“Thanks to chemistry, you see the world completely differently,” says student Matyáš Gerhart
Matyáš Gerhart, a master’s student in the chemistry and materials technology programme, connects his studies at FCH BUT with research at CEITEC BUT. As part of his thesis, he focuses on biomaterials and 3D printing of skin models, and he recently completed a study stay at Johannes Kepler University Linz. In the interview, he explains why he chose our faculty, what challenges research brings, and why he recommends going on Erasmus.
I enjoyed mathematics, physics and a bit of chemistry, but there isn’t much chemistry at high school. I wanted a field where I could learn what everything is made of and how it works. Materials seemed like the ideal choice. I was deciding between Brno and Prague, and in the end it was the first impression that convinced me to choose our faculty. I was especially impressed by the laboratories here.
What main knowledge or skills has your study at FCH BUT brought you so far?
I found out that one can never be an expert in everything. Even if I become a materials engineer, it doesn’t mean I understand all materials. That’s why a certain degree of specialisation is needed. Similar to medicine.
For a chemist, systematic work is important, which isn’t really my strength – I’m a bit chaotic. On the other hand, my strong side is optimism, which is crucial in science. Out of ten experiments, not a single one may succeed, but it always pushes you further. Even though I’m nervous and used to spend hours in the bathroom before exams (laughs), with each new experience my nervousness decreases. I believe that in the end everything will work out somehow.
What brought you to the topic of biomaterials?
A lecture by my current supervisor, Associate Professor Lucie Vojtová. I was fascinated by the fact that her research has a clear practical impact – the materials she studies are used in medical applications or for drug testing. The particularly interesting challenge is to balance the mechanical properties of materials so that they are not toxic, as they come into contact with cells or the human body.
As a student of materials engineering, I am working at the edge of my field, since this topic overlaps with biology. But that’s exactly what I enjoy – moving across disciplines and learning things from different areas.
I am involved in the development of an artificial skin model that can be used in medicine, pharmacy and cosmetics. The aim is to speed up and reduce the cost of developing new drugs and other products, while at the same time reducing the extent of animal testing, which is problematic both ethically and financially. My work specifically involves 3D printing collagen-based hydrogels. The hydrogel serves as an environment for cells, which subsequently simulate the individual layers of the skin. Visually, it does not fully resemble real skin, but functionally the model fulfils its role, for example in testing creams or additives for drugs.
What is the biggest challenge in your research?
Being able to solve problems independently, as they appear every day. You can read a procedure in a paper, but in practice it often doesn’t work (laughs). Reproducibility of experiments is a big issue. Today, much emphasis is placed on it, because otherwise scientists waste time having to optimise someone else’s work.
You are working on your thesis both at FCH BUT and at CEITEC BUT. How has the faculty helped you connect your studies with research, and what is the main advantage of this cooperation?
The faculty has many research groups that are happy to involve bachelor’s and master’s students. This way you can experience what research really looks like and graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical laboratory experience.
I think it’s great that the faculty allows students to use top research centres like CEITEC. During my bachelor’s thesis, I learned how to work with a 3D printer and understood the basics of hydrogel behaviour, which I can now apply to my master’s thesis. I’m glad I can participate in research at CEITEC and literally try it on my own skin (laughs).
Why did you choose Johannes Kepler University in Linz for your study stay?
The university in Linz offers similar fields to our faculty, so I was able to take many courses that interested me. It even has a programme focused directly on polymers, which is my main interest, so I could use it as a step towards specialisation. I also work with polymers here in Brno, as they are often a fundamental component of hydrogels, capable of retaining water and simulating soft tissues such as skin.
Linz is not among the most beautiful cities, as it is quite industrial, but that is actually its advantage – the university has strong ties with industry. For example, it has pilot-scale laboratories with large injection moulding machines and extruders.
What did the stay bring you professionally and personally? 
Overall, it was a great experience. Thanks to Associate Professor Vojtová’s contacts, I was able to work in the laboratory of the Institute of Polymer Chemistry (Institut für Chemie der Polymere), where they focus on organic synthesis. This was a new area for me, as I had not encountered it much at the faculty. They welcomed me warmly, I had great facilities there, and I met many excellent scientists I can always turn to with questions for my thesis – and that’s a huge advantage. The university is very international, and I met students from countries ranging from Asia to Africa.
Moreover, I got to try studying a bit further from home, though not too far – Linz is only about three hours from Brno (laughs). Still, you need to adapt to a new group of people, which is always enriching.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy meeting people every day who are experts in their field and understand things I am only beginning to discover. When I need advice, I just ask. That is a huge motivation for me, although I admit it’s also my biggest fear – asking for help. Yet it has never happened that anyone dismissed me, quite the opposite. Colleagues often leave their own work to come and help me.
How does studying at FCH BUT prepare you for your future career?
The faculty offers plenty of opportunities to get a taste of both research and industry. Many lecturers collaborate with companies on a daily basis and invite them into teaching. This way, you can get a realistic idea of what to expect in practice and where you might want to go. I think this is the main role of a university – not only to pass on theory but also to show its practical applications.
During our studies we went on a number of excursions. For example, to the cement plant in Mokrá, where some students even collaborated as part of a course. We also visited the Polymer Institute Brno. There were many such excursions across different areas of materials engineering, so every student could find something of interest.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
That’s a big dilemma. One day I’m convinced I’ll end up in research, the next day I’m more drawn to industry. Both have their pros and cons. What I like about research is that you rarely do monotonous work – it’s very diverse, which I think is important nowadays to avoid falling into a routine.
Do you have any scientific role model who inspires you?
Honestly, until recently I didn’t really know how science works, what a researcher’s job involves and what the everyday routine looks like. I think there is still little awareness of this in society. When a child says they want to be a scientist, it’s perceived much like when they say they want to be an astronaut, even though it’s not such a distant idea at all.
I am inspired, for example, by the project Ask a Scientist. It’s a group of researchers from different fields who try to communicate research to the public and answer even seemingly trivial questions online.
I was a bit worried because I only started studying chemistry from scratch here at the faculty. At high school you just get a general overview. That may have been a disadvantage compared to students from technical secondary schools, but the differences evened out quickly, and soon we were all on about the same level. Moreover, the faculty offers courses where you can refresh your chemistry knowledge and fill in the gaps, so they don’t just “throw you into the water”.
Why do you think applicants should choose to study materials at FCH BUT?
Because it will make you look at the world in a completely different way. You will gain a detailed understanding of the materials around us – how they are made and why they work the way they do. And above all, take advantage of the opportunities the faculty offers. Erasmus is a great experience that you may never get another chance at. Not making use of it would be a big mistake.
Thank you for the interview, and we wish you much success in the future!
-jo-
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| Link | https://www.fch.vut.cz/en//f96620/d304630 |