Jordan Wilk, M.Sc.
Second year of studies at the Doctoral School
Discipline: Environmental engineering, mining and power engineering
Department of Quality and Engineering Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Slovak University of Agriculture

Between November 6, 2024, and December 6, 2024, I completed a research internship at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, in the Department of Quality and Engineering Technologies. The internship was carried out as part of the STER NAWA – I-SDUPL project. My academic supervisor was Prof. Ing. Miroslav Prístavka, PhD, an outstanding scientist in the field of agricultural engineering, who enjoys significant international recognition.

The research topic of my doctoral dissertation is largely aligned with the disciplines represented by the host institution. The Slovak University of Agriculture conducts research, among other things, on noise related to transport and agricultural engineering. This research is based on noise measurements, which form the foundation of my doctoral dissertation studies. The internship in Nitra allowed me to expand my theoretical knowledge and practical skills in specialized noise measurement. I became familiar with new techniques and measurement methods. During my internship at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, I had the opportunity to support the research and projects conducted there in the aforementioned field.

At the beginning of my internship at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, I had the chance to participate in a meeting that brought together representatives of the authorities of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, hosts from the Slovak university, and doctoral students undertaking internships under the NAWA STER program. The main goal of this event was to discuss the possibilities of establishing and deepening interinstitutional cooperation and to plan future actions in the field of science and teaching. During the discussions, the focus was on potential research projects, the exchange of knowledge and experience between universities, and summarizing achievements to date. The meeting provided a space to define new directions for development and collaboration. This event was extremely inspiring for me. It not only enabled me to establish new academic contacts but also helped me better understand the importance of international academic cooperation. It was an experience that motivates me to further professional and scientific development.

The international internship in Slovakia not only enriched me scientifically but also provided unforgettable impressions and exceptional experiences from a tourism perspective. Slovakia turned out to be an incredibly charming country, full of rich history, beautiful nature, and hospitable people. During the internship, I lived in the city of Nitra—one of the oldest cities in Slovakia, which captivated me with its calm atmosphere and historical character. Walking through the mountains around the city, I had the chance to admire the wonderful panorama of Nitra, including the magnificent castle in its center.

I also visited Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, which enchanted me with its diverse character—from the charming streets of the Old Town to the impressive Bratislava Castle overlooking the Danube. The city was full of life, and its culture and atmosphere encouraged exploration.

Slovakia also amazed me with its castles and picturesque natural landscapes. Contact with nature allowed me not only a moment of respite but also a deeper appreciation of the country’s richness.

I cannot forget about Slovak cuisine, which became one of the highlights of my journey. I tasted traditional dishes such as bryndzové halušky, kapustnica, and lokše, which delighted me with their taste and unique character.

To sum up, during the internship, I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge in various scientific fields, including environmental engineering, quality engineering, and agricultural engineering. Learning new techniques and measurement methods during the internship improved my practical skills, which I will use in my own research. Moreover, the internship allowed me to establish numerous valuable contacts, which may result in joint scientific projects, conferences, and publications in the future. The experience gained during the internship will not only contribute to the effective implementation of my research for my doctoral dissertation but also open the door to collaboration and the initiation of interesting scientific projects. The time spent in Slovakia was not only a valuable professional experience but also an unforgettable opportunity to explore this extraordinary country. Nitra, Bratislava, castles, nature, and local cuisine will remain in my memory for a long time as unique memories.