INTERVIEW

Where do you come from?

I am from a small village near Brno, a city in the Czech Republic. I studied both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physical Engineering at Brno University of Technology.

What are your main personal and professional concerns?

I love spending time in the lab, learning new things and making discoveries, it is where I feel most energized. But after long days of experiments, I find it important to disconnect and recharge. On weekends, I enjoy hiking with my friends in the mountains near Madrid, which helps me clear my head. When I have more free time, I also like to explore different parts of Spain and practice my Spanish.

What does your research consist of?

My research consists of studying 2D materials through on surface synthesis, specifically focusing on their magnetic and electronic properties. To do this, we use a scanning tunneling microscope (STM), which lets us explore properties on an atomic scale. Basically, by moving the STM tip across the surface, we can get a detailed look at the sample’s structure and behavior and it allow us to explore the smallest building blocks of matter.

What power does science have to transform the world?

Science is everywhere, it is the backbone of all the technology and innovations we use daily. From the smartphone to medical breakthroughs. And as we move forward, science will keep opening doors we didn’t even know existed. We are constantly discovering things that will shape the future, whether it is in renewable energy, AI, or even quantum computing.

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes from the potential of discovery. I love the hands-on work in the lab, where no two days are the same. Sure, some days are frustrating when experiments don’t go as planned, but that makes it even more rewarding when things finally work out. Solving small pieces of big problems keeps me motivated, and it is inspiring to think that, even in a tiny way, my work could contribute to future innovations.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In the future, I see myself continuing in the field of research, ideally leading projects and collaborating with experts in material science and nanotechnology. I would like to take on more of a mentoring role as well, helping guide new researchers as they dive into their own discoveries. Ultimately, I hope to keep pushing the boundaries of what we know about materials science while contributing something meaningful to the field.

Why IMDEA Nanociencia?

During my master’s, I had the chance to do my Erasmus internship at IMDEA Nanociencia, and I really liked both the institute and the people I worked with. When I decided to pursue a PhD, choosing IMDEA was an easy decision. It is a leading institute in nanoscience, offering excellent facilities and a collaborative atmosphere. Joining Professor David Écija’s group is a perfect fit for my background in surface science and 2D materials, allowing me to work on innovative projects and continue building my expertise. IMDEA Nanociencia is the ideal place for me to grow as a researcher and make meaningful contributions to science.