Belcastro: I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues from CATRIN
Biosensors and their use in detecting glucose and lactate were the focus of Laura Belcastro’s two-month traineeship at CATRIN. A doctoral student in the Materials for Sustainable Development program at University of Rome Tor Vergata, she worked primarily with colleagues from Michal Otyepka’s Carbon Nanostructures, Biomolecules, and Simulations research group.
Why did you choose CATRIN for your traineeship?
This workplace was recommended to me by my supervisor, Prof. Fabiana Arduini, who is familiar with Prof. Michal Otyepka’s group and their research. At the same time, I came across their scientific publications and outputs myself while researching literature in our field. I was impressed by their achievements, the technologies and materials applied in analytical chemistry which perfectly matched my focus. I am currently a Ph.D. student involved in the EIC Pathfinder PHOENIX-OoC project, which aims to develop a paper-based organ-on-chip device with integrated paper-based electrochemical (bio)sensors. As an analytical chemist specializing in electrochemistry, my focus within this project is the development of the integrated sensor array, including biosensors for glucose and lactate detection, which I explored here at CATRIN.
Was this internship beneficial for your future career?
Definitely. Especially the specialized technologies used in the local laboratories and new knowledge about advanced materials. Beyond the scientific work, I also experienced a very constructive and collaborative environment, which reinforced my vision of scientific research as team, where findings and expertise are combined toward a common goal. These are very valuable experiences for me, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with my colleagues from CATRIN.
How do you like Olomouc and the Czech Republic?
I visited Prague, which I fell in love with. I also really like Olomouc. It’s much quieter here than what I’m used to in Rome, and I have to say that I appreciate that. I also love art, so the architecture of Olomouc is very interesting to me. And especially during this pre-Christmas period, when it even started to snow, quite unusual for me, the atmosphere of this city is very charming.
Did anything surprise you during your stay?
Nothing in particular. I was expecting a different lifestyle compared to big cities, but I felt comfortable from the start. The HR department helped me with everything I needed to arrange, and the work environment was positive from the beginning. And I was lucky that all the people I met, both at work and in shops, for example, were very helpful. Overall, I would rate the traineeship positively in all respects.
