WC '26: UTA’s Czech connection goes beyond the pitch

Monday, Jun 01, 2026 • Drew Davison :

As the Czech Republic’s national soccer team makes Mansfield its home base during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, The University of Texas at Arlington is highlighting its own unique connection to the Central European nation—referred to as Czechia on the pitch.

Kevin Schug, the Shimadzu Distinguished Professor of Analytical Chemistry in UT Arlington’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, has spent years collaborating with Czech students and researchers on scientific discovery.

Dr. Schug frequently travels to the Czech Republic, including a 2024 stint as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar, and has hosted numerous Czech students at UTA through international research and study abroad programs.

“Most people immediately think of Prague, but the Czech Republic has many smaller cities with incredible history, architecture, and culture,” Schug said. “I have always found the people to be extremely welcoming, friendly, and outdoors oriented, and that’s been true consistently over many years of visits.”

Schug shared his insights into Czechia, from long-running research collaborations to the country’s passion for soccer. A soccer fan himself, Schug played goalkeeper for the Blacksburg (Va.) High School state championship team in 1993.

What is the soccer culture like in Czechia, especially with the country returning to the World Cup for the first time in 20 years?

Schug: They’re very passionate. When you travel by train on match days, you can immediately tell where games are being played because the stations are packed with fans. I just recently visited Czech as an advisory board member to a large pharmaceutical collaborative, NETPHARM. I can only imagine their excitement getting back to the World Cup. I see their competitiveness in the scientific arena and I know this translates to the pitch.

How did your research collaboration with Czech scholars begin?

Schug: My postdoctoral research was at the University of Vienna, and that’s where I first began collaborating with colleagues from Palacký University in the Czech Republic. Their professors and students came to work with me in Vienna, and we were able to publish research together. We’ve published at least 20 peer-reviewed papers, and those collaborations are still ongoing today.

What do Czech students and researchers contribute to UTA?

Schug: They’re impeccably trained in chemistry, and many also bring exceptional skills in mathematics and programming, which allows them to make significant contributions to our research. Of course, a major advantage of having researchers come from abroad is sharing their culture with our students. We encourage sharing of cultural heritage—I love a good kolache.

Why have Czech students and researchers enjoyed North Texas as a study abroad destination?

Schug: Students and researchers who’ve come here have really loved it. Many leave with cowboy boots or a cowboy hat, and they quickly develop an appreciation for Texas barbecue and the local culture. It’s been a really good fit.

How would you describe analytical chemistry to a general audience?

Schug: I’m essentially an expert in measurement science. We use advanced instrumentation to analyze samples such as drinking water or blood and determine what chemical compounds are present and in what amounts.

Why is analytical chemistry important?

Schug: Analytical chemistry applies across environmental, biological, clinical, pharmaceutical, and energy sciences, because everyone needs reliable measurements to understand what they’re making or what’s there.

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