Dr. Venera received his degree in structural geology and tectonics at the Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, complemented with a semester study at the Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, UK. After lecturing at the university and serving as the Head of Department of Geology in the Ministry of the Environment, he currently works as the Director of the Czech Geological Survey. He is responsible for managing the Survey and providing the state administration with research-based knowledge for decision-making in land use planning, mineral planning policy, prevention and mitigation of natural hazards, ground water resources, remediation of contaminated sites, and other environmental issues. The Humphrey Fellowship Program at UC Davis and work experience with the U.S. Geological Survey will enable him to enhance his managerial capacity and gain insight in the application of up-to-date technologies used in the research of natural hazards. He would like to establish a professional partnership between the USGS and CGS that could result in joint research and development projects in the future.

Last updated: 2004