Jiří Kučera

During my studies at the Johannes Kepler Grammar School, I found my passion for physics. In no small part thanks to the fantastic support from the teachers and the encouraging, open-minded environment fostered at the school. I was lucky to get the opportunity to study for a term at Winchester College, UK. This direct exposition to English education and boarding school life inspired me to apply to the University of Cambridge to study Natural Sciences. My application was successful and, thanks to the generosity of Bakala Foundation, I got to spend four years in an inspiring environment full of opportunities and teeming with student life. Initially, I was interested in biophysics and our understanding of the underlying molecular processes in cells. However, in my third year I found appreciation for the profound intricacies of Quantum Physics and so I decided to pursue a PhD in this field. Currently, I am in my third year of doctorate studies at the University of Oxford focusing on ultracold atomic gases and their many-body quantum properties – specifically, I am studying the Bose-Einstein condensates of dipolar Erbium atoms and their supersolid behaviour. Apart from academic endeavours, I have always devoted a lot of time to sport. Back home, I rowed for VK Bohemians (Bohemka!) for 6+ years and after coming to the UK I switched to volleyball and cross-country running. Over the course of the past few years, I captained both the Cambridge and Oxford volleyball teams and I raced for Oxford at the XC National Championships. I think that not only is it possible but, in fact, it is vital to keep doing one’s hobbies whilst still getting most out of one’s education. So don’t get discouraged by the large workloads – its manageable!