Lithuania stands out globally for its rapidly developing light technology industry, with lasers playing a key role in this important ecosystem. The laser infrastructure at Vilnius University’s (VU) Faculty of Physics is equally renowned for its international outlook and open science practices. Long-standing collaboration between the academic community and industry here drives innovative solutions.

Students at the Faculty gain hands-on experience already during their undergraduate studies and are encouraged to contribute to scientific research, forming early connections with future colleagues in the laboratories. This attracts not only Lithuanian but also international students.

One such example is Aikaterini-Maria Gkouzi from Greece. Although she initially came to Vilnius for just half a year, she later decided to stay longer, completing a bachelor’s degree in light technologies at the Faculty of Physics this January. The alumna shares her challenges, experiences, and discoveries at the Faculty.

What inspired you to choose the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) field? Why did you decide to become a physicist?

I was deeply interested in physics. I used to stay up late watching videos about particle physics and cosmology. I would attend any seminar or event I could find. It all gave me a sense of purpose. Looking back, I realise that perhaps it wasn’t physics itself that mattered most, but the sense of wonder it sparked in me – physics opened the door to things beyond regular comprehension and everyday talk.

Why did you choose to study at the VU Faculty of Physics in Lithuania?

The path that led me to Lithuania was quite intricate. In Greece, gaining admission to university can be challenging. After three attempts over three years, I was finally admitted to the Physics Faculty at the University of Patras, where I studied for another three years before leaving for an Erasmus exchange in Lithuania. Initially, I planned to stay for just one semester, but that semester turned into a year, and eventually, I decided to fully enrol.

During my studies in Greece, I realised that my academic journey wasn’t working for me, and I became increasingly demotivated. At one point, I even considered dropping out. I remember confiding in a friend about my despair, and she strongly encouraged me to go abroad, believing it might help in my situation. That conversation led me to consider the Erasmus exchange. Lithuania was one of the few options with matching courses that I was eligible to choose from, so I went for it. At first, it was more of a passive choice, but within the first two months of my mobility, I made a conscious decision to stay.

What motivated you to complete your degree at Vilnius University after beginning your studies elsewhere? What obstacles did you encounter during this transition?

One of my most memorable moments was a train ride from Vilnius to Mažeikiai. As my Erasmus experience was ending, I felt tense about returning home. Talking to the same friend who had encouraged me to go abroad, she simply said: “Don’t come back”. Those words reflected what I truly wanted at that time and gave me the strength I needed.

From that moment, I was determined to stay, though it wasn’t just willpower – I was lucky and received immense support. To remain, I had to engage in research, which led me to spectroscopy. I reached out to a professor, who introduced me to his colleagues in a lab where I worked for the next two years. This hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing me to see research work first-hand rather than just imagining it like most students. More importantly, I had the privilege of working with people who valued my contributions, believed in me and my potential, and treated me with respect.

What was your experience studying in Lithuania?

For most of my stay in Lithuania, I lived in the dormitory in Saulėtekis. This dorm room became my home. I was waking up and going to sleep with the view of the forest trees. I was blessed to witness that view. Sometimes, I could see the sunset hidden behind the trees, leaving a vibrant rose colour, the sky perfectly complementing the dark green shades of the pines. I am not in Lithuania anymore, and I deeply miss the forests I love.

While studying Light Engineering, I found certain aspects interesting and enjoyed studying in English. I was drawn to the respectful manner of some professionals and appreciated that they treated me as an equal. The best part of my studies experience was writing my bachelor’s thesis. Even though the process was exhausting – conducting research, writing on the topic, planning, and carrying out experiments – it was all worth it in the end. Throughout that journey, I realised that research can be a form of creation.

What guidance would you offer to someone uncertain about their next steps in life?

After graduating, I knew that chapter of my life had come to an end. It took me two more months to accept it, and then I left. Now, I am in Greece without a particular plan, but I have never been much of a planner. Deep down, I have faith in the process. Things turn out the way they do.

My message to anyone reading this is that it doesn’t matter what others think of your life. If university is your path – if it is your own conscious choice – then go for it. If not, take your time to get to know yourself. Nurture the things that bring you a sense of purpose. Everything else will follow, but first, tend to your roots. And as a final thought, taking the occasional leap of faith can lead you to incredible places, just as it led me to Lithuania.