Rachael Ariokot
Tell us something about yourself:
I’m a researcher exploring how to turn lignin-derived phenolics into useful chemicals and fuels. Outside the lab, I’m a warm and welcoming person who finds plenty to be happy about, especially a delicious meal. I may come across as introverted at first, but there’s more to me once you get to know me.
What do you like most about working as scientist?
What I enjoy most about being a scientist is that it keeps me intellectually stimulated and curious. There’s always something new to learn and I also enjoy travelling to conferences, sharing my research, and learning from people whose work and perspectives may be very different from my own. So, I would say science's ability to break both the physical and mental borders.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement(s) so far?
I was privileged enough to study and live in 4 different countries through the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. This has broadened my perspective in a lot of things. But this was possible because I have an amazing and supportive family that takes care of daughter while I pursue my goals. I also get to mentor and motivate especially young girls to push for what they want to achieve in life by sharing my experiences.
Why did you decide to study at UCT Prague and do you enjoy living in Prague?
I enjoyed living in Prague during the first semester of my master's program. I like that it has a lot of beautiful parks and a very rich architecture. But what brought me back here is my supervisor, Prof David Kubicka. I did my master's thesis under his supervision and during this time, my research was not going according to plan. I appreciated the way he was present and supportive (alongside my colleagues in GreenCats), so I naturally decided to continue to PhD because I loved the topic and the environment. I always heard people saying that a good supervisor is half the PhD journey.
Why do you prefer science to the commercial sphere?
Initially, I thought was running from company politics, but I guess these are in both spheres. Now, I enjoy the fact that I am not doing the same thing for 4 years because research results keep surprising me!
What helps you stay motivated when your research isn't going according to plan?
Well, I had already experienced this before starting the PhD, but having supportive and knowledgeable people around always gives a fresh perspective. But also a non-expected result clarifies the next approach.