Assoc. Prof. Ing. Gabriela Achtenová, Ph.D.
Head of the Automotive Transmissions Laboratory, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, and Vice-Rector for Bachelor's and Master's Studies, CTU in Prague
Associate Professor Achtenová is a graduate of the Automotive Engineering program at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, CTU. She completed her doctorate under dual supervision at ESEM (Orléans, France) and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, CTU in Prague. Her primary specialization is automotive transmissions, and she leads the Automotive Transmissions Laboratory at CTU. Since 2018, she has also served as the university's Vice-Rector.
What is your area of expertise at CTU, and what do you enjoy most about your work?
Automotive transmissions. It may seem that after decades of mass production in the millions, there is nothing new left to invent... :) But that’s not the case. Designing any new mechanism or its components is always an exciting adventure.
Additionally, in my role as Vice-Rector over the past seven years, I have focused on digitizing study processes and preparing various academic regulations.
What led you to science?
As a fresh engineering graduate, I didn't feel "ready for use" and felt the need for further education. I also wanted to gain international experience. A Ph.D. program offered me all of that. And from there, I stayed at CTU (with occasional research stays abroad).
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Now that my daughter is approaching adulthood, it's no longer a problem. When she was little, I was very fortunate to have a kind and supportive mother who helped me a lot. I also have a wonderful husband.
Would you recommend a scientific career to high school girls? If so, why?
Definitely yes. It is a diverse and inspiring career.