Natalia Druz: treating without knowing the structural and functional characteristics of living organisms is impossible

     Today, our interlocutor is a PhD of Veterinary Sciences, assistant of the Chair of Animal Anatomy n.a Acad. V.H. Kasyanenko of the Department of Veterinary Medicine – Natalya Druz.

– Of all the options available, why have you chosen the path of a scholar?
     – Everyone wants to succeed and continually seeks his ways of self-realization. My choice was already made in the days of being a student. Defense of two theses was logically continued by the defense of a dissertation. The main objective of further work then, was the ability to communicate, convey a discussion with colleagues, students, and argue my own opinion. I wanted to learn something, some things to change, but always defend my position.

– Your scientific subject - General study of Biomorphology and locomotor apparatus of birds in particular. What was the reason behind such a choice?
     – The basis of specialization “Veterinary medicine” is an in-depth study of anatomy and physiology. It is impossible to treat without knowing the structural and functional characteristics of living organisms. This alone prompted me to study the specificity of certain animals more deeply, as each species is unique in its own. So I study general biomorphology and locomotor apparatus of birds in particular (namely – hip joint area).
     To date, poultry is one of the most profitable sectors of livestock. Despite significant advances in the study of morphology of vertebrates, many issues related to the development of the specific and breed anatomy of birds, still remain at the level of accumulation of factual data. This is especially true to locomotor apparatus of birds, namely: hip joint area. So, great scientific interest lie in the study of pelvic limb in biomorphological direction, its topography and tight interrelation between form, structure and functions of musculoskeletal system. Some information about studying the pelvic limbs of birds was presented in recent papers, but they do not accurately describe precise hip joint area: there are no studies that have included not only osteological but myological studies, considering the type of support and means of movement of the representatives of as many species and breeds of birds as possible.
     Under “biomorphology”, we suggest the synthesis of ecology and morphology of different taxonomic groups of birds, because each species has its ecological niche, beyond which it cannot exist. Modern scientists are interested in the issue, concerning inter-specific features of statics and locomotion of different species of birds, as each separate species of birds is unique in its anatomical components, which emerged from their adaptation to life in different environments and functional load considering body weight.
     The vision of something new, discovery and establishment of what was previously unknown, gives a scientist the opportunity to know and understand the world.

– What is the applicable value of your research?
     – Such research can make a significant contribution to solving the problems of the relationship between form, structure and function, and allow us to identify patterns of formation and development of the hip joint of birds, understand the process of formation of the hip joint of birds and its skeletal components, that were formed as a result of biomorphological adaptation to a particular type of support and type of movement in the environment. The principal differences in the structure of the hip joint of birds are stipulated by the form and biomorphological adaptations. All of the following should be considered when conducting biomorphological research.
Research results are recommended for application by morphology scientists, who study locomotor apparatus of birds, by ornithologists and veterinary medicine workers engaged in treatment of birds and prediction of pathological processes of diseases that damage the hip joint, in a scholarly work during lectures and laboratory classes on morphology of birds.

– Who, I mean supervisor, played a major role in choosing the area of your applied search?
     – Undoubtedly, the Head of the Chair of Animal Anatomy n.a. Acad. V.H. Kasyanenko – Oleh Melnyk. He is a purposeful and principled man, a true professional. With significant achievements in morphology, he continues to study biomorphological area with his students.

– What are you dreaming about today?
     – Perhaps, in my childhood, my answer could have been predictable: health, parents’ longevity and peaceful future.
As of today, after living a short period of my independent life, I try to understand people, the world, and most importantly myself. For me, understanding is determining a life path, determining what I can really achieve, how I can change the world for better. Because the world is changing, rules of life are changing, state laws, people and their attitude to many things, values. But one thing is constant – we always want to live better. This requires willingness, patience and clear goals. And I mean a goal, not a dream. We are young, so we have real tools for its implementation - commitment, willingness to take risks, and faith in our hearts.

Conversation was led by Iryna Bilous