What is it like to swap your laboratory in Liberec for two months for an American university where you can watch the ocean waves from the windows? Our researcher Pavlína Konopáčová spent time in the US working on the analysis of PFAS substances at the University of Rhode Island. She learnt to work with new analytical methods, brought back plenty of data and contacts, and discovered what works differently in American laboratories compared to here. And the bonus? A view of the ocean straight from the laboratory. What surprised her, what would she like to introduce here, and in what areas do we have the upper hand?
1. What did those two months in the American laboratory give you professionally?
It gave me a great deal. I learnt new methods and had the opportunity to work with LC-MS, which was used to analyse samples when testing the sorption properties of materials against PFAS. I had previously synthesised these materials here at CXI TUL.
2. In what ways did working in the American laboratory differ most from what you’re used to here?
The biggest difference was probably the focus of the work. Back home, I mainly focus on organic synthesis and the characterisation of materials, whereas in America I got to do much more analytical work. It was a great opportunity for me to try something a bit different. And on top of that, everyone around me was really nice and willing to help.
3. What did you bring back from America to apply to your own work?
Apart from lots of data, mainly new experiences, knowledge and contacts with brilliant people. At the same time, it was interesting for me to discover a different approach to problem-solving and to the overall work-life balance.
4. Was there a moment when you thought to yourself: ‘I’d like to introduce this here too’? And conversely, was there anything where you thought we actually do it better back home?
I liked the regular meetings and, above all, the very friendly and supportive approach towards students. On the other hand, I realised that here we have excellently organised chemicals, newer laboratory facilities and very good administrative support.
5. If you had to sum up your time in the American lab in a single Reel – what would definitely have to be in it?
Definitely the ocean, because the campus was right by it and you could watch the waves from the lab.
