Hometown: Smolenice, Slovakia
Graduate Research Focus:
My research is focused on the influence of secondary mineral phases crystallization on arsenic and antimony mobility in mine drainage at antimony mine in Beaver Brook, Newfoundland, and some of the abandoned antimony and copper mines in Slovakia.
Why I chose to do graduate studies:
I wanted to know more, to figure things out ….There is always an unexpected challenge and unanswered questions – Finding answers is what motivates me ... We live in a spectacular world and I like exploring some of its mysteries.
Why Queen’s?
I finished my Master’s at Comenius University in Slovakia. I knew I wanted to continue my studies in the environmental mineralogy/geochemistry field, and I am now very lucky to be on the research team of Dr. Heather Jamieson, who is one of the best experts in this field.
Student involvement/extracurricular activities I am involved with:
Last year I was helping to run the weekly Geocolloquium speaker series. Outside of school I enjoy hiking and I am also a part of the couchsurfing community.
The professor(s) or course which has influenced me the most:
I consider myself very fortunate to have Dr. Heather Jamieson as a supervisor. Her enthusiasm is very energizing. I feel inspired and I am having the greatest learning experience. At the very beginning of my University studies, I started in the field of Environmental science and Biology. During first year of undergrad I took a Mineralogy course and I knew after few lectures that this is what fascinates me. I had to quit and start from the beginning in the Geology department, however I have never regretted this decision. I was lucky enough to get a chance to work with Dr. Bronislava Lalinska and Dr. Martin Chovan who are both great scientists and made me passionate about research and mineralogy.
After I graduate, I plan to:
I would like to apply for a postdoctoral position in environmental mineralogy in Europe or North America.
One big goal I’d like to accomplish during my lifetime:
I would always like to work in research and learn new things every day.