Why did you choose the study of chemistry and which school did you study?

Since childhood I have been attracted by working in a lab, where my job would be to investigate, explore and discover. That's why I chose to study at the „Střední průmyslová škola chemická“. During the study I was most interested in analytical chemistry, which offers the possibility of various substances identification by diverse spectra of methods. I studied toxicology and analysis of pollutants at the Jan Evangelista Purkyně University, after the completion of bachelor's degree, I continued a master's degree at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, where I studied the field of analytical chemistry of environment.

What made you work in UniCRE?

I got to UniCRE through a work internship, which was offered to me already when I was studying at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University. I worked on my bachelor thesis in UniCRE at the department of analytical chemistry in Usti nad Labem. After completion of the bachelor's degree, I began studying at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and I was offered the opportunity to work part-time in UniCRE at the Department of Analytical Chemistry, where I was also able to realize my diploma thesis. Since graduation I have worked at the Department of Analytical Chemistry full time.

What is the scope of your work here?

I work at the Department of Analytical Chemistry in Usti nad Labem, as a technician in the laboratory of optical emission spectrometry. The scope of my work is the sample analysis by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. This technique allows the determination of both macro compounds and trace concentrations of elements in samples. The analysed samples are of various nature and therefore it is not a routine work since each sample must be treated differently, whether we are talking about preparation of the sample for analysis or evaluation of the measured parameters. The results of my work then affect for example the planning of experiments that are carried out by other researchers or they serve as a basis for QA / QC for external customers. I am also carrying out the identification of the construction fibres using an optical microscope with polarized light and I determine the presence of asbestos in them. In the case of asbestos presence I determine what kind it is. Furthermore, I am responsible for sampling of waste water, I go directly to take samples and I prepare sampling schedules, including the annual sampling schedule and I forward samples to external analyses.