Petr Vozka

Tell us about yourself:

I completed the bachelor’s programme Chemistry and Chemical Technologies at the Faculty of Chemical Technology, UCT Prague, and the master’s programme Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Environment at the Faculty of Environmental Technology, UCT Prague. I started my doctoral studies at the Faculty of Environmental Technology in Chemistry and Technology of Fuels and Environment and completed them at Purdue University, USA, in Engineering Technology, focusing on the analysis of alternative aviation fuels for the US Navy. I am currently a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant at Purdue University in the USA, where, in collaboration with the US Navy, we are trying to implement the fuel analysis methods I developed at US Navy bases. I work as a postdoc at Purdue University and have accepted an offer of an Assistant Professor position at California State University, Los Angeles. In the Czech Republic, during my master’s studies, I received the Unipetrol Award (2013 and 2014) and the Dobrý list komory (2013 and 2014) for excellent academic results. In the USA, in 2019 I received the ASTM International Graduate Scholarship ($10,000) and, in the same year, a postdoctoral fellowship from the Office of Naval Research.

What do you enjoy most about being a scientist?

Research work covers a huge range of activities, and the work on each project is varied. What I enjoy most is that you are constantly learning new things and gaining unique experience. Learning new things also means collaborating with more experienced scientists, often from different fields and cultures. I also really enjoy that these collaborations give rise to new ideas, which give me the chance to work on innovative experiments – so as a scientist I’m at the centre of everything I used to only read about. Now people can read about my work, and that’s a great feeling.

What do you consider your greatest achievements so far?

When I think about my academic achievements, what comes to mind first is successfully earning a PhD at one of the top universities in the USA, working with leading scientists in my field, several papers in important journals, and even a patent for one of my methods. But if I had to generalise, I see my greatest personal achievement as doing what I enjoy, not having to force myself to go to work or the lab, and seeing being a scientist not as a way to get paid at the end of the month but as a privilege.

Why did you choose research over industry?

Science has attracted me since primary school. I always wanted to know how things work and, above all, why. Humanity has a huge impact on the environment and the energy resources of our planet, so we need to find solutions to the problems humanity faces. Industry is usually driven by economic profit, whereas science serves people – or at least it should. Personally, I prefer science (in the academic sense) because I would like to work on something that will help people in the future or bring something useful, regardless of profit.

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

The world needs you! None of today’s problems will solve themselves, whether it’s food production, waste disposal, air pollution or medicines for all kinds of diseases. Being a scientist is a privilege and an amazing thing. People sometimes aren’t clear on what “being a scientist” means or what a scientist actually does. The same goes for a PhD. I’ve often heard the claim that a PhD is only useful if you want to be a professor (teacher). Don’t believe it and don’t let it put you off. Besides becoming an expert in a given field, doctoral study also develops critical thinking, effective problem-solving, collaboration and leadership. In my view, these are the most important qualities for a successful career, as they are the most sought-after in today’s world. Lifelong learning also contributes to personal fulfilment and satisfaction. UCT Prague is one of the best universities in the Czech Republic. Some of the best scientists I have worked and still work with are at UCT Prague. If you’re deciding whether to do a PhD at UCT Prague, don’t hesitate. I’ve had the chance to compare doctoral study at UCT Prague with one of the best universities in the USA, and I’m very proud of the work UCT Prague does. UCT Prague prepared me more than well to be a successful research candidate on a global scale.