About ME

Project 1

Search for spin selectivity in non-chiral materials was my BSc thesis project under supervision of prof. Slawinska and prof. van Wees. I continued working on the project after graduation which culminated in a joined publication with the Slawinska group. My role was to use the findings from Carlos Mera Acosta et al. to predict the form of spin selectivity in non-chiral space groups which have chiral symmetry as specific k-points – teaching me the importance of Group theory in materials science. I then chose a material from one of the space groups to calculate in DFT the current induced spin accumulation – teaching me how to perform DFT calculation on computer clusters. I rationalized the emergence of spin selectivity based on the spin texture – teaching me about spin dynamics.

Project 2

First-principles simulations of hybrid layered perovskite phases utilizing symmetry-adapted phonon modes was my MSc thesis done at MSE Cornell under supervision of prof. Benedek. I predicted the possible structures of ammonium containing Dion-Jacobson perovskite. In comparison to other alkaline cation-containing D-J phases, I rationalized the preference of certain structures and distortions based on the size and coordination environment of the ammonium cation. This experience is the reason why I am confident I can perform theoretical research at the graduate level. Although I had all the support necessary, the hypothesis was vague, and the research goals shifted as I continued the work. It thought me about persistence and the value of curiosity.

Project 3

Development of new surrogate models for Bayesian optimization of material properties was my internship at prof. Zhang’s group at TMM-TU Darmstadt. This was an interdisciplinary project connecting material simulations with deep learning methods. I developed a surrogate model based on a probabilistic Bayesian neural network which was tested according to the methods of Yee-Fun Lim et al. My model drastically outperformed all other surrogate models at initial acquisition of a high-dimensional descriptor space. I continued the testing of the framework using different methods and on other dataset which showed less performance. This sprouted my interest in alternative machine learning methods.

Sports

Sports and exercise have always played a large role in my life. There is not one single activity I specialize in, but if I had to choose one that matters most, it would be running.

Running

I started running about eight years ago now, thanks to the good influence of YouTubers like Casey Neistat, but I have made it part of my routine after reading the book Born To Run. I have primarily focused on cross-country and trail running whenever possible, and I haven't shied away from barefoot running either. Although I mostly run alone, without distractions, I enjoy the occasional organized run or race. The image below is from Christmas Eve 2021 in Dolny Kubin.

Bouldering

I have been climbing on and off for a better part of a decade, but I have only become serious about it over the last year. I tend to go bouldering about three times a week, which compliments well my sedentary lifestyle.

Biking, hiking and skiing

Three sports that I love but can only do on occasion, when circumstances allow it. Thanks to my family, I have been exposed to biking, hiking, and skiing for as long as I can remember.

Calisthenics and taking care of one body

To protect my body, I have been doing body-weight exercises that strengthen a wide range of muscle groups. I recently secured second place in the renowned Benedek Lab pull-up competition. I have also trained with cold exposure to help heal my muscles and strengthen my immunity.

Cooking and baking

To stay happy and healthy, sports are essential, but exercise needs to happen in conjunction with eating well. I primarily cook my own food, which is usually healthy and tasty but only sometimes visually appealing. Here are some of the meals I made that look the part. In the years 2020-2022, my friend and I scaled up a small baking business, selling brownies to friends and fellows; see a picture of the brownie below.

The time I caught my own dinner

Music

Music is the beat in the soundtrack of my life. Whether you focus on the beat or not, it is an essential part, always there in the background, giving the pace needed to keep going. I started drumming in middle school and am now drumming for fun whenever I get the chance. You can listen to a version of Sultans of Swing played by me and some friends back in 2021.

Photography

I love walking, which helps me find beautiful instances. I don't have a fancy camera, I use my Samsung S20 but I think I've captured some amazing moments.

Gymnasium

I started attending High-school at P.O.Hviezdoslava, Dolny Kubin after the 5th grade. This was an 8 year program joining the upper stage of Middle-school and High-school. One day my english teacher announced an opportunity of a scholarship to study in the UK.

A-levels

After my 11th year of study in Slovakia, I moved to Redhill, England to do A-levels. This boarding school was located inside a beautiful park about 30min south from London. It was the perfect envorniment for me to perfect my learning and english skills.

Bachelors

Even though I had the opportunity to stay in England for my undergraduate studies I made to choice to move to the Netherlands, another country offering education in english.

Masters

By the time I had to choose my masters program I still felt the need to go see more, discover new cultures, to live in more countries. I have recieved an offer for the Erasmus mundus scholarship which allowed me to do a double degree in two european countries of my choice, I chose Germany for the first year and belgium for the second. I am grateful to this program for now I have friends from around the world, making me feel like a belong everywhere. For my masters thesis I wanted to leave the continent at last and I moved to upstate New York to work as a visiting reseacher.