Grandfather's uniform

[Yolanda Kowalewski]

This is my grandfather. I scanned this photo and used Photoshop to clear it up and zoom in on the badges he is wearing. I searched sites that sold these badges to collectors to learn what I could. Can someone confirm or add any information - for example, the shoulder boards have no info? I find it curious he is not wearing his cap. The photo, I believe was taken in 1916 or 1917.
Belt buckle: Russian Imperial Guard
Badge on the pocket: Izmaylovsky Regiment
Badge on his collar: graduate of the Imperial State University in St. Petersburg? We know he graduated with a degree in railroad engineering. Are there lists of graduates anywhere that could confirm this?

Thank you in advance.

[MAP]

Welcome to the forum Yolanda. Sure looks like you've done your homework!!

Not my area, but I'm sure some of our resident experts will be around shortly to fill in the gaps

M

[Aceton]

The photo is definitely from the WWI period, and it shows a junker of the Ensign school. Probably he served as NCO in Izmailovski Guards Rgt. and then he was sent to the Ensign school.