Chemistry feels like solving ancient codes. How Vojtěch Kučera combines science, karate, and a passion for teaching?

Vojtěch Kučera appreciates the broad scope of education he gained from studying chemistry at the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University. Why does he want to become a high school chemistry teacher? How does he manage all his activities? And in what ways has karate taught him to work with stress and his own emotions?

Beginnings and the Path to Natural Sciences

To start off, tell me how your interest in the natural sciences developed. What led you to them?

My interest began in childhood. My family played a big role in this. We spent a lot of time in nature, went fishing, so I always felt close to it. But it was my chemistry teacher at the eight-year grammar school, Mr. Bohumír Kotlík, who truly introduced me to chemistry. He was not only a great educator but also the author of the Chemie v kostce I–II textbooks. I was lucky to be taught by someone so passionate and willing to devote his time. Thanks to him, I fell in love with chemistry and began to see it as something fascinating.

So your teacher had a major influence on your decision to study chemistry?

Absolutely. Mr. Kotlík was not only an expert but someone who could transfer his enthusiasm to students. He spent a lot of time with me outside of class – preparing me for chemistry olympiads, leading me in the chemistry club, and supporting me overall. His influence was truly pivotal for me. I must also mention two other teachers, Mr. Jiří Karel and Mr. Milan Zimpl, who continued to inspire my love for chemistry after Mr. Kotlík retired.

How did you do in the chemistry olympiads?

I participated regularly and was always a successful contestant at the regional level. These competitions were a great opportunity to deepen my knowledge and learn new things. They kept me motivated and helped prepare me for further studies.

What fascinated you most about chemistry? Was it a particular area?

I loved its logic and structure. Chemical formulas reminded me of ciphers or ancient scripts – I’ve always enjoyed decoding complex things. I was most drawn to organic chemistry because it’s very logical. Once you understand the key principles, everything starts to make sense. It’s also full of interesting reactions and processes that still amaze me.

So you were more drawn to organic than inorganic or analytic chemistry?

Yes, organic chemistry attracted me the most. If you understand structure and reactivity, you can predict molecule behaviour without memorizing them. That still fascinates me.

What were your interests beyond chemistry?

I love playing musical instruments, especially the five-string banjo. Music allows me to switch off and simultaneously be fully present. The same goes for karate, which I’ve practiced since I was six. My wife and I also enjoy ballroom dancing, and we spend summers working at children’s summer camp.

How did you choose your university?

I was looking for a university that offered a wide range of chemistry topics – from organic and inorganic chemistry to analytical and physical chemistry. I didn’t want to specialize too early, as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue back then. I chose the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University and a general program that allowed me to explore various areas.

Your studies started during the COVID-19 pandemic. How did that affect you?

I was fortunate to start both grammar school and university with a friend, which helped a lot. We supported each other. I graduated in 2020 and started university that autumn. It was a challenging time with mostly online classes, and we didn’t meet in person until the second year. On the other hand, online learning allowed us to take more courses at once, which wouldn’t have been possible with in-person classes due to scheduling conflicts and travel between campuses. In the second semester, we took an unusually high number of couses, which gave us more flexibility later for labs and other activities.

Research Involvement: First Steps into Scientific Work

How do you perceive the faculty’s efforts to support student involvement in research?

The faculty offers great opportunities. The best resource is your peers – they guide you on how to get involved. There’s also a course in block format where supervisors present research topics, and students can choose one to join. I got my topic through Dr. Marek Martínek, who introduced me to the lab and trained me on different laboratory procedures. Before that, I worked with him on light-activated compounds. Shortly after, I focused on selected oxocarbons and discovered many open questions in that field.

How did you choose your specific research topic?

I wanted something interdisciplinary that combined various chemistry fields. After discussions with Professor Klán, we settled on the photochemical and photophysical properties of rhodizonate – a relatively underexplored compound with wide practical use.

What fascinates you about researching rhodizonate’s photochemistry?

Though the molecule has only 12 atoms, it's more complex than it seems. Unlike biomolecules with hundreds or thousands of atoms, small molecules pose unique challenges. Their behaviour depends on many variables, making research more difficult. This complexity might explain the gaps in existing literature.

Is this compound used in practice?

Yes, for example, in forensic chemistry for identifying gunpowder residues through lead interaction. It’s also used in organic batteries for its redox properties. But its photochemistry is still not fully explored, leaving room for new discoveries.

What’s your approach to experimentation?

Experimentation is essential. You may start with a hypothesis but end up discovering something completely new. It requires patience and a curious mind – curiosity is what drives me most.

Connection to Region and Career Plans

What is your connection to the Vysočina region, and how do you envision your future career?

My wife and I are planning to live in Humpolec, so I have strong ties to Vysočina. But there aren’t many labs in the area. Since I come from a family of teachers, education has always been important. I want to teach chemistry at a high school or grammar school. I had three amazing chemistry teachers who inspired me – I owe my success to them and want to pass that forward. Teaching is how I plan to repay that debt.

Can you apply karate to teaching?
Definitely. I lead summer camps, work with kids and teenagers, and everything karate taught me – structure, discipline, trust – I bring to those roles. Kids need boundaries and room to grow. That balance between order and humanity is something I keep learning, and I believe it will be beneficial for me as a teacher.

How do you cope with stress or frustration?
Karate gave me perspective. I used to overthink things. Now I know not everything needs to be perfect right away. Mistakes are part of growth. Karate taught me patience, focus, and calm – and that’s the biggest gift for me.

Thank you for the interview
Zuzana Jayasundera

Photo: Irina Matusevich