What are you studying at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague?
I’m studying in the Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s program. I’m finishing my studies this year, and I have my final state exams coming up in June.
Do you already have a specific area of specialization or focus for your thesis?
Since I’m a big Formula 1 fan, I decided on a somewhat unconventional topic for my bachelor’s thesis. I’m working on simulating airflow around a pair of profiles designed for the rear wing of a Formula 1 car and subsequently optimizing this configuration to maximize downforce. I’m conducting this research at the Institute of Technical Mathematics under the supervision of Professor Fürst, whom I’d like to thank. Thanks to this collaboration, I’ve gained a wealth of new knowledge not only in the fields of numerical mathematics and computational methods, but also in fluid mechanics. This experience provides me with an excellent foundation for my upcoming master’s program.
How did you land an internship at CERN?
Last year, I worked at CERN as a Summer Student. I was selected for the program from among approximately 300 students from around the world, chosen from more than 10,000 applicants. This experience was extremely valuable to me and also opened the door to further opportunities. Thanks to my strong performance and teamwork, I subsequently secured a position as a Technical Student, this time for six months in the same department.
What are the requirements for a student to be accepted into an internship at CERN?
The requirements vary depending on the specific program. For the Technical Student program, it’s important to be a college student and have sufficient English proficiency for everyday communication and work in an international environment. One advantage is that no language certificate is required. At the same time, applicants are expected to already have some specialized knowledge and experience. Your resume, previous projects, internships, and student activities play a major role. CERN is looking for students who can demonstrate not only knowledge but also motivation and interest in their field.
Did they give you any tasks to complete after you started?
Since I had previously worked on the same team as a summer student, my colleagues already knew me, so there was no need for any additional assessment of my skills. Generally, however, the main evaluation takes place during the selection process and the interview. After starting, students get involved in projects and undergo specialized training or self-study, depending on the needs of the team.
CERN employs students from many fields, not just physics. What task were you assigned?
As a mechanical engineering student, I participated in the development of a device designed for dynamic nuclear polarization. This is a complex physical process that utilizes a change in the orientation of atomic spins. From a mechanical engineer’s perspective, the main challenges involved operating the equipment at cryogenic temperatures around 1 K, in a vacuum environment, and using a superconducting magnet that generates a magnetic field of several tesla. By the time I joined the project, most of the equipment had already been designed. My task was to focus on optimizing the design and resolving outstanding technical issues.
How can this research contribute?
One of the potential benefits of this research is the improvement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods. The goal is to increase the speed and efficiency of certain diagnostic processes. That’s why it was very motivating for me to be able to participate in a project like this, one that can help patients.
What was the most difficult task for you?
Probably the most complicated task was designing the so-called sample holder—a device in which the sample to be polarized is placed. The device had to meet a number of demanding requirements. It was necessary to integrate scintillation detectors, a temperature sensor, a radiofrequency coil, and the necessary electronics into a space with a diameter of just 12 mm. At the same time, it had to withstand cryogenic temperatures. I proposed using 3D printing, and we successfully verified the suitability of the chosen material at very low temperatures. Thanks to this, this solution can be used in future experiments.
How do student mentoring and teamwork work?
Every student in the Technical Student program has a supervisor who provides professional guidance, helps solve problems, and assigns tasks. Just like in typical tech companies, there are regular team meetings and project meetings where the current status of the work and next steps are discussed.
What was the most important thing you took away from CERN for your future studies and professional life?
CERN is one of the world’s leading research centers, so the greatest benefit for me was the opportunity to work on an international team composed of both engineers and physicists. I consider the ability to collaborate with people from different fields and work together to find the best solutions to be one of the greatest benefits of this experience. At the same time, I significantly improved my technical English, acquired new technical skills, and learned to solve problems independently beyond the scope of regular coursework.
Have you ever directly applied the knowledge you gained at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at CTU?
Definitely yes. In addition to my main project, I also worked on the design of a support structure for an experimental device weighing approximately half a metric ton. During the design process, it was necessary to analyze the structure’s deformations and ensure they did not exceed very strict limits. First, I performed analytical calculations using Mohr’s integral, which we covered during my studies. I then verified the results using numerical simulations in ANSYS Mechanical. It was then that I realized how important the solid theoretical foundation I gained during my studies really is.
Did your time abroad teach you to be more independent?
Definitely yes. In addition to professional experience, my time abroad taught me greater independence, responsibility, and better time management. I had to get used to a new work environment, organize my daily life, and handle routine responsibilities. As a nice bonus, I also learned how to cook.
What are your plans for the future?
My immediate goal is to successfully complete my bachelor’s degree. My experience at CERN has also motivated me to continue my studies abroad. I’ve applied to universities in Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, and in the coming months I’ll decide which path to take.
What would you say to a student who thinks they aren’t good enough to apply to CERN or any other internship abroad?
I felt exactly the same way. I thought I didn’t have enough experience and that, compared to the other applicants, I didn’t stand much of a chance of succeeding. I hadn’t done any internships abroad, nor did I have extensive work experience. Still, I decided to apply because it cost me nothing except time and the courage to take that first step. It was all the more surprising to me when I was first selected for the Summer Student program and subsequently secured a position as a Technical Student. That’s why I’d recommend that every student not be afraid to apply—not just to CERN, but to any other international program as well. You might be pleasantly surprised by how far a single application can take you. In my case, this experience significantly influenced my future academic and professional path. I would also recommend creating a LinkedIn profile and actively using it. It’s a great tool for building a professional network, connecting with people in your field, and finding interesting job or study opportunities. Often, it’s precisely through these connections that you come across opportunities you wouldn’t have known about otherwise. In conclusion, I would like to encourage all students not to be afraid to apply for programs abroad, whether at CERN or anywhere else. Such an experience brings not only professional growth but also personal development, new connections, and a valuable perspective on the world. Many students feel that such opportunities are out of their reach, but that is often not the case at all.
Translated with DeepL.com
Photo credit: CERN (Photograph: Cavazza, Marina) and Martin Dvořák