RNDr. Stanislava Vrchovecká

Specialisation: Analytical chemistry

As an analytical chemist, I focus on developing methods for detecting and quantifying substances such as drugs and pesticides in various types of samples. This work, carried out in collaboration with research groups from various fields, is used in environmental applications and nature conservation as well as in biomedical areas.

Honestly, I'm not sure if this is an inspiring story :) Even after graduating from high school, I still didn't know what I wanted to be. I only knew two things: 1. I hate chemistry and will avoid it if possible, and 2. I don't want my job to be boring and monotonous. While searching for study options, I found a program at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, that caught my attention and seemed to meet my requirements based on the description. I submitted my application, I think, the day before the deadline – so there was no question of a dream career path :-D

After being accepted, I began studying chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry, so my plan to avoid chemistry quickly fell apart. Then came analytical chemistry. The idea that by analyzing a small sample using sensitive instruments, it is possible to obtain information about the quality of surface water, map the fate of a drug in the body, or detect the presence of pesticides in agricultural products was appealing, and the diversity of this field was fascinating. At the same time, the connection with modern technologies makes analytical chemistry a constantly evolving and incredibly dynamic discipline, so I decided to stay in this field.

After my final exams, I started working in the CXI TUL liquid chromatography laboratory. The CXI TUL workplace connects various research groups with different focuses, which allows me to encounter analytical challenges from various fields – from food quality monitoring to environmental analysis to biomedical applications using nanofiber materials as drug carriers. Each sample is unique, many analyses are specific, and you are constantly learning and improving, so there is no risk of boredom or repetitive work – except for the administrative tasks, which are boring everywhere :-D