Dominik Hess, PhD student
Mendelova univerzita v Brně (Mendel University in Brno, MENDELU)
How did you arrive in your current position?
In 2011, when I joined the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at Mendel University in Brno, I had never thought about PhD carrier. During my studies, I focused on the effect of microwave radiation on the permeability of Norway spruce wood and its possible use in industry. The first idea about the possibility of a doctoral study came from my friend and now a current colleague. While experimenting on my diploma thesis, he told me all about the attractive plan you can focus on as a PhD student. Now, it is 4th year of my doctoral study, hoping to receive PhD in 2022.
Which scientific question are you the most eager to answer?
There are many things I would like to research, but it is time to put all the data gained during the study together and finish it. I am focused on the physical-mechanical properties of wooden shingles. Therefore, I'm eager to answer all questions from the development of shingles, used preservative coatings to its current use on historic and modern buildings.
What is the future of your research?
I would say that the most urgent thing for me is to prepare my work for dissertation defence. In addition, I took an opportunity to teach the subject of Construction Joinery Product. My path may lead in this new direction, mainly due to my family background. I often cooperate with my father in his small construction joinery company. Nevertheless, before changing my field of study, I will finish all my current research activities concerning the physical-mechanical properties of wooden shingles.
Open Science, especially Open Data, is highly debated on various levels. What is your opinion?
The term like Open Science is relatively new to me. The first time I heard about it was thanks to the ASFORCLIC project. Activities related to Open Science and Open data are essential. It is necessary to share the data and make the research results accessible to other researchers worldwide.
How do you maintain your work-life balance?
The time spent with my family is important to me. In addition, working at university offers me flexible working hours or the possibility to work from home if needed. I don't particularly appreciate sitting in the office all day long, and I feel that my research activities allow me to diversify my work environment.
How difficult is it to have a carrier in science? How do you keep your motivation?
As a man whose family is dependent on my income, I may struggle with a PhD student status to provide. However, this is also my motivation to uphold and fulfil my commitments. Thankfully, I am surrounded by interesting people and good friends at my workplace. They motivate me.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N°952314.