Denys Yazlovetskyi comes from Ukraine, but after graduating from high school, he decided to pursue his studies in the Czech Republic. First, he spent a year in Brno, where he learned Czech. Then he enrolled in the bachelor’s program in Drug Synthesis and Production at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, where he has now completed his first year of master’s studies. Denys attends an internship focused on biosensors at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
What motivated you to move from Brno to Prague?
University studies. I applied to Brno University of Technology, the University of Pardubice, and the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. I was most interested in the Drug Synthesis and Production program at UCT Prague, which is why I decided to move to Prague.
Is your internship related to your field of study?
The internship is not directly related to my studies, but I wanted to try something similar. The focus of the internship is on biosensors, which intrigued me because I have a background in biomaterials and biochemistry. Most of the things I encounter are new to me, but thanks to the detailed explanations from my colleagues, I am learning step by step.
What is the application of biosensors in science and practice?
Biosensors can detect pathogens, for example, in water or food. The technology uses layers of nanomaterials that can capture a pathogen and generate a signal that indicates its presence. The potential applications are huge.
What do you see as the biggest advantage of your internship?
I especially appreciate the equipment, the friendly team, and the variety of methods I’ve worked with. Thanks to this, I’ve gained an understanding of different types of measurements, which I really enjoy.
Did the internship meet your expectations?
Yes, the internship not only met but exceeded my expectations. Besides what was described, I learned many other things, like measuring contact angles or working with ellipsometry, which is a key method for biosensors.
Would you recommend this internship to your friends?
Definitely. I would recommend not only this specific internship but also the Radius Center as they offer many interesting internships. I think it’s a great opportunity for students with some laboratory experience to deepen their knowledge and gain new experiences.