In 2022, Andrii Obertas traveled thousands of miles to get from the city of Lutsk in Ukraine to the University of Maine. After a long physical and multi-year academic journey, Obertas will cross the stage at Alfond Arena, accept his diploma and graduate as a 2026 co-salutatorian.
But while his undergraduate journey will reach a successful culmination in May, he isn’t leaving the Pine Tree State right away.
A dual-degree student, pursuing studies in both physics and mathematics, Obertas’ decision to come to Orono came with significant (and life-altering) benefits beyond academics.
“UMaine provided me with an opportunity to escape a war-torn country,” Obertas said. “It was an opportunity I couldn’t [pass up]. I am grateful for it. UMaine gave me hope for a better future.”
Obertas noted his gratitude to the Office of International Programs, whose staff went above and beyond to help him adjust during the difficult first few months after his arrival from Ukraine. That gratitude was clearest when he was asked to describe UMaine in one word, as the answer was meaningful on many levels.
“Hope,” he said simply. “I am from western Ukraine so it’s not that bad compared to what some people have to endure, [but] before I came here, I was stuck in the middle of the Ukraine war with little good to look for in the future.”
As Obertas learned more about his new surroundings, he made many discoveries about the place and the people who live here.
“Perhaps it’s a cliché, but Maine is famous for its beautiful nature,” he said. “I have spent a lot of time hiking and skiing around. It is a great way to clear your head.”
He also learned that the kindness he received from the UMaine community doesn’t just exist on campus.
“I found that Mainers are very charitable and supportive of the small local communities,” he said. “People go out of their way to help the little guy. An example would be the outreach program I took part in, traveling physics demonstrations organized by David Sturm intended to spark curiosity in children who would otherwise not have access to a good science education in their school curriculum.”
Obertas hit the ground running when he began his studies at UMaine, taking advantage of the many research pursuits available to undergraduates.
“I spent the first two years working in the thin film lab under Nicolas S. Bingham at FIRST studying artificial spin ice lattices,” he said. “I have also had an internship under Jack Buttcane in the math department optimizing Wigner D-polynomials. Both were wonderful experiences and taught me a lot, however I am not planning to pursue a career in research.”
Speaking on the faculty, Obertas made very clear how supportive his professors were and how special the relationships between faculty and students can be.
“I want to note that UMaine physics department has a unique culture of professor-student interactions who go above and beyond in supporting students,” he said. “Specifically, but not exclusively: Nicolas Bingham, Samuel Hess (who has the biggest heart in the world), Frank Dudish, David Sturm, who organizes physics demos to get children interested in science, and department chair John Thompson.”
As for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Obertas had plenty to say about its faculty as well.
“In the math department, Gilbert Moss was wonderful at helping organize the math club and was very supportive when I had troubles with anything, as well as Jacob Stripel (now working at the University at Buffalo), one of the most intelligent and thoughtful people I met here.”
After graduation, Obertas intends to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics through the accelerated 4+1 program. After that, the sky is the limit. He plans to take actuarial exams and apply for jobs in that area, but he’s fairly certain that won’t be his final stop. In the end, just like so many of his peers who will be sharing the commencement stage with him, he’s excited to see what’s next.
“I am looking forward to where the road will take me,” Obertas said.
Contact: Allen Adams, allen.adams@maine.edu
