Dita Hronová

Tell us about yourself:

At UCT Prague I completed the bachelor’s programme Chemistry and Chemical Technologies (Faculty of Chemical Technology) and then continued with the master’s programme Hydrogen and Membrane Technologies (Faculty of Chemical Technology). I am currently studying the doctoral programme Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, during which I went on a three-month internship in Italy (CNR-ICCOM, Sesto Fiorentino). Since the start of my studies at UCT Prague I have been active in student organisations such as the Academic Senate, the Tutors, ÚDKH and Lesamáj, and I have promoted science at Modern Chemistry lessons, Gaudeamus fairs, VědaFest and open days. I currently organise the PhD Newsletter and promotional events of the Department of Inorganic Technology, and I also help run the Fénix science camps for children.

What do you enjoy most about being a scientist?

What I enjoy most is that you don’t fall into a routine and are always learning new skills.

What do you consider your greatest achievements so far?

My greatest achievement so far is gradually overcoming my fears – for example, presenting the results of my work at international conferences to an expert audience, or going abroad, where I had to rely only on myself.

Why did you choose research over industry?

I chose research because the academic environment gives me more freedom in what I can work on and allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the problems that interest me.

What would you say to those considering a PhD at UCT Prague?

Doctoral study will open the door to interesting job opportunities, whether in academia, industry or research institutions. Besides expert knowledge, you’ll broaden your soft skills, learn to work on long-term projects, write scientific papers and grant proposals, and manage your own research. And if you enjoy the topic and have a great supervisor, definitely don’t hesitate to do a PhD.

What motivated you to get involved in so many activities alongside your studies, such as tutoring, promoting chemistry or creating the PhD Newsletter for PhD students?

I joined the Tutors because I knew from my own experience how big a change the move from secondary school to university is. I was lucky to have lots of great people around me who were willing to help when I needed it, and I wanted to give that experience back to younger students. I was drawn to promoting chemistry by how much fun you can have presenting a subject that often doesn’t have the best reputation at secondary schools. I also really enjoyed the experiments, which unfortunately aren’t usually done in UCT Prague labs. 😄 I took over the PhD Newsletter project because it let me stay up to date on various events and opportunities for PhD students. I also took it as a challenge to improve my English.