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Seven Questions with Zoltan Kalmar

7 June 2019

This week we caught up with ex-American football player Zoltan, who works with UCL Accommodation to improve student experience in halls. Zoltan is a Physics BSc student in UCL Physics & Astronomy.

Zoltan Kalmar

What are you studying, why are you interested in this subject and what do you plan to do in the future?

I am a BSc Physics student at the department of Physics & Astronomy at UCL. I am also one of the Student Representatives for the Physics department which gives me the opportunity to better engage with my fellow course mates, as well as the department. I’ve decided to study physics because you get an insight into how everything around us works, starting from the smallest atoms and all the way up to galaxies and black holes. I also knew I’d be in for a treat with all the experiments conducted here, like ‘playing’ around with lasers, liquid nitrogen or dry ice (especially when you get to combine the three of them together!).

After graduation I would like to work with start-ups, whether in an existing one or through developing one through a pre-accelerator or an accelerator.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at UCL?

I think the most interesting thing I’ve seen at UCL would have to be Jeremy Bentham’s Auto-Icon. In my opinion, he’s not just a museum artefact in the South Cloisters; rather, he represents what UCL stands for – that education should be accessible to everyone regardless of their wealth or background.

Have you discovered any hidden gems during your time at UCL?

During one of the lectures in my first year, the department managed to bring in one of the original copies of Isaac Newton’s Principia (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy) which is considered to be one of the biggest contributions to the world of science. Funnily enough, this book is kept in UCL’s ‘super-secret’ library and if you request access to it, you might actually get to study the piece (that is – if you can read and understand Latin). Personally, I find this amazing!

Give us your top three things to do/see/go to in London:

My top three picks would have to be:

  1. Camden Market, including all the quirky shops and the mouth-watering food from the stalls right by the canal.
  2. The view from Sky Garden – entry is free, and you don’t need a ticket after 6pm. The view is breath-taking, especially at dusk.
  3. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of busy London, definitely go and visit Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.

If you were Provost for the day what one thing would you do?

I would make more time to go out and meet with students, and make sure that students knew that they can approach me if they have any pressing matters. I think it’s important for all staff at UCL to keep in contact touch with the student community.

Who inspires you and why?

One of my biggest role models is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Not only he is my favourite actor, I absolutely admire how much hard work he puts in every day, how much appreciation he has for his fans and the things he does for his community. I find his life story – how he migrated to the USA with only seven bucks in his pocket (later naming his production ‘Seven Bucks production’) – and his achievements today very motivational and inspiring.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

People always act surprised when I tell them that I absolutely love classical music. My favourite artist is the Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi. I haven’t had a chance to see him live yet, but it’s on my bucket list.