s. However, demand for this observing technique was soon overtaken by the development of interferometers comprising large numbers of radio telescope dishes. As demand for aperture synthesis arrays increased, the time available for each observing programme became more limited. The recent emphasis on transient science has renewed the demand for facilities capable of high-cadence monitoring of brightness variations in radio emission—an area in which the now uncommon single-baseline radio interferometer is particularly well suited. The aim of this project is the development of the Irbene Single-Baseline Interferometer (ISBI), designed to detect variations in the radio emission associated with high-mass star-forming regions. The ISBI will be used to monitor both radio continuum and maser emission from high-mass protostars. This will enable clearer distinctions to be drawn between currently untested and competing theoretical models proposed to explain the enigmatic variability recently linked to the formation of high-mass stars. With recent discoveries confirming rapid accretion bursts in high-mass protostars, time-domain radio astronomy has become a key frontier in understanding the formation of massive stars. These short-lived accretion episodes give rise to measurable variations in both radio continuum and maser emission. However, existing large-scale arrays are often oversubscribed and are not optimised for long-term, targeted monitoring of such sources. “The method will enable clearer distinctions to be drawn between currently untested and competing theoretical models proposed to explain the enigmatic variability recently linked to the formation of high-mass stars.” High-cadence, long-term monitoring, such as that possible by ISBI, greatly benefits from automation, which makes it much easier to carry out long-term, frequent monitoring of space signals, from planning observations to processing the data. Latvian scientists have created a unique set of tools and automated systems for the ISBI, turning it into a one-of-a-kind instrument with capabilities not found anywhere else. ISBI stands out because, unlike single-dish telescopes or large VLBI arrays, it can both detect weak signals and track them regularly over time. This makes it ideal for studying the changing radio emissions of massive star-forming regions, helping researchers understand processes like matter falling onto stars and the jets they eject. Thanks to automation, almost the whole workflow runs smoothly, allowing continuous and efficient monitoring of these fascinating cosmic events.
Other news