PEOPLE OF JADERKA: Lucie Titzová

My name is Lucie Titzová and I am currently studying in the final year of the follow-up Master’s programme in Nuclear Engineering, specializing in Nuclear Reactors (so hopefully I will soon be able to call myself a nuclear engineer). I decided to study at Jaderka in my final year of grammar school, when I became interested in energy, especially nuclear energy. A school excursion to the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant also played a big role in that decision. I started studying at Jaderka in 2019.

During my studies, I have even visited South Korea twice. The first time, I was selected by my department (the Department of Nuclear Reactors) to participate in the Nuclear Youth Summer Programme, which was a two-week educational event for students from Czech and Polish universities focused on the Korean nuclear industry. South Korea fascinated me so much that I decided — and thanks to Jaderka I was able — to spend the entire summer semester there at KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School.

I gained experience in nuclear engineering not only in Korea but also in the United States. Last summer I spent two months as an intern in nuclear engineering at the headquarters of Westinghouse (one of the leading companies in the global nuclear industry) in Pennsylvania. I am currently working on thermohydraulics for my Master’s thesis at UJP Praha in Zbraslav. With this stage of my education coming to an end, it is time to decide where my next steps will lead. Although I have had the opportunity to see the nuclear industry in countries that are highly advanced in this field, I would like to work here in the Czech Republic and be part of the (hopefully) bright future of the Czech nuclear industry.

As for my time at Jaderka, it is not only about studying. I try to give back to the faculty for everything it has enabled me to do. I actively participate in promoting the faculty at events such as Open Days or educational fairs. I currently serve as a student senator representing FNSPE in the CTU Academic Senate. In the past I also led the sports association Tralalalala and I remain an active member of its women’s futsal team.

•  Why did you enroll at Jaderka?

Jaderka was an obvious choice for me, because there is no other university in the Czech Republic that offers a programme so specifically focused on nuclear reactors. Another reason was that Jaderka graduates have almost 100% employment prospects, even if they eventually decide not to work directly in their field.

Moreover, thanks to my excellent results in grammar school I was guaranteed admission without entrance exams, which was definitely a big advantage. I confirmed my decision to study at Jaderka when I attended its Open Day. I was impressed by the atmosphere and the facilities, as well as by the enthusiasm and approach of the people presenting the faculty.

• Would you recommend studying at Jaderka? Who do you think it is not suitable for?

I would definitely recommend Jaderka to anyone who finds interest in one of the many study programmes offered here. It is certainly not an easy path, but I believe that anyone who is determined can achieve their goal. It’s a challenge that is worth it.

On the other hand, I don’t think Jaderka is suitable for people who are not prepared to face difficult challenges and devote a significant amount of time to their studies.

• What do you like about the faculty and what can students do here?

One great thing about Jaderka is that no matter which programme you study, you are not just a number. Because we are a smaller faculty, students and lecturers know each other, which makes many things easier. This “family-like” environment also gives you space to make mistakes and simply have an off day sometimes.

Everyone can find something that suits them here, whether they are interested in science and research or in practical applications of knowledge and skills in the commercial sector. It is also great that many students already gain work experience during their studies, either at the departments or in companies.

And I really enjoy the student life here as well (see below).

• Do you take part in any activities outside Jaderka?

It may seem that Jaderka students do not have much time for activities outside the faculty, but I have managed to combine both quite successfully.

Since childhood, I have been involved in fire sport in South Bohemia, where I come from. Even while studying in Prague, I still manage to train and compete with my team. Perhaps it is also because most of the season takes place between May and September.

Another hobby of mine, which is also a part-time job, is working as an instructor for outdoor programmes. I help organize adaptation courses, outdoor school programmes and school trips for both primary and secondary schools.

• What is student life like at FNSPE?

I think many universities could envy the rich student life we have at FNSPE. We have our own Student Union, which organizes a wide range of events such as board-game evenings, PubQuizzes, Christmas carol singing and decorating the Christmas tree, the nuclear kite festival, and the highlight of these social events — the Všejaderná fúze ball. In addition, the Tralalalala sports association operates at the faculty and brings together volleyball, futsal and floorball teams of various levels that compete in student or amateur leagues in Prague. Overall, everyone can find something among the faculty’s extracurricular activities. The biggest benefit, in my opinion, is that these informal events allow students and lecturers to meet outside the classroom, which helps create friendly relationships and a more pleasant study environment. Without that, Jaderka would not be what it is.