Jakub Crha

Tell us about yourself:

I’m a recent graduate (12/2024) of the doctoral programme Chemical Engineering under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Pavlína Basařová from the Department of Chemical Engineering; my specialist supervisor was Assoc. Prof. Marek Růžička from the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Czech Academy of Sciences. During my studies I worked on mathematical modelling of multiphase flows, primarily the case of a single bubble rising in various stagnant liquids, both pure and contaminated with surfactants. The aim of my work was to propose and test a suitable approach capable of capturing how surface-active substances affect bubble motion. I have now been working for almost two years as a technical analyst at NUM solution s.r.o., a company focusing mainly on numerical simulations for the energy industry (turbines, compressors) and the automotive sector (aerodynamics, thermal simulations).

What do you enjoy most about working in industry?

What I enjoy most is that I’m still learning new things and haven’t experienced any routine yet, which actually surprised me. In the almost two years I’ve been in industry, I’ve worked on a number of different automotive projects. My very first project was even close to the topic of my PhD (modelling multiphase flows, although gas–solid rather than gas–liquid), which pleased me because I could immediately apply the experience I’d gained during my studies. I also enjoy the work because I’ve always been interested in technology such as cars and motorcycles, and I’m glad I’ve found a position where I can combine my hobby with my job.

What do you consider your greatest achievements so far?

My greatest academic achievement is completing my doctoral studies at UCT Prague, even though not everything went according to the original plan and I had to extend my studies. I finished writing my dissertation during free evenings and holidays, because by then I had switched to the combined form of study and was already employed in my current job. Other academic achievements include 3rd and 2nd place at the Bažant Conference in 2019 and 2021, held for PhD students of the Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals of the Czech Academy of Sciences. My greatest achievement outside of studies is that I’m happily married, we’ll soon be welcoming a new member of the family, and that my work fulfils me.

Why did you choose industry over research?

The choice wasn’t nearly as easy as I’d imagined. I’m energised by work that isn’t too repetitive, gives me creative freedom, and – if I get stuck on something – lets me step away from that task and turn to another problem in the queue. These requirements are more typical of academic work – during my PhD I had a clear goal, but how I got there and what means I used were more or less up to me. Because my studies weren’t progressing as I’d hoped and my scholarship was ending, I looked for jobs in both sectors, but the offer from industry was closer to my heart and better met my requirements. Since joining, I haven’t stopped learning new things, and a creative approach to solving projects is welcome.

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

You certainly won’t go wrong by doing a PhD at UCT Prague, whichever direction you take afterwards. It’s true that I doubted my decision a few times during my studies, but looking back I see it only positively. I sometimes worried that a PhD was making my profile too narrow and that I lacked many skills. But in job interviews I realised that my studies had given me much more than multiphase flow modelling. They taught me an analytical approach to problem-solving, presentation skills and communication. Don’t be afraid to get involved in university activities beyond your study plan – for example, thanks to my involvement in the Tutors association, I got to try coordinating a real project.

How important do you think the connection between academia and industry is for your career?

One practically can’t exist without the other, and I see the connection in my work almost every day. The software I use for numerical simulations couldn’t exist without basic and applied research. What is researched and developed in academia often soon appears in new releases of commercial CFD solvers or other modelling software, which are widely used in industry and help develop a wide range of products that people then encounter in everyday life (e.g. batteries for electric cars, compressors for combustion engines, etc.).