Jaroslav Straník is a master’s student in Experimental Biology at Masaryk University in Brno, where he is also involved in Alzheimer’s disease research. On a friend’s recommendation, he completed an intensive one-month internship at Dr. Oleg Lunov’s Biophysics Laboratory (Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences), which focuses on cellular processes — from gene regulation to the interaction of cells with nanomaterials. However, this was not his first internship experience — he had previously ventured all the way to Argentina! In this interview, you will find out how these internships have influenced him and whether he is considering pursuing a Ph.D. at the Academy of Sciences.
What was the main focus of your internship?
The primary focus of my internship was working with cell cultures. Dr. Lunov’s group specializes in liver cancer research and studies how tumor cells in the liver behave under different environmental conditions —examining, for instance, interactions with nanoparticles or mechanical influences of various microenvironments. My daily tasks involved labeling prepared tumor cell lines with specific fluorescent dyes, such as those targeting mitochondria or proteins associated with cancerous growth processes. We then analyzed these samples using confocal microscopy and other advanced techniques, including flow cytometry.
Did you have any prior experience with this field?
Yes, I had previous experience with cell cultures since I work with them daily in my home laboratory in Brno. However, the research approach here was different from what we do in Brno — during my internship, I had the opportunity to explore cellular biology from another perspective and experience research that combines biophysics with cancer biology. I was able to work more extensively with fluorescent dyes, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology techniques for protein and genetic information analysis. This experience broadened my understanding of the various approaches and methods used in cancer research.
Have you participated in a similar internship before?
Yes, I have. I recently returned from South America, where I spent two months on an internship at a university in Argentina. There, we worked with stem cells and used various histological methods. This experience provided me with new skills and insights into cellular biology and histology. Some of the knowledge I gained there is now partially applicable to my current work.
What motivated you to apply for this internship?
Each internship had a different motivation. Thanks to my work in my Brno laboratory, I had the opportunity to participate in a prestigious international project and travel abroad for work. When choosing between staying in Europe or venturing across the ocean to South America, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to explore a new part of the world and enhance my CV—Argentina was the clear choice.
As for this particular internship, I was inspired by a friend’s experience. She had previously completed the same program and spoke highly of the excellent team, great facilities, and top-tier equipment. She strongly recommended that I give it a try.
Are you satisfied with the internship? Did anything surprise you?
Yes, I am very satisfied.
What surprised me the most was the research environment itself, which differs from my home laboratory in Brno. While we work in a larger team there, this was a smaller group of four people, creating a different work atmosphere. Another great advantage was the modern equipment and the opportunity to work in a lab that I practically had to myself. I was also curious to see how research is conducted at the Academy of Sciences, as it differs from a university setting in some ways. It was an excellent experience that allowed me to gain insight into a different research dynamic.
Did this internship influence your future academic plans? For example, regarding a Ph.D.?
I am definitely considering a Ph.D., although I haven’t decided where I would like to pursue it yet. In Brno, opportunities for top-tier Ph.D. research are somewhat more limited, whereas Prague offers broader possibilities for academic engagement and career prospects. That’s why I have been looking more in that direction lately. This internship showed me how high-quality science is conducted outside of the university, and if the opportunity to continue here as a Ph.D. student arose, I would seriously consider it.
Did you have any concerns before starting the internship?
I wouldn’t say I had concerns, but of course, I did wonder whether my theoretical knowledge and practical skills were at the required level. I wanted my work to meet the lab’s standards and for the team to see me as a valuable member rather than someone just getting oriented. In the end, I believe I met these expectations and integrated well into the work environment.
Would you recommend an internship to other students? What did this experience give you?
I would definitely recommend an internship. Firstly, because the practical experience can be a significant advantage when looking for a job, and secondly, because it is an interesting experience that looks great on a CV.
Additionally, this internship allowed me to work in an environment that differs from my usual focus. I am a biologist and hadn’t worked much with physics before, so being part of Dr. Lunov’s biophysics-oriented team gave me a new perspective on the intersection of these fields. Such experiences broaden horizons, push you out of your comfort zone, and allow you to explore different areas of science you may not have encountered before—and I see that as a great benefit.