Jakub is a graduate of the Department of Laser Physics and Photonics, and his career is an example of the connection between the academic world and technological innovation. He led a theoretical group at the Tokamak Department of the Institute of Plasma Physics and focused on numerical simulations and software development. He participated in international projects and published in impact-factor journals. His interest in IT and Python led him to the company Flyr for Hospitality, where he focuses on revenue optimization and market prediction. He continues to teach scientific programming and organizes PyData meetups.
From 1998 to 2008, he studied the following programmes: Engineering Informatics (Ing.) and Physical Engineering (Ph.D.).
Current employment: Engineering Manager, Science Engineering Platform Team, Flyr for Hospitality
In the academic sphere, I worked at the Institute of Plasma Physics, where I became the head of a theoretical group at the Tokamak Department. I focused primarily on numerical simulations and the associated software development and architecture — topics I had the opportunity to study at FNSPE within the Informatics Physics programme. I had the opportunity to participate in major international projects and publish in impact-factor journals. I was awarded the Otto Wichterle Award for Young Scientists.
My interest in applied science in the IT field, especially Python and its ecosystem for data science, eventually led me to the private sector. I am now responsible for the data science platform at Flyr for Hospitality, where I focus primarily on revenue optimization and market behaviour prediction. Here, I draw significantly on my experience from my studies and academic career — from mathematics and statistics, but especially from the development of numerical simulations. I first encountered the now highly relevant topic of artificial intelligence during my studies at FNSPE.
Although I decided to focus on the private sector, I have not left the academic world. I continue to teach scientific programming in Python at FNSPE and other faculties and research institutions. I am also involved in organizing activities within the Python and data community, especially the Prague PyData meetups, which bring current topics to the wider public through engaging lectures.
- Why did you enrol at Jaderka?
I was interested in informatics, mathematics, and physics. Apart from the Faculty of Methamatics and Physics at CU, I didn’t consider any other university. At first, I planned to study nuclear engineering, but later I became more interested in combining it with informatics.
- Would you study here again?
Definitely yes, although today I would probably try studying abroad.
- What are you professionally interested in right now?
In short: management and programming. I’m responsible for a small team developing a data science platform for dynamic pricing and forecasting in hotel revenue management. So right now, informatics is in the lead, although until recently I was focused on computer simulations in plasma physics.
- Would you recommend studying at Jaderka? Who do you think it’s not suitable for?
I would definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest and talent in technical fields. Career opportunities are broad and, more importantly, interesting (also financially), ranging from science to commercial companies — I see this not only in my own case but in many other graduates as well.
- How did FNSPE help you in choosing your career?
Professor Limpouch sent me to the Institute of Plasma Physics to work with Dr. Preinhaelter, and I am very grateful to both of them for launching my scientific career. For my current focus on Python and data science, both IPP and FNSPE provided me with excellent knowledge and skills. The specific choice of employment was more a result of various circumstances.
- What do you think is the biggest myth about Jaderka?
That it’s a school primarily for boys. At least I believe many people think so.