A Latvian’s Suggestion Led a Lebanese to Lithuania – Now He Calls It Home

“Call it coincidence or fate,” says Rizkallah Al Akiki Dit Al Mazraani from Lebanon, reflecting on a decision that brought him to a country he had never seriously considered before. At the time, Lithuania was little more than a name mentioned in passing during a conversation with a fellow traveller. Today, it is where he lives, does scientific research at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), and continues to grow both personally and professionally.

“During my trip to Norway, I had a Latvian roommate who told me about the Baltic countries and suggested that if I ever wanted to go abroad, I should consider Lithuania. So, when I was deciding which country to pick for my studies, it was the first option. I was never disappointed in my decision,” Mazraani recalls.

Giving Bacteria Functions They Never Had Before

A common example is insulin production – bacteria cannot naturally produce insulin, but scientists can modify them so they are able to do it,” he explains.

His research lies within the field of metabolic engineering, which is becoming increasingly important in addressing global challenges. With growing challenges related to energy, pollution, and limited resources, more sustainable production methods are becoming increasingly important.

“By engineering bacteria, it is possible to reduce the use of harmful chemicals because many processes can happen inside the microorganisms themselves. In some cases, bacteria can even use CO2 during production, which could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make industrial processes more environmentally friendly. These microorganisms can also be engineered to produce useful compounds for industrial and medical applications,” says Mazraani.

Looking back, he sees his academic journey closely tied to his personal growth. “I owe Lithuania and KTU a lot for shaping who I am today, pushing myself, seeking jobs, going to conferences, experiencing different cultures, learning a new language and accepting the differences,” he reflects.

Calling Lithuania a Second Home

While Mazraani’s academic journey gave purpose and agenda to his time in Lithuania, everyday life added another layer of experience. From the very beginning, the differences were impossible to ignore. “I had just left a country with temperatures over 20 degrees Celsius all year round and arrived directly into below-zero conditions – it was shocking, to say the least,” he says, recalling his first days in December.

Beyond the weather, the contrast became most visible in human interaction. “In Lebanon, people are very physical. We hug and kiss when we greet others, even if we don’t know them,” he explains. In Lithuania, communication felt more reserved at first, requiring a different approach. “People here are very nice, but more reserved. When you initiate contact, they may seem cautious at first, but they open up over time. In Lebanon, it’s different – you can leave your door open, and even strangers might come in just to have a glass of water,” he says.

“I miss dishes like fattoush and kibbeh bil sanieh,” he says, adding that he can still find flavours that remind him of home in places like Marakandas in Kaunas.