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Dr Barbora Balonova
Research Scientist, Research and Productivity Council
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Persistence and determination can go a long way!
WHAT DO YOU DO?
My job includes handling special research projects for clients and offering support to the whole company for development and implementation of our service lines.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I always loved chemistry, so naturally, I chose to pursue my Bachelor and Masters studies at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava. For my PhD, I had a dream to study abroad, to experience different culture and improve my English skills. I was lucky to work on my PhD degree in two amazing countries (United Kingdom and Canada). It was not always easy, but definitely worth it. I've met so many wonderful people that thought me so much! It took me about 4 years to complete my degree and it was a great journey! I definitely wanted to continue to do research and I fell in love with Canada (and also one special Canadian!) Working as Research Scientist is ticking-all-the-boxes for me! Being in the industrial fast-paced environment while still learning new things and growing as a scientist is what I really enjoy.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I could never imagine that I will be able to communicate science in English (my mother tongue is Slovak) nor writing scientific papers. Persistence and determination can go a long way!
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love working in STEM because it is a constantly evolving field. From my own experience, every day in the lab can be different! Starting a new exciting project or synthesizing a new compound that was never made before is very exciting. Exploring the unknown can be sometimes difficult but once you figure it out it is very rewarding.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Grades are not everything, follow your passion!
INSPO / FUN FACT
“Your limitation—it’s only your imagination.”