Lenka is a nuclear chemist and a passionate runner – she isn’t afraid of truly devilish distances, even up to 666 kilometres. Most importantly, however, she is pushing the boundaries of her field and passing her knowledge on to students. “I consider communicating with students to be a vital part of teaching. I try to guide my students through their studies so they never feel they are in it alone,” Lenka says. Read her full story!
- Why did you enrol at Jaderka?
I didn't actually know about Jaderka at first. I had applied to a military university (the Faculty of Military Health Sciences, specialising in Toxicology), but I wasn't accepted for health reasons. It was only then that I started looking for an interesting alternative. The Nuclear Chemistry programme at Jaderka immediately caught my eye – I’ve always found chemistry and physics fascinating.
- Would you study here again?
Yes. I wouldn't hesitate for a second; I wouldn't change a thing.
- What are you focused on right now?
Ever since my student days, I’ve been part of the Radiation Chemistry group. Among other things, we look at radiation-induced methods for preparing nanoparticle products. Specifically, I work on developing nanocomposites for scintillation detectors with extremely fast response times. I also take part in preparing nano-oxidic sorption materials and studying the radiation stability of our scintillating nanocomposites.
- Would you recommend Jaderka? And who do you think it is not for?
I would recommend studying here to anyone willing to put in the necessary time and effort. The studies are certainly demanding; at the Department of Nuclear Chemistry (DNC), students have to complete a wide range of specialised practicals that are very time-intensive. Jaderka isn't just about "cramming"; it requires that "little bit extra" – logical thinking and a talent for technical fields. Last but not least, you need passion and a genuine interest in the subject. If a student just wants to earn a degree the easy way, this definitely isn't the place for them.
- How did Jaderka help you choose a career?
When I first arrived at Jaderka as a frightened young student, I had no idea where my future would lead. I had always enjoyed physics and chemistry, but I was also interested in geology, mineralogy, and many other things. However, I had an inkling that my hobbies might not necessarily put food on the table. I wanted a technical degree in a field that would provide a stable career. Nuclear chemistry seemed to have great prospects, and I assumed I would eventually join a company in the industry. By the time I started my doctorate, I knew I wanted to stay in science – the field of optical materials (especially scintillators) absolutely thrilled me. Gradually, I gained experience through short international internships and became part of a global community of scientists.
In the end, Jaderka allowed me to stay in research (at a high level, I believe) while being an academic with all the job security of a public sector employee. It’s a challenge sometimes, because you are one-third lecturer, one-third administrator, and only one-third scientist, which can be frustrating at times.
- What do you think is the biggest myth about Jaderka?
That it’s too difficult? That only "mad scientists" and eccentric individuals study here? That there are no pretty girls?
Of course, studying at FNSPE is demanding, but I don't think it's impossibly hard. For some, memorising things by heart is much more difficult; it's very subjective. As for the number of female students – in recent years, we’ve actually had more girls than boys at the DNC.
A bit about me:
I came to FNSPE in 2008 and have been with the Radiation Chemistry group at the Department of Nuclear Chemistry (DNC) ever since. Initially, I studied the photochemical removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions, but then moved into synthetic work – the radiation and photochemical preparation of all sorts of things (solid solutions of ZnNiO and ZnCdO, NiO-based nanosorbents, ZnO:Ga-based scintillators, and occasionally scinitillating garnet structures or orthosilicates).
Since 2017, I’ve also been employed at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences in the Department of Optical Materials. Since 2019, I’ve been a member of the academic staff. Alongside my own research, I am responsible for teaching and supervising students (both Bachelor’s and Master’s). I consider communication with students to be a vital part of teaching. I try to guide them so they don't feel like they are on their own. I particularly value it when they show a genuine interest in the field and a passion for research. Sadly, that is starting to become a rarity...
Over the years at FNSPE, I’ve travelled extensively, visited various laboratories, and gained an overview of how things work elsewhere – what other universities do better or worse. I even picked up some awards during my PhD, but I wouldn’t put too much weight on that – sometimes you succeed simply because your work appeared in the right place at the right time. For example, my dissertation topic resonated because "nanoscience" was a very "hot" topic back then.
Besides the fact that I love "everything that glows," I also love "everything underground"–geology, mineralogy, and mining. In my next life, I’d like to be a nuclear chemist-geologist. Or maybe just a geologist. In my free time, I love to run, go mountain climbing, and generally spend time in nature.