Graduate Vlaďka Krempaská: Bacteria can do incredible things for people and nature
From the Tatras to Brno and Brussels – and back to Slovakia. Vlaďka Krempaská, a graduate of the Faculty of Chemistry at Brno University of Technology and now a PhD student at Matej Bel University (UMB) in Banská Bystrica, decided to stay in Slovakia despite having the opportunity to continue her research abroad. She wants to help ensure that talented scientists don’t leave the country and that more attention is paid to the local environment and its challenges. In this interview, she talks about how studying in Brno led her to science, why bacteria fascinate her, and what she learned during her stay in Brussels.
For me, those were the best years. If I could, I would do my whole university studies again. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biochemical Technologies and my master’s in Chemistry of Natural Compounds. In the end, I found my passion in microbiology. I discovered that I enjoy things I never thought I would (laughs). I was fascinated by the idea that bacteria can be used as small biotechnological factories – a well-known example at our faculty is the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are biopolymers similar to bioplastics. It’s fascinating that bacteria can produce such materials.
You worked on your diploma thesis partly in Brussels – how do you evaluate that experience and what did it give you?
Most of all, it taught me independence and how to handle stressful situations. I went to a big city for three months where I didn’t know anyone, everything was new – people, environment, research conditions. It was a challenge, but I gradually adapted. I improved my English and learned how research works. I started my experiments in Brno and finished them in Brussels. I worked in the Research Group of Microbiology at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (MICR VUB).
Was it difficult to balance your diploma work between two institutions?
On the contrary, I saw it as an advantage. I learned new methods and gained a different perspective on research. I had a great mentor – Professor Eveline Peeters, the head of the group – and her PhD student Mohamed Ashraf helped me a lot as well. Everyone was very supportive, always asking what I wanted to do or what they could change. They were also open to discussion, which I really appreciated.
How did the research approach in Brno differ from that in Brussels?
They had a huge lab with lots of instruments. But we’re not falling behind in Brno either. In Brussels, they were more focused on one specific area, while here we have a broader scope. Thanks to that, we can connect different topics, which I see as an advantage.
How did this experience help you personally and professionally?
Personally, I learned to manage stress better and adapt to different people. I was in an international team – people from all over Europe, Africa, America, and Asia... sometimes a bit of a culture shock (laughs). But it was enriching in every way. Belgium also has a strong beer and cheese culture – like nothing I’d ever seen before. And Bruges? Straight out of a fairy tale.
What would you say to students considering an internship abroad?
Go for it. You have to see how things work elsewhere; reading about it in papers isn’t enough. And patience really pays off. Even if students are working on their first research project, they shouldn’t be afraid of failure. My research in Brussels didn’t go well for the first three months, and I only got results a week before leaving. You shouldn’t give up – stay focused on your goals. You’ll get there eventually, one way or another.
What do you do today?
My diploma work inspired me to pursue a PhD. I’m currently at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, working in environmental microbiology and partly environmental biotechnology. I joined a group I didn’t know much about, but my supervisor, Associate Professor Vesteg, gave me a fascinating topic to explore – in short, I isolate and identify bacteria from various polluted environments in Slovakia. I focus on extreme habitats that are inhospitable to many microorganisms, so they host bacteria very different from those we normally know. I study, for example, cold locations such as the High Tatras, or contaminated sites polluted by oil, heavy metals, and so on. My goal is to help explore our local environments more deeply and maybe use bacteria for “cleaning” the environment.
What are you currently working on with Professor Obruča from FCH BUT? 
My supervisor at UMB is very supportive and gives me freedom – including in my collaboration with Brno. When I started my PhD and isolated bacteria, I noticed many interesting strains. I knew that Professor Obruča’s PhD student, Pavlína Guziurová, works on plastic degradation, and I found very interesting bacteria from the Tatras that have enzymatic machinery potentially useful for degrading plastics or other pollutants. I sent the most promising ones to Professor Obruča, and he said we could definitely do something together. Since then, I’ve been collaborating with Pája – we send bacterial samples back and forth between the Czech Republic and Slovakia and test them in different ways.
How has the collaboration changed since your diploma thesis?
It changed in that, after finishing my master’s and starting my PhD, I can now come up with my own ideas. I no longer wait for someone to guide me step by step. Of course, I still need supervision and space for discussion, but I’m happy that I can propose my own ideas or experimental designs. And if they don’t make sense, they tell me so – but so far, Professor Obruča has always said: “That sounds interesting, we can try it.”
What do you enjoy most about this collaboration?
I like that Professor Obruča constantly has new ideas to move the research forward. For example, during one discussion he said: “Hm, it would be interesting to think about this, too…” I like how he connects information across disciplines and builds networks with other people. Even though I’m now a graduate and no longer study here, there are still people – Professor Obruča and Dr. Buchtíková, my former supervisor – who are willing to work with me. I really appreciate that.
How do you like to relax after a long day in the lab?
I try to stay active, work out, and do yoga. This job can be frustrating at times – especially when you work with bacteria. You eventually learn that you have to adapt to them. When they start growing, you have to run experiments immediately; you keep watching them and stop thinking about yourself. It’s worse than having a child (laughs). Bacteria are living organisms and always behave differently. You might do three identical repetitions with one strain, but each behaves in its own way. You can’t control it, but you can expect certain variations. And that’s what I enjoy – paying attention to them, observing their environment and what factors they might not have liked this time, or what I did differently…
What would you like to do besides research?
I’d like to popularize microbiology more. I used to write articles for the Slovak science portal Vedátor.sk and would love to get back to it. My first article was about how people are afraid of bacteria. Especially during COVID – everyone was disinfecting their hands, afraid of what might return. But we forget that many bacteria are essential for our bodies. Probiotic bacteria, for instance, affect the overall microbiota and help with digestion; a healthy gut microbiome influences everything – skin, health, even mental state. And, of course, they’re used in the food industry – without yeasts, there would be no alcohol or fermentation industry. It’s amazing how dependent we are on these microorganisms. Yet when I tell people I work with bacteria, they tend to step away (laughs).
What fascinates you about microbiology?
How did studying at the Faculty of Chemistry help you in your career?
The Faculty of Chemistry gives students a lot – especially practical skills. There’s a strong focus on instrumental analysis. It’s enriching that students can try everything hands-on over five years and maybe find what truly excites them. I liked biochemistry in high school, but later microbiology won me over. It also looks great on a CV when a student can list the methods they’ve learned or worked with during their bachelor’s or master’s research. The same goes for internships. For a CV, FCH is simply perfect (laughs).
Is there a moment from your studies you particularly remember?
There are so many. We had a great group of friends, right from the first semester. We Slovaks found each other like magnets since we’d all come to a new country and city. I came to Brno alone, so I had to find friends on my own. Dorm life was also great – lots of parties. After studying, that was very much needed (laughs). We’re still in touch – we have a Facebook group, visit each other when we can, and keep writing to each other.
As a Slovak studying in Brno – what surprised you the most?
I thought I wouldn’t have any problem with Czech, but I had to adapt during the first month (laughs). But I could write my papers in Slovak and take exams in Slovak too, and it was never an issue.
I quickly fell in love with Brno – the Art cinema, bars, concerts, great food, and the many events that make the city an underground metropolis. People were incredibly kind, and I never felt any prejudice – on the contrary, Czechs were very helpful. Brno simply grew close to my heart.
What would you tell students considering studying at the Faculty of Chemistry, BUT?
Don’t be afraid – it’s one of the best decisions you can make. FCH gave me everything I wanted. There are modern methods and experts who can truly guide you. And most importantly – if a student is genuinely interested, they can go anywhere. Professors notice that and know how to support such students.
It might sound funny, but I was really impressed by the faculty’s website. I have a bit of an aesthetic sense, and I found it very clear and well designed. I looked at other schools too, but your website gave me the feeling that you care more about students. It looked modern, neat, and I liked the overall environment at BUT. It reminded me of the “American style” – student clubs, hockey games, May Day festivals, everyone wearing BUT hoodies. Those were small things, but they created a strong impression. I knew it wouldn’t just be about studying but also about having a great student life.
Thank you for the interview, and we wish you continued success!
-jo-
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| Link | https://www.fch.vut.cz/en//f96620/d307733 |