The guest of the University Alumni column is Mariam Tsindeliani, a graduate of Tbilisi State University. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in medical physics at Duke University in North Carolina as a Fulbright Scholar. The Fulbright Program is considered the world’s most prestigious and extensive scholarship program, while Duke University ranks seventh among the top ten universities in the United States.

Under the Fulbright Scholarship, Mariam will study in the U.S. for two years (four full semesters) in a master’s program specializing in nuclear medicine.

Mariam graduated with honors from the physics program at Tbilisi State University’s Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences in 2023, becoming the highest-ranked undergraduate student in the faculty.

She continued her master’s studies at TSU with full funding, specializing in biophysics, and graduated with honors in 2025. Throughout her bachelor's and master's programs, she consistently received private and state scholarships each semester in recognition of her outstanding academic performance.

While a student, the young physicist actively participated in scientific, student, and international conferences, as well as co-supervising student research projects.

Prior to pursuing further studies in the United States, Mariam worked as a medical physicist at the Todua Clinic. She was responsible for ensuring radiation safety for medical staff and patients, regularly monitoring equipment quality, managing radiopharmaceuticals and radioactive waste in nuclear medicine, and introducing new technologies and protocols in the field.

From TSU Prospective Student to Fulbright Scholar

The TSU graduate received offers to study abroad from nearly ten leading universities in Europe and the United States. In August 2026, however, she began pursuing a master’s degree in medical physics at Duke University in North Carolina.

Duke University has an acceptance rate of just 6% (meaning that out of 100 applicants, approximately six are admitted) and is ranked 26th among the world’s top universities.

“Being a Fulbright Scholar brings immense joy and a huge responsibility. I know that significant resources (up to a million GEL) are being invested in my education. Years ago, I could not have imagined studying in America, at my dream university, on a full scholarship. Yet, after a year-long application process and a great deal of effort, that dream became a reality, and I can proudly say that I am a Fulbright Scholar. It’s more than just a monthly stipend; being a Fulbright Scholar leaves a lasting mark on one's entire future career and opens doors to an extensive professional network,” says Mariam Tsindeliani.

Continuing her studies abroad had been her goal ever since she was a prospective university student. In her view, studying at Tbilisi State University was the best decision on the path toward this goal because “TSU collaborates with numerous international universities and runs many joint projects and exchange programs. This was precisely one of the key factors that led me to enroll at TSU.”

“Tbilisi State University has a strong physics department with an active scientific community and experienced lecturers who are leaders in their fields. The knowledge I gained at Tbilisi State University served as a springboard, allowing me to confidently enter the international scientific arena. Participating in conferences boosted my self-confidence and provided valuable experience, and my strong academic performance and recommendation letters from my professors ultimately paved the way for my success.

“When someone is interested in understanding the universe and wants to contribute meaningfully to science, it is crucial to acquire a solid foundation of knowledge. Tbilisi State University, with its scientific environment, is the best place to achieve this. Science evolves daily, reaching new heights. The more you learn as a student, the more your horizons and interests expand and deepen. In this sense, it bears a striking resemblance to a black hole. However, before plunging into that black hole, it is essential to choose the right direction - something TSU professors excel at facilitating,” the young researcher explains.

University as a Vast Library and Nuclear Medicine as a Profession of the Future

It is interesting to consider how Mariam perceives Tbilisi State University and how she feels about it now that she has graduated from TSU. Would she recommend the same specialization to students and what are her goals?

“To me, Tbilisi State University is a vast library where knowledge accumulated over the years is arranged on the shelves. Most importantly, it is staffed by the most experienced and knowledgeable 'librarians' - experts who know the paths to that knowledge like the back of their hand.

Medical physicists work behind the scenes. We ensure that every image used for patient diagnostics in the clinic is of the highest quality and that the equipment meets international standards. We also ensure that radiation exposure is kept to a minimum. We monitor radiation levels for patients and medical staff, thereby ensuring public safety.

Essentially, this field serves as a bridge between complex technology and patient care both of which demand immense precision and attention.”

Mariam Tsindeliani is notably a member of the TSU Computational Physics Student Laboratory. The TSU student physics laboratory has been operational since 2019. Its goal is to provide early-career students with experience in analyzing scientific papers, conducting independent research, and presenting work at conferences, while introducing them to modern scientific methods, such as data processing, computer simulations, and modeling. Mariam’s work is based on numerical calculations and computer modeling. She is also consistently and actively involved in educational initiatives, particularly those aimed at fostering a love of science among schoolchildren. As an active member of the Georgian Association of Physics Students (GAPS) and the Young Minds Tbilisi association, she organizes a variety of educational events for students.

“My specific field, medical physics, is a leading and prestigious discipline within physics with great potential for the future. Beyond establishing myself as a professional, my goal is to share the knowledge I have gained abroad and foster the field’s development in Georgia - an endeavor that naturally encompasses teaching.

My chosen profession is just beginning to take root, so even many physicists are unaware of its existence. Technological advancements have created a demand for integrating physics principles into medicine. Medical physics is ideal for those who love science and are interested in medicine and human health. Anyone fascinated by physics and biology in school and wondering how the two fields could be combined would find medical physics compelling,” says Mariam.