Throughout the current academic year, we are promoting our graduates – winners of the Graduate Extra 2025 competition. We encourage you to explore their achievements and find inspiration in their choices. In April, we have the pleasure of introducing two laureates from the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences at the University of Zielona Góra (UZ): Jakub Bembenek, MA, and Natalia Charowska, BA.
Jakub Bembenek, MA
Jakub is a graduate of a Master’s degree in Physics (specializing in Theoretical Physics), which he completed with an outstanding grade (celujący), and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, completed with a very good grade. During his studies, he participated in a research project of the National Science Centre (NCN) titled "Application of artificial intelligence to predict the presence of a thrombus in the left atrial appendage based on transthoracic echocardiography video and clinical data," carried out under the supervision of Konrad Pieszko, MD, PhD.
In this project, J. Bembenek served as a scholarship holder and an AI programmer responsible for the development and validation of AI models for left atrial segmentation in echocardiographic images and predictive models detecting the presence of thrombi. Although he joined the physics student body only during his second-degree (Master's) studies, he significantly expanded his knowledge of modern physics from the very first semester.
Jakub’s particular research interest was drawn to quantum physics, which resulted in his Master's thesis titled "Quantum coherence and entanglement in coupled systems of several qubits." The results of the research, conducted under the supervision of Prof. Zbigniew Ficek, were published in the international journal Physical Review, and their quality and significance were recognized at national and international conferences in the field of quantum optics and quantum informatics.
Contact and more information about our graduate can be found on his profile: https://bk.uz.zgora.pl/absolwent-extra-sylwetki-absolwentow/rok-2025/fizyka-jakub-bembenek-12.html
Natalia Charowska, BA
Natalia is a graduate of the first-degree (Bachelor's) studies in Tourism and Recreation. Throughout her studies, she received the Rector's Scholarship, which confirms her consistency, commitment, and persistent pursuit of her goals. During her studies, she was intensively involved in scientific activities, participating in national and international scientific conferences where she presented papers on contemporary issues in tourism.
Her activity included participation in the 11th Interdisciplinary International Scientific and Practical Conference in Białystok, the 2nd National Student-Doctoral Conference in Lublin, and the 7th National Conference of Young Scientists in Nowy Targ. These experiences allowed her to develop presentation skills and deepen her knowledge of current trends and challenges in tourism.
Her scientific output is complemented by her diploma thesis regarding astrotourism in the Lubuskie Voivodeship, in which she conducted original empirical research, identifying growth factors for this niche form of tourism, assessing its potential, and developing a profile of a modern astrotourist. She also developed her research skills during a month-long scientific project carried out by the Marine Station of the Institute of Oceanography at the University of Gdańsk and the Foundation for the Development of the University of Gdańsk, where she gained knowledge about the functioning of the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
Organizational and social activity was another important area of her work. For three years, she served as the Chair of the Student Scientific Circle of Tourism and was the Year Representative. She is also a member of the "Wianeczki" Rural Women's Association, where she actively promotes regional heritage and co-organizes cultural events. Furthermore, she was involved in the organizing committee of the "2nd Tourism Day" and in the promotion of the UZ Faculty of Biological Sciences.
She gained professional experience during internships at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism and the Polish Tourism Organisation, which allowed her to learn the inner workings of public institutions responsible for the development of the tourism sector in Poland. She also actively participated in volunteering, including events organized by the Kepler Science Centre – Nature Centre and the 8th Hotelier Forum of the Chamber of Commerce of the Polish Hotel Industry.
Contact and more information about our graduate can be found on her profile: https://bk.uz.zgora.pl/absolwent-extra-sylwetki-absolwentow/rok-2025/turystyka-i-rekreacja-natalia-charowska-11.html
The Gala Ceremony
During the solemn Graduate Extra 2025 Gala, which took place on November 17, 2025, statuettes were presented to the honored laureates by:
