Mentors
10. 2. 2026
Counseling and Career Center
Aldar Tsybyktarov
Role: Co-founder, data scientist
Area: Development, construction, data analysis
Employer: NOVA ET VETERA (founder); former: Honeywell
Language: Czech, English, Russian
Mentees: Students
Form: Face to face
Area: Development, construction, data analysis
Employer: NOVA ET VETERA (founder); former: Honeywell
Language: Czech, English, Russian
Mentees: Students
Form: Face to face
What can I help my mentee with?
- managing stress and pressure
- time management
- building self-confidence
- how to be mentally balanced with myself and what I do
About me
Studying at an international high school, at the University of Economics, and subsequently at Oxford gave Aldar excellent language skills and contacts with people from all over the world. The international environment is still key for him today. During his five-year career at the multinational company Honeywell, he worked his way up from an entry-level position as a commercial real estate analyst to a global management position, where he was responsible for comprehensive planning of new projects and building construction strategy around the world.
A year ago, Aldar moved his activities from the global arena to Prague, where he and his best friend founded their own small development and construction company. Together, they built the company from the ground up—creating a corporate identity, setting up internal processes, and hiring employees. Aldar is currently responsible for financial planning, management and procurement, HR, and coordination of marketing activities, which includes working with the sales team. He also participates directly in construction projects during inspection days. "The scope is enormous, and this is an advantage of small companies—you can try out much, much more than in large companies, where people are usually highly specialized."
Aldar is motivated to participate in mentoring by the opportunity to help students build their self-confidence. "There are many students who have potential, great abilities, and could achieve a lot, but often simply don't believe in themselves. For example, they don't believe they can apply to a prestigious university or get a certain job. It's all about psychology, and if I could ever help someone build self-confidence, it would be a huge personal success for me. This is the only way our society can move forward—when capable people believe in themselves so that they can fulfill their plans and dreams." In addition, Aldar always had several informal mentors around him—mostly older friends whom he looked up to. This was mainly because they managed to do a lot, such as studying at several schools or holding several jobs, while still having time for family, friends, and hobbies.
Michal H. Kolář
Role: Research group leader
Area: Biophysics
Employer: UCT Prague; former: Max Planck Institute, Reaserch centre Jülich, IOCB
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
Area: Biophysics
Employer: UCT Prague; former: Max Planck Institute, Reaserch centre Jülich, IOCB
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- career planning, especially academic
- studies, work, and life abroad
- communication and presentation skills
About me
Michal is a theoretical chemist, scientist, university lecturer, and occasional organizer of social events at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague.
He grew up in a small town in Moravia. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the Faculty of Science of Charles University and studied chemistry, later specializing in theory and molecular modeling. He fondly remembers the years he spent at the Budeč dormitory. He obtained his doctorate while working at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, during which time he also completed several internships abroad. For example, he regularly spent the autumn months from 2009 to 2011 at the University of Pohang in South Korea, from where he returned to Europe by train. His solo travels across Asia offered him an exceptionally wide range of experiences.
He grew up in a small town in Moravia. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the Faculty of Science of Charles University and studied chemistry, later specializing in theory and molecular modeling. He fondly remembers the years he spent at the Budeč dormitory. He obtained his doctorate while working at the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, during which time he also completed several internships abroad. For example, he regularly spent the autumn months from 2009 to 2011 at the University of Pohang in South Korea, from where he returned to Europe by train. His solo travels across Asia offered him an exceptionally wide range of experiences.
After completing his doctorate and a short internship in France, he joined the Jülich Research Center in Germany as a scholarship holder of the German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. This gave him access to what was then the most powerful supercomputer in Europe, which slightly influenced his future career. On the other hand, he experienced some disappointment in the academic world. He completed his second postdoctoral fellowship much more satisfactorily at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, Germany. There, he began to study protein synthesis and ribosomes, which he continues to do today.
He returned to the Czech Republic in 2018 and founded his own group at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the University of Chemistry and Technology, which uses computer simulations to study large biomolecules. He is a member of the Czech Science Foundation panel and editor of the journal Communications Biology. In addition, he volunteers for the Czexpats in Science initiative, which brings together scientists with international experience. In his private life, Michal devotes himself to his three children, loves forests, coffee, the world of Harry Potter, and does not eat tomatoes.
As a mentor, he would like to share his experience, support mentees in their career steps, and help them step out of their comfort zone. He himself would like to broaden his horizons and expose himself to new ideas.
Adam Pruška
Role: Business Development Manager, President and Founder of the non-profit organization CometX – Come and Meet Expats
Area: Biotechnology, business, studying abroad
Employer: Biotechnology, business, studying abroad
Employer: BioVendor Group; former: DIANA Biotechnologies, ETH Zurich, Justus-Liebig Universität Giessen, CEITEC
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face (occasinally), Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- how to cope with studying abroad
- help choosing the right career path after graduation (start-up, science, industry)
- time management and project management
- learning how to meet the right people for your career
- how to create synergy between diverse activities
About me
Adam is a scientist, (un)successful start-up entrepreneur, business developer, and founder of a Swiss non-profit organization. In his first year of studying analytical chemistry at Masaryk University, he began conducting research—using imaging mass spectrometry to measure heavy metals in tapeworms. During an internship in Germany, he focused more on biology and the analysis of neuropeptides in mouse brains using MALDI. His desire to explore the world took him to Switzerland for seven years, where he published ten scientific papers during his doctorate, learned to understand a different mentality, and realized his own self-worth.
"It's amazing how different we all are and how we all have different paths." However, it is not always easy to find and persevere on that path, and with his experience, he will be happy to help you find your path after graduation, whether it leads to a foreign university, a corporation, or your own start-up.
Pavla Hubálková
Role: Science journaslist
Area: Science communication, moderating, writing about science, podcasts
Employer: freelance; former: Charles University
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- science communication
- personal PR
- career change from scientist to science journalist
- international internships (Fulbright at Northwestern University in Chicago, summer internship at EMBL in Heidelberg)
About me
Pavla originally thought she would become a scientist. She studied clinical biochemistry and chemistry teaching at the University of Chemistry and Technology and completed her PhD in neuroscience at the Third Faculty of Medicine at Charles University.
However, during her Fulbright scholarship in the US, she realized that instead of conducting research in a laboratory and "searching for a cure for Alzheimer's," she wanted to devote herself more to science communication. She now works as a freelance science journalist, writing most frequently for WIRED.CZ magazine and co-hosting the program Žárovky (Light Bulbs) on Český rozhlas Dvojka radio.
This year, she published a book entitled Neviditelné ženy ve vědě (Invisible Women in Science), which contains twelve inspiring interviews with Czech female scientists and many interesting facts and data, for example about how women were often "invisible" even to the research itself.
She also communicates science on social media, writes a newsletter, and is the co-author of the first book on science communication in Czech. In 2024, she received a government award for science communication.
Sheba Sunny Marottickal
Role: Mentor
Area: Food Science (with a strong focus on Food Chemistry)
Employer: founder of Food+ (formerly Quickfoodtech); former: external consultant to the Asian Development Bank, UNICEF, Young Women in Sustainable Development
Language: English
Mentees: Students
Form: Face to face, Online (preferred)
What can I help my mentee with?
- Providing personalized guidance to help navigate academic and career pathways in food science
- Offering the mentorship I personally missed earlier in my academic journey, especially in identifying clear directions within food science
- Assisting with course selection, scholarships, research opportunities, and professional networking
- Supporting career development in areas such as research, industry roles, and interdisciplinary pathways
- Encouraging confidence-building, critical thinking, and informed decision-making
- Creating an inclusive, supportive mentor–mentee relationship that promotes mutual learning and growth
About me
I’m Sheba Sunny Marottickal, an aspiring food scientist and Erasmus Mundus Fellow whose journey has been driven by curiosity, resilience, and a passion for connecting science with people. Originally from India, my path has taken me across continents, cultures, and disciplines. I started with a BTech in Food Technology (Engineering honours degree), then pursued the Erasmus Mundus Danube AgriFood Master’s programme in sustainable agriculture and food systems, experiences that deepened both my technical expertise and global perspective.
Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with international development partners as a Youth Ambassador for the Asian Development Bank’s Asia and Pacific Youth Symposium, where I moderated panel discussions alongside UNICEF and Plan International representatives, amplifying youth voices in climate and food policy dialogues.
I’m also the founder of Food+ (formerly Quickfoodtech), a platform dedicated to blending food science, sustainability, and storytelling — hosting webinars, workshops, and community events that explore how innovation can transform food systems.
Public speaking, mentoring, and student engagement have become some of my most meaningful roles. I’ve spoken honestly about the challenges and triumphs of pursuing international education and career paths and have mentored students in research, career planning, and interdisciplinary exploration.
If you’re curious about how science, sustainability, and creativity intersect or figuring out your next academic or professional step, I’d be delighted to support you as a mentor and guide.
Ludmila Baláková
Role: Deputy Director for Theoretical Education at a secondary school, methodologist and lecturer at NPI ČR, administrator of the Environmental Chemistry Section of the Czech Chemical Society, lecturer in pedagogy
Area: Pedagogy, Chemistry and Environmental Protection Technology, Hygiene, Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, English Language, Economics
Employer: AGROSTROJ Academy Secondary School, NPI ČR
Language: Czech, English, German
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- Methodological support during studies
- Expert advice in the above-mentioned fields
- Motivation to study
About me
Professionally, I work as the deputy director for theoretical teaching at a secondary school, and I am also involved as a methodologist and lecturer at NPI ČR and a lecturer in pedagogy. I studied Chemistry and Environmental Protection Technology at the Faculty of Chemistry at Brno University of Technology, and then continued my studies in the doctoral program in Hygiene, Preventive Medicine, and Epidemiology at the Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University in Brno. I then studied English at the Faculty of Education and Philosophy and completed an MBA at the University of St. Francis in Chicago.
In my free time, I devote myself to self-education, traveling, and studying languages.
Luděk Michal
Role: Sales and Technical Representative
Area: Materials, Chemical Industry
Employer: BASF; formerly: SILON
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- sharing experience from the industry and chemistry of compostable plastics
- explaining the particle foam processing process
- time management
- work-life balance
About me
Luděk decided to pursue chemistry while still in elementary school, which is why he enrolled in a specialized chemical vocational school with a high school diploma at the then state-owned company SILON. After graduating from the University of Chemistry and Technology with a focus on polymers, he started working there. After two years, he moved to the large chemical company BASF, where he has been working for more than 25 years. He started as a sales and technical representative for polyurethane foams in the Czech Republic. Gradually, he was given responsibility for other sales regions and products, and he is currently responsible for a large part of Europe.
His main job is to find new customers and take care of existing ones, with whom he also works on developing new applications. These are mainly orders for the automotive industry. First, it must be verified whether the part is even manufacturable, then the design and specific form are modified. "So you could say that we work together on the development of a new application and then collaborate on the production of a trial prototype series."
And why does Luděk want to get involved in mentoring? "Well, for one thing, I want to try something new, and for another, I miss the University of Chemistry and Technology, where I studied."
Edith Kutorglo
Role: PostDoc
Area: Functional nanomaterials, membrane chemistry
Employer: UCT Prague, TU Berlin
Language: English
Mentees: Students
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- how to put together a CV, how to prepare for an interview
- project management, grant preparation
- work-life balance
- colloidal chemistry and nanoparticles synthesis
- introducing them to people in the field
About me
Edith's study path began with her Biochemistry degree from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. She graduated with the best grades at the top of the class and for her Master degree in the field of Membrane Engineering, she got an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, within which she spent one semester in each of the following countries: Czech Republic, France, Spain and the UK. For her PhD studies at UCT Prague (in the field of Chemical and Process Engineering) she settled for some time in Czechia, however also during this time she went on an internship at ETH Zürich.
Her rich experience from studying and working abroad is now being followed by her PostDoc position at TU Berlin. Within her scientific work she is developing new catalyst materials which could, together with the energy from sunlight, be used to drive certain reactions for producing cleaner energy.
Edith has always been mentored throughout her scientific career path. “I can't imagine how difficult it would be to do it all by myself without any help or advice. I believe everybody is different and has a different approach, so the mentor is not there to teach you how to do things. He/she is there to share their own experience. Imagine, you are going somewhere, but you don't know what is ahead, because you have never been there. It is a great help if someone else, who has already been there, can share their experience so you have an idea what to expect and prepare for it.”
Jeroen Willekens
Role: Program lead
Area: Lifesciences / Pharmaceutical corporations
Employer: Novartis; former: Self Employed at J&J, Merck
Language: Dutch/Flemisch; English, French
Mentees: Students
Form: Fce to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- Rozvoj vedoucích schopností v rámci projektů: koučování v oblasti komunikace, řízení zainteresovaných stran a rozhodování.
- Řízení projektů a rizik: hledání dopadu.
- Prosperita v globálním a multikulturním prostředí.
About me
Hi, I'm Jeroen Willekens — Originally from Belgium, my journey has taken me across Europe, driven by a passion for science and a deep commitment to making a difference. I began my academic path with a PhD in the UK, exploring crop resistance mechanisms to help fight hunger. A postdoc in Sweden followed, enriching my research experience and broadening my perspective.
After a personal turning point, I transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where I spent six years in Belgium and the Netherlands leading large-scale, cross-functional projects. In 2012, I moved to the Czech Republic, where I now live with my family.
At Novartis, I focus on cutting-edge therapies like Cell & Gene Therapy and Radioligand Therapy — a fascinating field that combines chemistry, engineering, and oncology to precisely target and destroy cancer cells. Think of it as science in action: radioactive molecules in shielded environments doing incredible work.
If you're a student curious about science, innovation, or navigating a career across disciplines and countries, I’d be happy to mentor you. Whether you're exploring research, industry, or just figuring out your next step — let’s connect.
Marek Šoltys
Role: Project manager; project lead scientist - formulation
Area: Pharmaceutical industry
Employer: Sandoz; formerly: Zentiva
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Employees
Form: Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- presentation skills and effective communication
- orientation in the corporate environment and job search
- insight into the functioning of the pharmaceutical industry
- scientific positions in the pharmaceutical industry
- CV writing, publication writing, moving abroad for work
- communication with corporate and academic management at all levels
- leadership and (de)motivation
- horizontal management of people and teams (project work)
- structured project management
- crisis management and highlighting team successes
- risk and opportunity analysis and risk/opportunity management
- decision making (not only in projects)
- how to "sell" your innovative ideas even to conservative management
About me
Marek graduated in Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering from the Faculty of Chemical Technology at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and decided to pursue a doctoral degree at the Institute of Chemical Engineering in the Chobotix laboratory. He focused on the development of porous silica micro- and nanoparticles that can be used as carriers of active substances in pharmaceuticals. All of his scientific work for his doctorate was partly carried out at Zentiva, which allowed Marek to understand how a large company works and learn what is expected of people in certain positions, what their responsibilities are, etc. Throughout his studies at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Marek was involved in numerous extracurricular activities – he was a student senator and an active member of K3S.
During his fourth year of doctoral studies, Marek began actively looking for work abroad. Since he was quite selective, as he himself says, it took him 10 months to find a suitable position. He ultimately chose a position as a formulator in development at the pharmaceutical company Sandoz, which was formerly part of Novartis but became independent at the end of 2023. Specifically, he joined the development center in Kundl, Austria, which is less than a 5-hour drive from Prague. "Development in the pharmaceutical industry works a little differently than in an academic environment because you have pretty strict deadlines—you're pushed by a certain date when the patent expires, and if you're not on the market with the drug at that moment, you lose your position."
As a formulator, Marek worked on documentation, designed and conducted experiments, evaluated data, and performed risk analysis. In May 2022, he transferred within the development department to a new position in project management, where he is responsible for coordinating all people involved in the development project, and where he still works today. He is responsible for adhering to the project's time and financial plan, resolving crises, and negotiating with Sandoz's senior management. "My experience in the Senate of the University of Chemistry and Technology helps me a lot in negotiations. It is advantageous to be able to guess what someone really thinks or what they really need to hear." In recent months, Marek has also been involved in projects aimed at improving internal processes within Sandoz, putting his experience to good use in communicating with many colleagues from numerous branches of the company in different countries. Since Marek's working life takes place largely online, he can pass on his experience of how to collaborate effectively in an online environment, lead meetings, build meaningful working relationships, and set up a good home office regime. Marek approaches mentoring with the aim of passing on his experience and helping others.
During his fourth year of doctoral studies, Marek began actively looking for work abroad. Since he was quite selective, as he himself says, it took him 10 months to find a suitable position. He ultimately chose a position as a formulator in development at the pharmaceutical company Sandoz, which was formerly part of Novartis but became independent at the end of 2023. Specifically, he joined the development center in Kundl, Austria, which is less than a 5-hour drive from Prague. "Development in the pharmaceutical industry works a little differently than in an academic environment because you have pretty strict deadlines—you're pushed by a certain date when the patent expires, and if you're not on the market with the drug at that moment, you lose your position."
As a formulator, Marek worked on documentation, designed and conducted experiments, evaluated data, and performed risk analysis. In May 2022, he transferred within the development department to a new position in project management, where he is responsible for coordinating all people involved in the development project, and where he still works today. He is responsible for adhering to the project's time and financial plan, resolving crises, and negotiating with Sandoz's senior management. "My experience in the Senate of the University of Chemistry and Technology helps me a lot in negotiations. It is advantageous to be able to guess what someone really thinks or what they really need to hear." In recent months, Marek has also been involved in projects aimed at improving internal processes within Sandoz, putting his experience to good use in communicating with many colleagues from numerous branches of the company in different countries. Since Marek's working life takes place largely online, he can pass on his experience of how to collaborate effectively in an online environment, lead meetings, build meaningful working relationships, and set up a good home office regime. Marek approaches mentoring with the aim of passing on his experience and helping others.
Olga Ryparová
Role: Lecturer, online marketer
Area: Chemistry popularization and teaching
Employer: Independence entrepreneur
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- Creation of teaching materials, presentations, and videos; advice on how to incorporate modern approaches into teaching and social media
- Support for the development of presentation and communication skills, which are key to conveying scientific knowledge and popularizing chemistry and other fields
- Practical advice on how to popularize science online and offline, including building your own educational brand
- Inspiration and tips on how to teach chemistry in an interesting way even without experiments
- Sharing my own experiences with establishing and running an educational company
About me
Olga studied biochemistry at Palacký University in Olomouc, and during her exchange program in the Netherlands, she also studied biotechnology. She began tutoring, setting up study groups, and teaching chemistry in private companies, which led to the Olinium project, combining chemistry teaching and science popularization through modern online marketing approaches. She specializes in preparing students for medical and science studies, using social networks, educational videos, and her own preparatory chemistry courses.
She emphasizes a personal approach to students, patience, and motivation to help them achieve their goals.
David Stíbal
Role: Managing Director, Investment Manager
Area: BioTechnology, drug development, diagnostics, MedTech
Employer: i&i Prague; formerly: Lach-Ner s. r. o.
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face
What can I help my mentee with?
- Discussion about career opportunities (science/industry/start-ups and other options)
- Help with identifying and setting up potential start-ups
- Contacts at innovative companies in the field of biotechnology
About me
David Stíbal is the managing director of the biotechnology incubator and venture builder i&i Prague, s.r.o., where he assesses the business potential of scientific projects, establishes and initially manages start-ups, and oversees the long-term development of projects through to their successful commercialization. He completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and received his Ph.D. from the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. After completing his doctoral studies, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Before joining i&i Prague, he worked at Lach-Ner s.r.o. as a researcher, where he focused on the development of modular catalytic systems. Thanks to his international scientific experience, he has acquired a meticulous approach to projects in various fields, from organic and inorganic chemistry to pharmaceutical sciences, bioinorganic chemistry, and biochemistry.
Jan Tomas
Role: Project lead scientist – pharmaceutical development
Area: Pharmaceutical industry
Employer: Sandoz GmBH; formerly: Zentiva k. s.
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- presentation skills and effective communication, critical thinking and analysis
- orientation in the corporate environment, insight into the functioning of the pharmaceutical industry
- stakeholder management, technical project management
- horizontal people management - Matrix arrangement
- "Right-track" decision-making, negotiation and advocacy skills, psychology of negotiation and motivation
About me
Honza graduated from the "Synthesis and Production of Medicines" program at the University of Chemistry and Technology (Bachelor's and Master's degrees). During his engineering studies, he actively sought cooperation with the corporate environment, which he achieved by writing his thesis in cooperation with Zentiva k.s. There, he had the opportunity to gain insight into the transfer (reformulation or transfer of products between individual production locations), development, and patent departments, as well as production.
During his PhD studies at the Chobotix laboratory, under the supervision of Prof. František Štěpánek, he had the opportunity to continue his collaboration with Zentiva. This time, he was part of the pre-formulation department, focusing on the development of analytical methods with a comprehensive pre-formulation strategy. At the same time, he participated in the current management of several projects with the aim of setting up and implementing the right pre-formulation and formulation strategy for new molecules/projects.
In 2021, he was successful in the selection process for Sandoz GmBH (Tyrol, Austria), for the position of Project Lead Scientist – Pharmaceutical Development, aka Formulator, where he still works today. The complexity of the work can be summed up with this analogy:
Management comes to you and says, "I want Ibuprofen in a heart-shaped tablet with the inscription 'WE LUV U' and a strength of XXX. The tablet must have a slightly red coating, be of comparable quality to the competition, and retain its status as a generic drug."
And my task is to fulfill it. In other words, to ensure and be responsible, in this order, for: pre-formulation (characteristics of the material and its behavior) -> laboratory development (proof of concept, a few kilograms) -> scale-up (laboratory, tens of kilograms) -> Technical batches (full-scale test production) -> Registration batches (final production) -> Submission of registration documentation ("Dossier") -> Support, preparation, and negotiation in the comment procedure ("Deficiency letter") -> Support during product launch.
All these steps must be constantly monitored, based on logical reasoning, properly communicated at all levels, and, above all, properly documented.
Honz's main strength as a mentor lies in his strong knowledge of technical project management in large companies and corporations. This means: how and when to make the right decision, how to organize and prioritize individual tasks, how to delegate work correctly, and how to collaborate with people in matrix management. Last but not least, it is necessary to communicate everything correctly to those around you, which is why it is important to know your communication and presentation style and how to use it correctly to your advantage.
Martin Strejc
Role: Scientific researcher
Area: Physical chemistry focusing on nuclear research
Employer: ÚJV Řež, a. s.
Language: Czech, English, German
Mentees: Students
Form: Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- insight into and sharing of experiences from scientific and research practice
- gaining contacts in the field
- preparation for selection procedures from the perspective of both the applicant and the employer (in the Czech Republic and abroad)
About me
After studying physical chemistry at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Martin joined ÚJV Řež, a. s. (formerly Ústav jaderného výzkumu Řež, a. s.), where he works as a research scientist and manages assigned projects. He either chooses the focus of the project himself or, in the case of commercial contracts, implements it according to the client's wishes. He is responsible for both the solution of the assignment itself and the associated administration, as well as the management of other team members. He also seeks out new scientific challenges and opportunities for cooperation. The projects, which last 3 to 4 years, are implemented at both the national and international levels.
Even his free time is partly connected with chemistry, as he cooperates with the Communication Department of the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, to popularize science and promote the university's activities. For example, he participates in the organization of the Gaudeamus fair and the Modern Chemistry Lesson project.
Through his role as a mentor, he wants to give students the opportunity to gain insight into work in the field, provide them with quality and relevant practical experience, and offer them contacts. In general, he considers it important to support students on their journey and increase their competitiveness in the Czech Republic and abroad. He says: "Current students and graduates have a great advantage in terms of free access to the labor market of all European Union countries. I would like to help them make the most of this benefit."
Štěpán Hodač
Role: Chief Executive Officer
Area: Food industry
Employer: Beavia
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- how to build a company from scratch
- retail at national and international level
- food production
- insider view of building a company with legal implications
About me
While studying law, which he successfully completed, Štěpán already knew that he did not want to pursue this field in his professional life. However, the fact that he started a company in the food industry was more of a coincidence. Fourteen years ago, he was traveling around the world and tasted hummus for the first time while visiting Israel, and he was completely captivated by this food. When he returned home, he discovered that this delicacy was not available on the Czech market, which gave him the idea to start a business in this field. After a brief analysis, he decided that it would be best to start producing hummus and supplying it to stores. Since he knew nothing about food production, he locked himself in the library for three months and studied materials from the University of Chemistry and Technology. He learned about operations from friends who owned their own restaurants. In 12 years, he managed to build a company with a turnover of about 40 million a year, operating in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Austria, and Germany.
While studying law, which he successfully completed, Štěpán already knew that he did not want to pursue this field in his professional life. However, the fact that he started a company in the food industry was more of a coincidence. Fourteen years ago, he was traveling around the world and tasted hummus for the first time while visiting Israel, and he was completely captivated by this food. When he returned home, he discovered that this delicacy was not available on the Czech market, which gave him the idea to start a business in this field. After a brief analysis, he decided that it would be best to start producing hummus and supplying it to stores. Since he knew nothing about food production, he locked himself in the library for three months and studied materials from the University of Chemistry and Technology. He learned about operations from friends who owned their own restaurants. In 12 years, he managed to build a company with a turnover of about 40 million a year, operating in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Austria, and Germany.
"If I had known then what was in store for me, I wouldn't have gone into it. It was the so-called fool's trick, that sweet ignorance. You have your vision, but you can't think it through properly without relevant experience. Then difficult situations arise and those around you tell you that they don't have a solution because they already have their professional blindness, but they haven't even tried." In the beginning, Štěpán worked up to 12 hours a day, and because he had planned his start poorly financially, he found himself in a situation where he ate only hummus and bread for three months. Even though he hit rock bottom at the time, he fondly remembers this period. “I really love those moments when you go through a rough patch and at the end you reap the rewards and say to yourself, ‘I did it.’”
Štěpán now manages the company mainly financially and strategically. He thinks about where he wants the company to be in a year, in ten years. At the same time, he still enjoys presenting the company, showing people what they do and how they are doing. He is still learning how to work with people, motivate them, and supervise their work. For him, mentoring is mainly a process of learning and personal growth.
Jaroslav Saller
Role: Finance Manager Affiliate Gross Profit Governance
Area: Finance, consulting, audit
Employer: Johnson & Johnson; formerly: Deloitte
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- gain insight into the corporate environment
- discuss options for starting your career
- advise on how to write a cover letter and resume
About me
Jaroslav's first important work experience was a part-time job at McDonald's. He would recommend trying this kind of work to anyone. For example, he learned that processes in a company can be developed to near perfection so that they are as fast, safe, and functional as possible. He graduated from the University of Chemistry and Technology and, as he himself says, he was not one of the best students, but the school gave him the important ability to think analytically, which he still uses in his work today. Jaroslav knew that he wanted to write his thesis in collaboration with industry, specifically in the business field. He collaborated with Neox, for which he designed a business continuity plan that the company still uses today.
After graduating, Jaroslav started working at Deloitte, first in the audit department, where he audited companies in various industries throughout the Czech Republic. After more than two years, he changed departments and spent the next three years doing due diligence on the purchase and sale of companies. This was followed by a period of change, both in his professional and personal life. After five months off, Jaroslav joined Johnson & Johnson, where he started again almost from scratch in the position of senior financial auditor. Beyond his position, he was involved in internal training at the company—he was trained in various areas so that he could become a lecturer and train other employees. For example, he has completed a design thinking workshop. Thanks to his activity, Jaroslav is currently starting a new position as Internal Audit Manager for the EMEA region.
After graduating, Jaroslav started working at Deloitte, first in the audit department, where he audited companies in various industries throughout the Czech Republic. After more than two years, he changed departments and spent the next three years doing due diligence on the purchase and sale of companies. This was followed by a period of change, both in his professional and personal life. After five months off, Jaroslav joined Johnson & Johnson, where he started again almost from scratch in the position of senior financial auditor. Beyond his position, he was involved in internal training at the company—he was trained in various areas so that he could become a lecturer and train other employees. For example, he has completed a design thinking workshop. Thanks to his activity, Jaroslav is currently starting a new position as Internal Audit Manager for the EMEA region.
And why does Jaroslav want to get involved in the mentoring program? "I've been very lucky in life, but at the same time, I've never been afraid to go after what I want. It's important not to be afraid to ask people for help, because they usually agree. Now I'd like to give something back to the world."
Richard Nevšímal
Role: Department Head, Member of the Design and Strategic Measures Development Team, Consultant, Producer
Area: Service Design, Consulting, Management
Employer: UCT Prague, and a number of non-profit organizations (culture, charity, student association)
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- Leadership: how to maintain team continuity? How to set up a motivating group environment? How to find balance between freedom and rules?
- Event management: how to make and run a good event?
- Design process: how to create a cult service/product/process? How to invent/innovate/create something new. How to make it not an average thing, but a thing that is remembered and loved?
- How to find balance without losing your sh*t?
- Photography: documentary/candid photography, composition, analogue photo, basic editing
About me
My happiest day as a child was when my kindergarten teacher agreed to let me take a part of the class to our house and I could lend everyone toys and organize the whole thing so that everyone had fun. I organized building of sandcastles in the sandbox and negotiated the use of plastic trucks for construction purposes (instead of wasteful driving). Nothing much has changed. I like to build, bring people and resources together to create higher units that perform new, unexpected work, service or experiences.
I led clubs, work and hobby teams. I work best in a group of up to 10 people, but I also led Psy-High – my 4part, almost a week-long festival-baby in a flooded quarry – with 15 “officers” and 300 volunteers. I prefer to build things out of nothing. In various collectives I have built, among other things: student television, a university counselling centre, a new setup of the university's internal community, a concept of social networks, events, festivals, independent publishing houses – various vinyl’s, cassettes, etc., and last but not least a forest-bound wood crafted settlement and many beautiful places in nature (viewpoints, campsites, spaces, ...). I love photography, my heroes include war photojournalists such as Patrick Chauvel and others.
I have always done many things in parallel. I know what it’s like to be frustrated about not being an expert in anything but being able to do a little bit of everything - and I can assure you that it pays off in the end.
I like history and many other different fields, I enjoy expanding things into a broader/higher framework, I have sensitized myself over the years by looking for overlaps. I will be very happy to search for new perspectives with you, that will show banal things as interesting, complex things as graspable. We can find inspiration in unexpected sources for all dead-ends, from alchemy, through historical warlords to anthropology, technology, ...
Matěj Šimek
Role: Senior researcher
Area: Analytical chemistry, biotechnology
Employer: Contipro a. s.
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- career guidance
- how to prepare for an interview
- choosing a job in another city
About me
Matěj chose to study Biotechnology at the University of Chemistry and Technology. Over time, however, he discovered that what he enjoyed most about chemistry was numbers and that he needed "hard data" to best understand the context. That is why, while still a bachelor's student, he switched to the field of Drug Production and Synthesis and eventually settled on Analytical Chemistry, where, as he himself says, he finally found his calling.
After completing his master's degree, he sensed that the role of an analyst with a clearly defined task for which he would seek solutions in a relatively short time frame would suit him best in his working life. However, he decided to join a one-year trainee program at Contipro, where he tried out a number of positions in research and development. His first assignment was a project focused on the development of vaginal suppositories, and thanks to his work on it, he discovered that he also enjoyed more creative roles, where he could think strategically and plan individual development stages well in advance. After completing the trainee program, he focused on pharmacokinetics—testing drug forms and medical devices on in vitro and in vivo models. This work combines testing with advanced methods of analytical chemistry and mathematical modeling. For Matěj, it was the ideal combination of more creative development and working with data.
After two years in the workforce, Matěj decided to pursue a Ph.D. He was attracted by the possibility of later using the title in management positions and the opportunity to do a doctorate in a dynamic company environment. He also gained insight into how other workplaces operate, as he completed his Ph.D. studies at Palacký University in Olomouc and went on an internship in Vienna as part of his studies. In addition to new knowledge and a degree, his three-and-a-half-year studies also brought him further collaborations and new contacts thanks to good networking in the academic environment.
Matěj now works at Contipro as the head of a working group focused on pharmacokinetics. "I don't really wear a lab coat anymore. In addition to evaluating and planning pharmacokinetic experiments and developing new analytical methods, I lead long-term research aimed at clarifying how orally administered hyaluronan can work in the body and save our joints. It is a multidisciplinary topic that involves not only analysts, but also biologists and other specialists.” Matěj is now learning how to assign tasks within the team in a way that is appropriate to the interests and skills of each employee. He sees mentoring as an opportunity to establish contacts and collaborate with people who have a genuine interest in science and development.
Jan Sýkora
Role: Vědecký pracovník VŠCHT, zakladatel a jednatel Pharmacan s.r.o.
Obor: Analytická chemie
Zaměstnavatel: VŠCHT, Pharmacan s.r.o., dříve: Akademie věd České republiky
Jazyk: Čeština, Angličtina
Mentees: Studenti
Forma: Prezenčně
S čím mohu svému mentee pomoci?
- seberozvoj v profesní i osobní rovině
- představení práce akademika
- management vědy
- příprava vědeckých i populárně naučných publikací
- zakládání firmy v českém akademickém prostředí
- pomoc s grantovou žádostí
O mně
Honza se ke studiím na VŠCHT dostal oklikou i když ho chemie vlastně provázela od základní školy. Nakonec si vybral obor chemie krystalů pro magisterské studium a následně pak krystalografii pro doktorské studium. Během toho, co se na VŠCHT učil „řemeslu” rentgenové strukturní analýzy, poohlížel se po technikách, které dokáží prokázat strukturu dané látky i v jiné formě, než je dokonalý krystal. Tehdy přišla nabídka pracovat po doktorátu v NMR laboratoři v jednom z ústavů Akademie věd. Od té doby zůstaly krystalové struktury už jen koníčkem a 20 let se naplno věnoval analýze organických látek pomocí NMR spektroskopie. Postupně našel zalíbení v analýze komplikovaných směsí, jako jsou reakční směsi, extrakty přírodních látek nebo biologické matrice. Od roku 2023 působí opět na VŠCHT, kde se snaží vytvořit tým, který by se zabýval NMR metabolomikou jako diagnostickou metodou.
Za 20 let svého působení v prostředí Akademie věd si prošel pozicemi od nezkušeného postdoka, vědeckého pracovníka, vedoucího vědeckého oddělení až po zástupce ředitele. Při VŠCHT vedl v oborech organické chemie, organické technologie a analytické chemie studentské práce na všech úrovních. V roce 2016 si s kolegy prošli martyriem zakládání spin-off firmy v akademickém prostředí. Jejich firma zaměřující se na izolaci kanabinoidů z konopí v tomto roce získala certifikát SÚKL na výrobu léčivých látek.
S mentoringem se seznámil během svého působení jako hostující profesor na Technické Univerzitě v rakouském Grazu. „Přijde mi správné, podělit se o svoje zkušenosti s nastupující generací. Postrčení správným směrem dokáže ušetřit spoustu času, zbytečně vynaloženého úsilí a v neposlední řadě i zklamání.“
Lenka Kadeřábková
Role: Finanční manažerka
Obor: Vzdělávání, management, finance
Zaměstnavatel: INDRC, z.ú.; dříve: Startup Jobs, INEX-SDA
Jazyk: Čeština, Angličtina
Mentees: Studenti
Forma: Prezenčně
S čím mohu svému mentee pomoci?
- jak si nastavit své cíle a preference a osobní vizi
- naučit se efektivně si organizovat čas
- sdílet různé metody, jak zjistit, co mě baví
O mně
Lenka vystudovala Waldorfskou školu, která má specifický pohled na pedagogiku, a skrze studium se přiblížila práci s lidmi. Zároveň vždycky chtěla být napojena na přírodu a zvířata, proto se rozhodla nastoupit na VŠCHT s cílem porozumět chemii a základním vztahům v přírodě tak, aby jednou mohla pracovat pro dobro lidí i zvířat. Během studia na VŠCHT byla Lenka aktivní členkou spolku IAESTE, díky práci ve spolku si uvědomila, že ji baví vést tým, pracovat v mezinárodním prostředí a že věří ve vzdělávání. Začala si zde formovat svou vizi – vytvářet příležitosti ke vzdělávání lidí.
Jako absolvent chemické školy začala Lenka pracovat pro start-up a následně pro americkou společnost CEA Prague, kde pomáhala studentům, kteří přijeli do České republiky najít stáž v oboru a fungovala jako mentorka. V roce 2019 využila konkurzu na pozici ředitele nevládní neziskové organizace INEX-SDA, kam se přihlásila a práci získala. INEX-SDA se zabývá mezinárodním dobrovolnictvím a mezikulturním vzděláváním. Lenky práce jakožto ředitelky byla rozdělena do tří hlavních sekcí - první je HR agenda, tedy péče o zaměstnance, dále pak strategické vedení organizace a nakonec zajištění financování, což obnáší shánění grantů a jejich administraci. Potom Lenka založila neziskovou organizaci. V současnosti spravuje finance projektu Lenka zabývajícím se výzkumem neurovědy, kde vzhledem k čerstvosti projektu většinu systémů vymýšlí a projektuje ona sama.
Pro Lenku je největší hodnotou, kterou se v životě řídí, inspirace. „Já si myslím, že mentoring je právě o tom, nechat se inspirovat. Obdivuji, když lidé mají vůli se rozvíjet, je to myslím hodně důležité. A když je člověk ochotný načerpávat zkušenosti a poznatky od někoho jiného, tak může být inspirován.“
Terezie Ticháčková
Role: PostDoc
Obor: Biochemie, buněčná biologie
Zaměstnavatel: UOCHB Praha
Jazyk: Čeština, Angličtina
Mentees: Studenti
Forma: Online
S čím mohu svému mentee pomoci?
- Zjistit, jestli chci jít na PhD a jestli je věda pro mě
- Předat rady, jak si najít pracovní stáž v zahraničí a pomoct je realizovat
- Najít work-lab-life balance
O mně
Terezie byla během prvních 4 let studia na VŠCHT zaměřená pouze na svoje studia. Bakalářské studium absolvovala s červeným diplomem. Ale co z toho. Jedině pěkné fotka z promoce. Na magisterském studiu si řekla, že vysoká škola není jenom o zkouškách a začala využívat možnosti výjezdů, které škola nabízí. Zúčastnila se programu ATHENS a vyjela na 2 měsíce do Srbska na IAESTE stáž. Hned poté odjela na 11 měsíců do Hamburku, kde v EMBL ve skupině doktora Willmanse pracovala v laboratoři na své diplomové práci. Tam si uvědomila, že věda je super a chce jít na doktorát. Po půlročním hledání našla laboratoř Dr. Jiráčka na UOCHB, kde po 4,5 letech úspěšně dokončila doktorát.
V průběhu doktorátu si uvědomila, že je třeba vědu nejenom dělat, ale i ji popularizovat. Proto se zapojila do vedení středoškolských studentů na kroužku VŠCHT i vedení středoškolských studentů v laboratoři na svém pracovišti. Také se aktivně začala účastnit popularizačních akcí pořádaných UOCHB. Vrcholem posouvání osobních hranic pro ni byla účast v soutěži FameLab 2022. Nervozitu před publikem neztratila, ale publikum si toho snad nevšimlo, když jí přiřklo Cenu publika.
Pracovala jako postdoc ve skupině Zuzany Kečkéšové na UOCHB. Další vášeň kromě popularizace vědy našla Terezie v organizování akcí jako lab retreat nebo workshop o neakademických pracovních příležitostech. Momentálně se aktivně věnuje měsíčnímu pořádání kariérních přednášek pro PostDoky. V současné době je na pozici postdok na Univerzitě Stellenbosch v Jihoafrické republice, kde se zabývá výzkumem malárie, a je součástí drug discovery aktivit.
Pokud byste si s ní chtěli pokecat o něčem jiném než o vědě, nešlápli byste vedle s historií, lezením a videy se zvířátky.
Martin Skala
Role: Manažer business developmentu, projektový manažer
Obor: Chemické inženýrství, průmyslová chemie
Zaměstnavatel: NUM Solution; dříve: Metoil
Jazyk: Čeština, Angličtina
Mentees: Studenti, Zaměstnanci
Forma: Prezenčně, Online
S čím mohu svému mentee pomoci?
- kontakt s průmyslem, aplikace poznatků ze školy v praxi
- chemické inženýrství a jeho aplikace
- spolupráce na případových studiích
- uplatnění výsledků výzkumu v praxi
- consulting v průmyslové chemii
O mně
Martin si již během bakalářského studia obecného programu Chemie na VŠCHT rozhodl směřovat svou kariéru spíše do aplikační než do vědecké sféry, i když výzkum a vývoj zůstal jeho primárním zaměřením. Během studia se podílel na řešení projektů pro průmyslové podniky, což bylo i předmětem obou jeho závěrečných pracích obhájených na FCHI VŠCHT. Po ukončení magisterského studia a stáži v Ekvádoru nastoupil do Centra výzkumu Řež na pozici VaV pracovníka, kde se věnoval vědecko-výzkumné podpoře klasických a jaderných elektráren v oblasti chemie formou grantových i komerčních projektů. Po 6ti letech se z výzkumné sféry přesunul do realizačního týmu, kde ho přitahovala potenciální komercializace vědeckých výsledků a jejich uplatnění v praxi.
Na své současné pozici ve firmě NUM Solution má na starosti rozvoj podnikání a projektový management v oblasti chemie a farmacie . Tato pozice obnáší koordinaci celého životního cyklu projektu, od hledání technologických výzev a potenciálních klientů, po návrh řešení a komunikaci praktických požadavků programátorům zpracovávajícím matematické simulace, až po hotový produkt a interpretaci výsledků zpět klientovi. Na své pozici Martin úzce spolupracuje s vedením firmy a pomáhá strategickému rozvoji firmy v oblasti chemie a farmacie. Na starosti má jak krátkodobé konzultační zakázky tak dlouhodobé projekty založené na úzké spolupráci s týmem klienta.
Zapojením do mentoringového programu by si Martin rád udržel kontakt se školou jako institucí a jejími studenty, ve kterých vidí velký potenciál. Možnost spolupráce chápe jako cestu, jak na oplátku poskytnout něco místu, které mu mnohé samo dalo. „Rád bych také svého mentee podpořil v tom, co mně ve škole chybělo – kontakt s průmyslem, vidět možnosti aplikací výzkumu. Oprostit se od toho, co ti ta škola staví za cíle, jaký tam je žebříček hodnot. Výuku jsem vnímal trochu jako formou soutěže, ale ne vždycky tam jde o to samé, jako v reálném životě.“
Iva Labíková
Role: Research Scientist, consultant
Area: Material Ingeneering, Finance, Consulting
Employer: UCT Prague; formerly: external
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
Area: Material Ingeneering, Finance, Consulting
Employer: UCT Prague; formerly: external
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- Balancing personal and professional life, balancing time between work and family
- Finding priorities and organizing time
- Foreign experiences during studies
- Discussing the mentee's questions and individual needs
About me
Iva works at the University of Chemical Technology in materials science research, where she specializes in nano structuring of substrates using lasers and plasma. She studied pharmaceutical synthesis, during which time she traveled to the University of Regensburg as part of the Erasmus program. She wrote her bachelor's thesis at the Institute of Organic Technology, and her master's thesis at the Institute of Solid-State Engineering. The team not only gained experience from various workplaces, but also, most importantly, a great supervisor who inspired her to continue her doctorate and devote herself to materials engineering.
During her doctorate, she completed research internships at the universities of Linz and Bruges, Switzerland, and participated in a number of international conferences. In her free time, she also devoted herself to educational events for high school students, volunteered in the Association for International Affairs, and trained gymnastics. She successfully defended her doctorate in materials engineering while joyfully expecting her first child.
During her career, she also gained experience outside of scientific work, validating and implementing new methods in the quality department at Procter & Gamble and working on various projects in consulting. After a break dedicated to family and children, she returned to research.
Returning to research, as well as to any other career, is challenging, but not impossible. And the support of those around you is definitely helpful. It is good to have someone to turn to, who will help look at issues from a different perspective, no matter what the problem is. Iva likes to support her mentees in their courage and determination to try new things, because she believes that many things are possible when there is a will, and you are not afraid to go towards them.
During her doctorate, she completed research internships at the universities of Linz and Bruges, Switzerland, and participated in a number of international conferences. In her free time, she also devoted herself to educational events for high school students, volunteered in the Association for International Affairs, and trained gymnastics. She successfully defended her doctorate in materials engineering while joyfully expecting her first child.
During her career, she also gained experience outside of scientific work, validating and implementing new methods in the quality department at Procter & Gamble and working on various projects in consulting. After a break dedicated to family and children, she returned to research.
Returning to research, as well as to any other career, is challenging, but not impossible. And the support of those around you is definitely helpful. It is good to have someone to turn to, who will help look at issues from a different perspective, no matter what the problem is. Iva likes to support her mentees in their courage and determination to try new things, because she believes that many things are possible when there is a will, and you are not afraid to go towards them.
Alena Nováková
Role: MS&T Specialist, project manager
Area: Pharmacy
Employer: Novartis; formerly: Teva pharmaceuticals
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Online
Area: Pharmacy
Employer: Novartis; formerly: Teva pharmaceuticals
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- Communication skills development
- Project management
- Insight into pharmaceutical industry manufacturing
- Work-life balance
- Time management
About me
Alena studied drug synthesis and manufacturing at the University of Chemistry and Technology, and while still a student, she collaborated with Teva Pharmaceuticals, where she started working after graduation. During her first year, she held several positions in manufacturing, gained an overview of the company, and settled into the position of transfer technologist. After three years of intensive work, during which she handled increasingly difficult projects, she faced burnout. As part of a necessary lifestyle change, she moved to Otava for the summer, where she opened her own water bar and built a system of returnable cups along the entire river. She started the business, communicated with the health authorities, the Vltava River Basin Authority, the tax office, and other institutions, and also acted as an operations manager, hiring temporary workers, etc. "I completely switched gears. I think it's good that people need to take a break sometimes to figure out what they're missing. And after a while, I started to miss pharmacy.“ However, thanks to her new experience, she realized that she enjoyed project management and took a position as a project manager at a consulting firm that deals with drug registrations. Alena currently works at Novartis, where she is responsible for supporting production in the implementation of changes in technological processes so that new procedures can be validated.
On top of all this, Alena started an MBA in Management Soft Skills at the beginning of the pandemic. "I live in constant change, and that gives me the important ability to adapt. There are many things we cannot influence. Sometimes you work on something for three months, and then suddenly someone higher up wants something completely different. That's just the way it is, but you have to take it in stride." Alena sees mentoring as an opportunity to support each other through contact with other people who are similarly minded. According to her, students should be aware that they want to do something extra and be open.
On top of all this, Alena started an MBA in Management Soft Skills at the beginning of the pandemic. "I live in constant change, and that gives me the important ability to adapt. There are many things we cannot influence. Sometimes you work on something for three months, and then suddenly someone higher up wants something completely different. That's just the way it is, but you have to take it in stride." Alena sees mentoring as an opportunity to support each other through contact with other people who are similarly minded. According to her, students should be aware that they want to do something extra and be open.
Milan Bittner
Role: Malthouse manager, technologist, brewer
Area: Brewing
Employer: Pilsner Prazdroj; formerly: Lobkowicz Breweries, Kácov Brewery
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
Area: Brewing
Employer: Pilsner Prazdroj; formerly: Lobkowicz Breweries, Kácov Brewery
Language: Czech, English
Mentees: Students, Employees
Form: Face to face, Online
What can I help my mentee with?
- self-development (personal vision, growth mindset, habit building)
- leadership
- lean six sigma projects
- malting, brewing, food production - systems
About me
Milan graduated from the Institute of Fermentation Chemistry and Bioengineering (today the Institute of Biotechnology) under the supervision of Prof. Brányk. During his doctoral studies, during which he focused on the topic of microbial anaerobic contaminants of beer, Milan had many activities beyond his scientific work. He rose to the position of vice-chairman in the academic senate, and through this position, he and a group of friends worked to restore the tradition of Kachekran as we know it today. “We were always joking around. During our candidacy, we put up banners around school with photos of people we needed to go to the senate to gain support for Kachekran.” In addition to his scientific work, he also took on the responsibility of taking care of the team spirit of the laboratory. These activities fundamentally shaped him, and thanks to them he learned how to work with people, which he always enjoyed. “I always wanted the people around me to be happy, and I liked to make them happy. You can approach people management in a positive way, you don’t have to be just a tough boss, but you have to ask your colleagues what they need and get to know them personally and understand their motivation – that’s my vision.”
After completing his doctorate in 2015, Milan took on the position of technologist at the Pivovary Lobkowicz Group, which at the time operated seven breweries. During the three years Milan worked there, dealing with various technological issues in all seven breweries, gaining a lot of experience and insight into beer production. This was followed by a short experience as a brewer at Pivovar Kácov, during which he was offered the position of malthouse manager at Plzeňský Prazdroj, where he has been working for almost 4 years now. Milan leads a team of eighteen, but is responsible for coordinating around 45 people, from technologists to maintenance and sanitation employees. The malthouse produces 88 thousand tons of malt annually, which is enough for about five and a half million hectoliters of beer, which is about a quarter of Czech beer production. Milan is responsible for ensuring the quality of production, the operation and management of people.
“I am learning to be more of a leader than a manager, I try to be in contact with my people daily so that I know what they are doing. We also try to find out what the team does/does not like and what motivates them, based on joint brainstorming, and thus build a team vision.” Milan is involved in mentoring with the motivation to move forward and grow. At the same time, he mentions that he himself has two important mentors in his life who have helped him – Prof. Brányk - director of VUPS and former director of production at Pivovary Lobkowicz, Ing., Jiří Famera.
Eva Muchová
Role: Vedoucí výzkumné skupiny
Obor: Fyzikální chemie
Zaměstnavatel: VŠCHT Praha; dříve: ÚOCHB, ÚFCH JH, University of Pisa
Jazyk: Čeština, Angličtina
Mentees: Studenti, Zaměstnanci
Forma: Prezenčně
S čím mohu svému mentee pomoci?
- plánování akademické a neakademické kariéry
- studium, práce a život v zahraničí
- komunikační a prezentační dovednosti
- sladění osobního a pracovního života
O mně
Eva se na VŠCHT věnuje teoretické chemii a od roku 2024 vede svojí vlastní skupinu. Působí i jako vysokoškolská učitelka, přednáší hlavně kurzy zaměřené na kvantovou chemii, spektroskopii nebo chemickou kinetiku.
V Praze studovala chemii na Přírodovědecké fakultě Univerzity Karlovy, v dalším studiu se pak zaměřovala na teorii a molekulové modelování. Během magisterského a doktorského studia se přesunula v ÚFCH JH na ÚOCHB, aniž by změnila výzkumnou skupinu. Přesun na jiné pracoviště kvitovala s povděkem, protože věří, že dlouhé působení na jednom místě s sebou nenese nic dobrého. Doktorát získala v roce 2007, obhajoba proběhla v očekávání narození prvního potomka.
Místo postdockého pobytu absolvovala dvě mateřské dovolené, v pauze pak krátké angažmá na Univerzitě Karlově. Cesta k vědě byla potom dlouhá a spletitá, přes manažerské práce na projektech a grantech. Na postdocký pobyt odjela nezvykle až kolem čtyřicítky a to s celou rodinou na Univerzitu v Pise. Pobyt byl přínosný jak vědecky, tak kulturně a odstartoval její kariéru na VŠCHT.
Dnes se věnuje hlavně simulacím ultrarychlých dějů vyvolaných RTG zářením a spolupráci s experimentátory, kteří měří hlavně na velkých zařízeních jako jsou synchrotrony a lasery s volnými elektrony. V soukromí má ráda sport a divadlo.
Z pozice mentora by ráda sdílela své zkušenosti, hlavně v oblasti netradičních kariérních cest, podpořila mentees v jejich rozhodnutích. Sama bude ráda za nové nápady vzniklé z interakcí s mentees.
Anna Fučíková
Role: Vědecký pracovník
Obor: Nanomateriály, byiofyzika, chemická fyzika
Zaměstnavatel: Matemamicko-fyzikální fakulta UK, VŠCHT, Akademie věd
Jazyk: Čeština, Angličtina
Mentees: Studenti, Zaměstnanci
Forma: Prezenčně, Online
S čím mohu svému mentee pomoci?
- záleží na konkrétních potřebách
- po dohodě spolu budeme tento směr rozvíje
O mně
Anna je vystudovaná biofyzička, ale jak sama říká, post doc pozice na KTH z ní udělala i chemika. Zabývá se studiem nanomateriálů a jejich potenciální aplikací v biologii. Součástí její práce je jejich syntéza, chemická a fyzikální analýza a studium cytotoxicity. Přesto, že Anna je dyslektik, dysgrafik a dysortograf, se jí podařilo překonat tyto překážky a dělá to, co jí baví nejvíce – vědu. Má bohatou publikační činnost a její vědecká práce byla ohodnocena několika prestižními cenami.
Z pozice mentorky by ráda studentům pomohla plně rozvinout jejich potenciál. Domnívá se, že je velice důležité mít možnost zeptat se na jakoukoli otázku služebně starší osoby, a ujasnit si tak vlastní životné cíle a rozšířit obzory. „Mým cílem je, aby student, který za mnou přijde a začíná na nějakém procentu, odcházel o sto procent lepší. A závisí pouze na něm, co potřebuje zlepšit.“
