Kiev Polytechnic Institute for good reason is consider to be the best Ukrainian institution.  After all gathered here, without exaggeration, technical, and as recent events have shown, the spiritual elite of the country - the future and the present one. University students have the opportunity to constantly communicate with their mentors - known scientists, educators, and outstanding personalities. And just after some period of time comes to understanding what a fate brought unique people. Deputy Director for Research, IASA, Professor Natalia Dmytrievna Pankratov is no need to submit. She is a renowned expert in the industry of systems analysis, information technology and mechanical deformation of the solid. This woman is long known in the KPI: honored by her colleagues, loved by students, respected by graduated assistants and doctoral students.

"Natalia Dmytrievna, no doubt, deserves the best words and epithets. Whatever facets of her personality would we talk about, it is approprial the definition of "an exceptional". At first, it is a man of the greatest professionalism, scientist from God. Decoration of cohort of KPI researchers", – considers a pro-rector of the advanced study academician NANU M. Yu. Ilchenko. Certificate to it is a bonus for the best monograph in 2013 and annual (!) victories in a university competition "teacher-researcher". Bibliographic information about it is resulted in editions of " Who's who in the World ", " Who's who in Science and Engineering ", " Institute of mechanics named after S. P. Timoshenko ", " Women-Scientists of Kyiv ". Her scientific achievements are marked a bonus the name of V. M. Glushkova; by a rank the "Honored worker of SciTech Ukraine"; by the deeds of NAN of Ukraine; by the commemorative medals of Ukraine, by Golden medal of Poland and others. She is the actual member of the International academy of sciences of higher school, New York academy of sciences, Polish academy of sciences, and others. She has over 250 scientific publications, scientific and methodical works, problem-oriented calculable complexes and application packages.

"And also, – Mykhajlo Yukhimovich adds, - she is an extraordinarily senior and effective worker. On position of deputy of director for Research, IASA, she operatively decides all questions at university and NAN of Ukraine, connected with activity of institute. Remarkable person. Woman with a capital letter “W”, with whom it is pleasant to communicate".

"The extraordinary capacity of Natalia Dmytrievna strikes, – complements the deputy of director IASA prof. V. D. Romanenko. – Sometimes it is surprising: small woman not a young age, but "heaves" up so much, that not every strong man will manage. Especially much she conducts scientific themes as a leader and performer. It is known that presently science not in honour, financed through a stump-log, but Natalia Dmytrievna succeeds something to "break" through, to initiate new themes for researches. Capable talented young people gathered around her, she advises many graduate students which protect dissertations successfully. Finds to each the approach and encourages to work". – And after a minute reflection: "Extraordinarily interesting companion, outstanding person. And also she owns a rare gift to solve conflict situations gently. It is a great art, that inherent not for everyone. With her you have a rest soul".

To teach, Natalia Dmytrievna considers, – it is not only to pass knowledge. It also to support and aim, exchanged experience; to give advice in time, pay regard to error and praise for successes. To help, but not to prevent wards to go their way. In a collective, where respect, honour and spirituality, more than everything, harmony, she asures, always dominates. Thanks to a pedagogical gift, the ability to combine studies with the education of the individual, respect for young N. D. Pankratova reputed as a good, fair, yet demanding teacher. Not imposing her vision, her will, her thoughts, she teaches to act, think, feel, do and create - this is important in the mentor.

Professor has prepared 13 candidates and one PhD. They grew - first under her wing, and then - in independent flight. Everyone chose their path and their destiny while keeping some childish admiration to mentor, and the ability to see all the new and valuable in their pupils, and never be ashamed to learn new things. One of the pupils of Natalia Dmytrievna is a Doctoral IASA Assoc. N. I. Nedashkivska. “Mentors. They give us a start in life - says Nadezhda Ivanivna. - Artistic and eccentric, friendly and not too, severe and benevolent, attentive and indifferent. Sometimes they say that human life is made up of lines that lie from one cross-roads to other. Made your choice, turned right - and a duty vital segment spreads, to the next crossroads. I came to Natalia Dmytrievna in 2002, and looking back now I can only be thankful that gave me the opportunity to work under her supervision, to communicate with her and know that in moments of doubt and difficulty is a person who will help, advice and comfort.”

Cannot stop wondering her energy and style of work. How Natalia Dmytrievna is has time for all! How she is able to timely support something new that breaks the eggshell in the minds of young researchers. Those young people who become the graduate students of Natalia Dmytrievna each fall, thanks to her intelligence and intelligentzia remain in her circle very long time. It is for me - like a star that indicates the direction in which to drag and drag. If I'm, as a mentor, at least for one student will be a star, I will assume that I do not live in vain."

Thank you, Natalia Dmytrievna! Congratulations to you!

N. Vdovenko
Translator: Вовчик Ілона ЛА-13