Přístupnostní navigace
E-application
Search Search Close
Supporting women in technical fields is one of the key topics at Brno University of Technology. Therefore, on the occasion of International Women in Engineering Day, which celebrates the contributions of female engineers and promotes greater diversity in technical professions, we present the story of student and ambassador of the Physical Engineering and Nanotechnology program, Petra Kalousková. Her story shows that there is a place in engineering for anyone who enjoys discovering how the world works.Physics has fascinated her since she was a child. | Author: Václav ŠirokýPetra was drawn to technology from a young age. Her father, a passionate physicist, encouraged her logical thinking from childhood and introduced her to the world of physics through various toys and curious questions. This foundation was later developed further by her high school teachers. “I had excellent teachers, which is absolutely essential. We even talked about quantum physics, but in a pleasant way – without calculations, without complications,” she recalls, adding that her physics classes contributed to her decision to become an engineer.She always wanted to do something she enjoys and finds meaningful, and studying physical engineering clearly meets that goal. “I get to understand how things work, which gives me a certain perspective on the world,” Petra says happily. Despite the field being challenging and requiring patience, she thoroughly enjoys her studies and benefits from them even in everyday life. “It has made me tougher. The demands of the field made me more mentally resilient, and not much can shake me anymore.”The desire to learn how things work drives her forward. | Author: Václav Široký
What Petra appreciates about studying Physical Engineering and Nanotechnology at BUT is that she can focus on both experimental physics and theory. “I like that we dive deep into physics, but I can also choose whether I want to be more of an experimentalist, theorist, or even a designer,” she says. She is also fulfilled by her work in the lab, where, to her surprise, she started as early as the first year. “Right at the beginning of my studies, I got to try practical work, which was great. Being in a lab next to an electron microscope and seeing atoms must captivate anyone,” describes the recent bachelor’s graduate with a laugh.Another benefit that the Physical Engineering and Nanotechnology program at BUT offers is the opportunity to go abroad for a study stay. “We have it set up so that anyone who wants to can go on Erasmus in the fourth year. Plus, it’s part of the study plan, so we don’t have to extend our studies, which is a big advantage,” she explains, adding that international experience is absolutely essential for her. She’s entering the fourth year this autumn and, like her classmates, is choosing where to spend her semester abroad. Her journey will likely lead to Scandinavia, although she hasn’t yet chosen a specific university.Within Erasmus, she is most attracted to Scandinavia. | Author: Václav ŠirokýDuring her three years of undergraduate studies, Petra gained basic knowledge in a wide range of fields, from electricity and magnetism to optics and quantum mechanics. And which area of physics fascinates her the most? “If I had to choose just one, it would be quantum physics. It’s the least intuitive and highly abstract field. Things happen there that are unimaginable to us, and I always enjoyed getting a little lost in them,” she says.In the lab, Petra focuses on research and development of photonic memories – miniature nanostructures that could one day serve as energy-efficient optical memories for modern computing systems. “Right now, it's more of a vision, but if it succeeds, it could mean a more environmentally friendly world,” she says, adding that she plans to continue this research in her master’s studies and perhaps even in a PhD program.In the lab, he works on the development of photonic memories. | Author: Václav Široký
In addition to her studies, Petra tutors high school students, trying to make physics understandable and stress-free for them. “If physics were taught in a more practical way, with more experiments and less focus on formulas, it would be much more accessible to children and teenagers,” she says. According to her, the approach of high school teachers plays a key role in students' decisions about their future, so it’s important that they are engaged in both humanities and sciences. During her university studies, Petra also joined the Science and Technology club, which organizes popular science lectures for the public, and as a study program ambassador, she regularly talks to applicants and motivates them to study at BUT.
Although there are still fewer women than men in technical fields, Petra feels comfortable as a woman in engineering and has never encountered prejudice. Her colleagues and teachers appreciate the perspective women bring to research teams, and like her, they see diversity in teams as a key factor for success. “I believe there’s great strength in diversity and individual approaches. Each of us has a slightly different perspective, and it’s incredibly important that we all contribute what we do best,” she states.
And what message does she have for high school girls considering similar fields? Don’t be afraid! “Physics isn’t just for the chosen few; it’s for anyone who wants to pursue it. And if someone enjoys it, they should go for it and give it a try,” she says with determination. According to Petra, physical engineering has huge potential – from ecological innovations to applications in artificial intelligence and medicine – and it needs enthusiasts to keep pushing it forward.It is important that girls are not afraid of physics. | Author: Václav Široký