Fatima Shogenova Becomes the First Woman in KBSU History to Earn a Candidate of Sciences Degree in Construction Materials

Fatima Mukhamedovna Shogenova, deputy director for Research and Computerization at the Institute of Architecture, Construction, and Design of Kabardino-Balkarian State University (KBSU) and a senior lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Design, has become the first woman in the university’s history to be awarded the academic degree of Candidate of Technical Sciences in the field of «Construction Materials and Products» (specialty 2.1.5).

Fatima Shogenova has been with KBSU since 2004. Over the years, she has advanced from a young specialist to the head of the institute’s research division. Her academic background includes graduating with honors from the Kabardino-Balkarian State Agricultural Academy in 2003, where she specialized in «Environmental Land Management,» and earning a master’s degree with distinction from KBSU in 2017, specializing in «Theory and Design of Buildings and Structures.» From 2019 to 2023, she completed a full-time postgraduate program at the university.

The title of Fatima Shogenova’s dissertation is «Thermal and Fire-Resistant Fiber-Gypsum-Cement-Vermiculite Concrete and Mortar Composites Incorporating Volcanic Ash and Pumice.» While the title may sound complex, it addresses a practical challenge of great relevance to the entire construction sector: the development of high-performance materials derived from local raw resources.

Fatima Mukhamedovna began her research on this topic in 2019. The core concept of her work involves utilizing volcanic rocks from the Caucasus—specifically ash and pumice—to create innovative construction composites with precisely engineered properties. In her research, Fatima Shogenova investigated the properties of novel construction materials based on volcanic ash and pumice, examining the effects of varying compositions and manufacturing methods. She determined how the mixture’s composition and preparation conditions influence the material’s strength, fire resistance, and water resistance. Furthermore, she identified the optimal types and quantities of reinforcing fibers and derived formulas relating the material’s compressive and flexural strength to its density and structure.

Fatima Shogenova’s work is geared toward practical application in the construction industry. Key outcomes include formulas for calculating the strength and fire resistance of structures built with these new composites; data on how the materials behave when heated, enabling the prediction of their performance during a fire; a methodology for testing the fire resistance of materials in a laboratory setting; and recommendations for the production of plastering compounds, including dry-mix formulations.

The testing equipment also warrants special mention. A custom-built laboratory electric furnace was developed for this study, capable of replicating the temperature conditions of an actual fire. It demonstrated high precision, with a deviation of only 3% from the standard temperature profile.

The dissertation was defended before the 24.2.295.01 Dissertation Council at Dagestan State Technical University. The council consisted of 15 members, including 8 Doctors of Science in the candidate’s field of specialization and 6 Doctors of Science in structural mechanics. The decision was unanimous, with 15 votes in favor and none against. The council concluded that Fatima Shogenova had successfully addressed a scientific challenge of significant importance for the development of construction technologies based on locally sourced raw materials. Reflecting on her years of work, Fatima Mukhamedovna highlighted the pivotal role of her academic supervisor:

«I would like to express my sincere and deepest gratitude to my supervisor, Tole Amirovich Khezhev—a Doctor of Technical Sciences and a professor—for the time he dedicated to discussing my research and for his constant readiness to help. His valuable advice enabled me to overcome numerous challenges. His professionalism and dedication to science inspire me and serve as an example to follow.»
For Fatima Mukhamedovna, maintaining a balance between her professional life and her personal life is essential.

«I strive to find harmony between my personal development and the time I spend with my family,» she explains. «In my free time, I enjoy reading, going for walks, and cooking. Taking walks, spending time in nature with family and friends, going on excursions, and staying active—these are the things that bring me genuine joy and help me recharge.»

Today, Fatima Mukhamedovna Shogenova is an accomplished scientist and a role model for students and young researchers at KBSU. She advises aspiring researchers not to shy away from complex topics, but rather to carefully seek out their practical applications; in her experience, it is precisely this consistent work on applied problems that leads to significant scientific results.