Barry University is hosting Mgr. Anna Kosmáková, a PhD student in Analytical Chemistry at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, for an Erasmus+ traineeship with the College of Arts and Sciences.

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s funding program for education, training, youth and sport. Through this international opportunity, Kosmáková will gain hands-on research experience in the Department of Chemistry and Physics while contributing to scientific work in proteomics. She will also have the opportunity to share her experiences in an international graduate program in the Czech Republic with current Barry students.

Her research will focus on developing and evaluating immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) using hybrid inorganic-organic monolithic materials. The project will involve preparing and optimizing these materials, improving their stability and permeability, and modifying their surface chemistry to support effective enzyme attachment.

Kosmáková’s traineeship builds on a longstanding professional relationship between Dr. Zuzana Zajickova, Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and Dr. Jiri Urban, Professor of Chemistry and Kosmáková’s PhD advisor. Their connection began during their appointments at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and helped establish the foundation for this international research opportunity.

The Department of Chemistry and Physics will provide access to laboratory facilities, scientific instrumentation, research materials and faculty expertise to support the traineeship. Dr. Zajickova will serve as the direct supervisor where she’ll provide academic guidance and mentoring in coordination with Masaryk University.

The placement highlights the College of Arts and Sciences’ role in fostering international academic collaboration and advancing scientific research. Through opportunities like Erasmus+, Barry University welcomes new perspectives, supports cross-cultural learning and creates opportunities for scholars to exchange knowledge and contribute to their fields.