Klaudia Nowak-Marchewka, M. Sc.
2nd year of education at the Doctoral School
Discipline: Environmental Engineering, Mining and Power Engineering
Department of Machines and Production Biosystems, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

From 06.11.2024 to 06.12.2024, I participated in a scientific internship at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, in the Department of Machines and Production Biosystems. The internship was carried out under the STER NAWA – I-SDUPL project, aimed at the internationalization of doctoral schools.

My academic supervisor was Prof. Ing. Pavol Findura, PhD, a renowned scientist in the field of agricultural engineering and sustainable development technologies. His research interests include the optimization of agricultural processes and natural resource management, which aligns perfectly with the topic of my doctoral dissertation on sustainable development and the circular economy.

During the internship at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, I had the opportunity to participate in a meeting attended by representatives of the authorities of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, representatives of the hosting university, and doctoral students participating in the NAWA STER program. The meeting focused on discussing possibilities for developing inter-institutional cooperation and planning future scientific and educational initiatives.

The discussions covered potential research projects and opportunities for mutual exchange of experience and knowledge between universities. It was also an occasion to present the outcomes of the existing collaboration and define directions for future development.

Participation in this meeting was an invaluable experience for me. It allowed me to establish new scientific contacts and better understand the perspectives of international research and educational cooperation. This event inspired me to pursue further academic and professional development.

During the internship at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in the Department of Machines and Production Biosystems, I had the opportunity to gain knowledge and practical skills in sustainable development, the circular economy, and agricultural technologies. I participated in research on optimizing production processes, using methods such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and ecological efficiency analysis. I also became acquainted with modern precision agriculture technologies, such as GPS systems and sensors for monitoring soil quality and yields.

I had a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences with other researchers, which enriched my academic expertise and allowed me to establish important scientific connections. The internship provided new research perspectives and skills that I will utilize in my doctoral dissertation.

During the internship in Slovakia, I could not only develop academically but also explore the beauty of the country and its culture. One of the unique experiences was hiking to Zobor Mountain, offering breathtaking views of Nitra – a city remarkable for its rich architecture and historical landmarks as well as its surrounding natural beauty. The harmony between historical heritage and natural charm made every moment spent there deeply inspiring.

I also had the chance to taste traditional regional dishes and experience Slovak hospitality. These moments made my stay not only an opportunity for academic growth but also an immersion in local culture and daily life.

Another unforgettable part of my stay was exploring Nitra – a city that captivates with its historical character and architectural landmarks. Walking through the old town, I could admire the unique atmosphere of this place, which harmoniously combines tradition and modernity.

These experiences made my stay not only an opportunity for academic growth but also a chance to understand the culture, history, and nature of Slovakia in its full dimension.

During the internship, I also had the opportunity to visit Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, which fascinates with its unique charm. Walking through the atmospheric old town, I admired the beauty of historical buildings and discovered the city’s delightful corners. The Bratislava Castle, majestically towering over the city, left a particular impression on me, offering a spectacular view of the Danube and the surrounding area. This visit was not only an occasion to admire architecture but also to better understand the culture and rich history of Bratislava.

To conclude, the internship at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra was an extremely valuable experience that significantly contributed to my academic and personal development. I had the opportunity to acquire new practical skills and deepen my theoretical knowledge, which allowed me to better understand key aspects of my field. Working in an international environment helped me enhance my interpersonal skills and taught me how to work effectively in a team.

This internship was also an opportunity to learn about the rich culture of Slovakia and discover the country’s beauty, which enriched my experience and broadened my perspectives. I believe that the time spent at this university was inspiring and immensely valuable, and the insights and academic connections I gained will undoubtedly positively impact my future development.