Tell us something about yourself:
I studied at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague (UCT Prague) - bachelor and master in the field of Water Technology (program Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection). As for the doctoral studies, I did a joint PhD - double degree at UCT Prague (under the guidance of prof. Pavel Jeníček and assoc. prof. Jan Bartáček) and Ghent University (prof. Eveline Volcke). I defended my doctorate in September 2017. Currently, I am on maternity leave so I have a six-month break. Nevertheless, I am still cooperating with the Department of Water Technology and Environment Engineering. During my studies, I worked for several years in the summer as a laboratory assistant in the company Barvy a laky Hostivař and then as an assistant in the private company Consultations in Environmental Protection. Since defending my doctorate, I have been working at the Department of Water Technology and Environment Engineering. I am currently working as a REPARES project manager. This is the Horizon 2020 project on antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria. I was also in charge of the SuPER-W project, a European project of double doctorates dealing with the acquisition of resources, products, and energy from wastewater. Next to these projects, I also deal with science as such. In recent years, I have been trying to focus on mathematical modelling, specifically the process of microaeration (which is a biochemical method for removing hydrogen sulfide from biogas). We were the first to model this process and now we are trying to improve it. And last but not least, I am still in charge of the website at our department.
What do you like most about working as a scientist?
Apart from the fact that I enjoy discovering the undiscovered, I also like the fact that the work of a scientist is not monotonous. For a while, I read some literature, then I am writing articles or projects, after that I work in a laboratory or devote my time to students or I teach. I also have a great opportunity to travel. Every day is different and I am never certain what I am going to find out by my research, whom I will meet and where it will move me.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement(s) to date?
I probably consider the fact that I managed to defend my dissertation with two very young children to be my greatest success to date. The second son was born when I had my dissertation ready for printing and defended it when he was less than two months old. In retrospect, when I think about it, it was really a very difficult period, which, of course, also had its advantages – there were no time to stress about the defense. Of course, I consider all my prizes and placements to be a success. It pushed me forward and gave me the feeling that it was the right choice for me to become a scientist and everything makes sense. And last but not least, I consider it a huge success that I still manage to bring my family and scientific work together. My husband (also working at UCT Prague) and I have three small children and some days are extremely demanding. However, thanks to my family, my husband, and the opportunity to work from home and part-time, it all works out. In addition, I consider this not only a huge success, but most of all I am really grateful for it.
Why do you prefer science to the commercial sphere?
When I was thinking about what to do next in my life, I liked the idea of continuing in the laboratory. I was attracted by the opportunity to travel abroad. During my master's degree, I was on Erasmus for half a year at a university in Milan and it was an invaluable experience. Yes, in many ways very hard, for example, I still do not understand how I could master four subjects in Italian, which I had studied for less than three months. However, it was also one of the best experiences, culturally and socially. The doctorate offered me both, a job in science and at the same time the opportunity to travel and broaden my horizons again. Which ended up being better than I had ever hoped. Not only because of a double doctorate (and a year spent in Belgium), but also because of an eight-month internship at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.
What would you say to those who are thinking about doing a PhD at UCT Prague?
To think carefully if this is exactly what they want to do. Because no matter how much I enjoyed it and had the opportunity to travel, meet new people and learn, the whole doctorate is challenging. You have to sacrifice a lot of time, and if you apply for it just because you do not want to work yet, you will know it and you will most probably give it up after a while. However, if a person is determined, I can only tell them to persevere. During the first year, there will probably be a time when they will doubt it all when scientific enthusiasm will clash with reality. However, that moment will pass and with a little luck, the scientific enthusiasm will remain … And this is, in my opinion, worth it.