Jakub Ettrich

Jakub Ettrich moved to US from Czech Republic in August 2018. Ettrich conducted research with Dr. Conrad Fischer at Barry U, which was based on the synthesis of the fluorophore BODIPY FL and conjugation of the fluorophore to PEGylated ELABELA peptides, and during summer with Stephen A. Watts at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), which was based on how different neurotransmitters affect the metamorphosis of sea urchin larvae.

What’s the dorkiest (or nerdiest, goofiest, silliest) thing about you?
I have a funky accent, which might be a result of being multilingual, and I sometimes make bad science jokes.

What experience made you feel most excited to be a chemistry major?
There were a couple of such experiences. One would be helping out during the COACH program at Barry. It was an amazing experience to explain science to middle and high school kids and seeing them actually being curious about the topics, asking questions, being involved, and in general seeing them really wanting to learn. Another would be doing actual research in a lab. I loved it mainly for the reason that one can plan their day in the lab and work at their own pace, because science isn’t just doing the experiments, but also about doing some literature research, coordination, and generally having a good plan. If you have a good plan, you’re much closer to getting results.

Do you have a favorite chemist?
I don’t necessarily have one favorite chemist. I kind of like Marie Curie and Rosalind Franklin, not only due to their discoveries, but also because they are some of the most famous women in STEM, and I think we should continue to encourage women to get into STEM and help them on their journey in any way possible. I would also include my dad, who got me into sciences, and whose input I really appreciate now that I’m delving more into biochemical topics, since throughout his career he did deal a lot with proteins and receptors.

What would be your ideal career?
My ideal or dream career would probably have to be just doing research and eventually leading my own research group. When I got into science, I never really thought about medicine or industrial chemistry, I just wanted to be in the lab and do my work, so that has been my goal from the beginning really. There is a couple of options though that I would like to do research on. One would be doing more research on tick-borne diseases, since from where I am from, the Czech Republic, tick-borne diseases are a rather relevant issue, so that is a topic I relate to.

What’s your best advice for international undergraduate students joining chemistry program?
It might depend on where you’re from, but definitely put to good use your work ethic from where you come from. As international students, it is possible that there will be some language barriers, whether when we’re learning new terms, or if we have to present, but we can compensate for it with a good work ethic. If you show that you’re willing to learn, to improve, and you do want to be involved, there is nothing to be scared about. Also take advantage of the resources the department provides, like tutoring, research, involvement in programs, Chemistry Club, and try to connect with other students as much as you can.

What are you binge watching/reading/listening to?
You’d probably think Breaking Bad, since I am a chemistry major, but surprisingly I never actually watched it. The last shows that I binge watched were the Netflix series Lucifer and the Witcher, and then the Mandalorian on Disney. I am looking forward to binge watching the 2nd season of the Witcher and on Disney the Book of Boba Fett. I also listen to quite a lot of Red Hot Chili Peppers.