Ekaterina Gavenko, a PhD student at the HSE Graduate School of Business, took part in the VII BRICS Youth Energy Summit, where participants discussed key challenges in sustainable development and the energy transition. At the summit, Ekaterina shared the Russian experience in hydropower, engaged in international discussions with experts from India, the UAE, and Brazil, and presented the results of her own research carried out under the guidance of GSB faculty. In this interview, she speaks about her journey from master’s to PhD studies, the importance of an expert academic environment, the support she received from faculty members, and offers advice to students looking to engage with the international research community.