Alex Lowe
What do I do professionally?
At the University of Silesia in Katowice, I research the physical chemistry of processes under high-pressure conditions. There are many different versions of the “high pressure” depending on where you go and what sub-division of science you go to. For example, our atmospheric pressure is 101,325 Pascal. That is the pressure of everyday life. I am interested in what happens at 2000 times and greater pressure. You would be surprised by what happens in these high-pressure conditions regarding the adaptation of life and the different chemical pathways for reactions.
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The University of Silesia is in a prime location for collaboration with scientists all over the world. We have had visitors from Canada, the USA, England, Spain, Ukraine, Italy and Russia (pre-war). We also have a diversity of diversity of scientists from all over Europe: Turkey, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, and, of course, Poland.
My first day at work
My first day at the University of Silesia was a shock. The number of departments and people to meet and introduce myself to was so big! However, I was lucky to meet kind people with big goals and imaginations.
What suprised me?
I think the strangest situation was when Poles who speak English asked me if I had tried the Polish dumplings. When I asked them to show me a picture of the dish, I instantly said perogies! We have them in Canada. Usually, it comes as a slight shock to the Polish speakers that I know the word and that it has been adopted in English-speaking parts of North America. This iconic food came to Canada with Polish and Ukrainian immigrants. Cabbage rolls are also popular, but Canadians must learn the word “Gołąbki”.
What I like about Katowice?
Katowice is a very young city compared with many other Polish ones. It is about as old as Canada, and you can see the city develop over the years while walking in different parts of town. The Rynek (town square), of course, shows a mix of modern and old buildings with tramlines connecting the various districts that were either built during the Prussian era, the Interwar Era, the Communist era (the buildings turning from grey to colourful now) and presently – in our times. Katowice is an ever-changing city with many prospects for the people of Poland. It is exciting to see what will happen next.