Program Mentoringowy BioLAB

Hi! My name is Aleksandra. My hometown is located in the East of Poland, however Wrocław had been my home for last five years. My scientific journey started at the Wroclaw University, where I was studying microbiology. As I am always look for possibility to learn new things, My master thesis is focus on genetic aspects of lung cancer. I really enjoy challenging myself and trying to be better person every other day. Nowadays I work at the department of pharmacology at University of Virginia. My work is focus on retrotrapezoid nucleus and electrophysiology of its neurons. The man point of this research is to provide better understanding of CCHS and potential therapy. I decided to apply for BioLAB program because it seems to be an incredible opportunity to develop my skills and to gain a lot of experience in laboratory work. I would like to continue learning on doctoral studies and I hope BioLAB help me to achieve my goal.

Who I am:

I am a young biomedical scientist from Poznań, Poland. I am deeply interested in cancer genetics, protein pathways, and the mechanisms of human diseases. I love untangling the chaos of connections between receptors and ligands, genes and cellular response, or drugs and their impact on body or tumor cells. The complexity of these mechanisms and sometimes unexpectedness keep me entertained and give me a solid dose of satisfaction when I finally understand them.

I am also a medical student. I believe that by doing scientific work and discovering new drugs or pathogenic pathways, I will be able to help more people than while being a “typical” physician. Therefore I’m currently on a scientific path.

Apart from science and studying, activism and social work play a significant role in my life. I am a member of Fridays For Future and participate in many events, actions, and campaigns about the climate crisis.

I love nature, second-hand clothes and art:)

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

My lab aims to unravel the mechanism responsible for sex differences, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic diseases. I will work on liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD. The main goal of this project is to determine if sex hormones can be used to mitigate NAFLD.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

The opportunity of doing scientific work in the U.S. at such a young age will open many doors for me and help me achieve my dream of becoming an outstanding scientist by working in the best laboratories in the world.

I want to practice laboratory skills and learn new techniques and methodologies to conduct advanced and meaningful research. I hope to meet many amazing people and get inspired to devote myself to science even more.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

I want to dedicate my life to science. After the BioLAB Program, I would like to finish my medical degree and do the Ph.D. while discovering new drug mechanisms that may be used to help my patients. I want to work in the best academic facilities in the world and share my knowledge and experience with other people, especially those younger than me, to inspire them to follow their dreams.

Who I am

Hi, my name is Mariola and I graduated with a degree in Medical Biology from the University of Gdańsk with a specialization in molecular and biochemical diagnostics. Initially I worked in the Department of General and Medical Biology, then in the Department of Biology and Medical Genetics.

Currently, I am in the 4th year of my PhD Program with the Doctoral School of Natural Science at the University of Gdańsk. My main research focused on anticancer properties of substances naturally occurring in the environment and their synthetic derivatives.

I worked in NCN projects, additionally running my own small research grants.

When I’m not working in the lab, you can find cooking, baking, taking care of plants or listening to crime podcasts.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

This year I have the opportunity to work as a research trainee in Benjamin Miller’s lab at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. During the training I will conduct studies to determine cell-type specific individual protein synthesis. I will work with either an exercise intervention or rapamycin treatment.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

I submitted the application with the idea that I want to try to confront my previous skills gained during my studies. Working under the supervision of experienced practitioners and mentors, I have such an opportunity.

I heard about the program from my friends, I hesitated for a while but decided to apply … and I succeeded. I’m starting my internship soon!

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

I would like to continue my development based on the solid foundations gained during my work. In addition, I’d like to develop competences and as a person who will not sit still and try my hand at science.

Who I am:

I am a highly motivated and passionate Colombian girl interested in understanding and revealing the secrets behind life. During my Bachelors I formed as a Biologist and currently I am second year student of Master in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Wrocław

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

During my traineeship I will be involved in the generation of synthetic Antibodies to membrane proteins in Dr. Kossiakoff’s lab. The project aims to use this molecules to improve the study of this special class of proteins

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

My decision of applying to the programs arise from my curiosity and willing of acquiring knowledge and experiences

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

As I’m a knowledge and investigation fan, after having this amazing opportunity I will love to continue with the PhD studies!

Who I am:

I am a biotechnology student at Adam Mickiewicz University. My main research interests include cancer biology, neuroscience, RNA biology, and regenerative medicine. Currently, I am preparing my master’s thesis about the network of regulatory non-coding RNAs in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors in the Department of Non-coding RNAs at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences. Meanwhile, I am a principal investigator in the student grant project titled “Trace material in forensic investigations – comparison of DNA isolation methods efficiency and determination of genetic profile using next generation sequencing” at the Laboratory of High Throughput Sequencing AMU. During my studies, I had an opportunity to work as a co-investigator in a research grant project funded by the Minister of Education and Science titled “Modernization of innovative PhageBlaster software for predicting phage-host interactions” where I learned more about microbiology, especially virology. I was also involved in additional academic activities like being the president of the Natural Sciences Club AMU and a member of the Faculty of Biology AMU Programme Council. As part of the BioLAB program, I have joined the research group of Professor Todd Stukenberg at the University of Virginia.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

I am joining the research group of Professor Todd Stukenberg at the University of Virginia. My project will be focused on the mechanisms of chromosome segregation and its connection to cancer development. I will be investigating the dynamics of R-loops that exist at the mitotic centromeres and their functions during mitosis.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

As a young scientist living in Poland BioLAB, training is a remarkable opportunity to expand my knowledge and, more importantly, to get a glimpse of what it is like to work in a foreign environment. I am planning to do my Ph.D. abroad. Spending a year in the academic environment in the USA will help me to refine my scientific path.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

After the BioLab Program traineeship, I would like to stay in the academic environment. I am planning to continue my scientific career as a Ph.D. student working in the cancer biology or neuroscience field. I consider these topics as the most intriguing and pressing issues in current medicine. I want to help with developing new targeted therapies against cancer or with a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders.

Who I am:

My name is Magdalena and I am a second-year Master’s student of Biology at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. During the course of my studies, I developed a strong interest in molecular biology, therefore I decided to pursue my dreams in this scientific field. I completed my Bachelor’s degree at the Institute of Environmental Sciences at Jagiellonian University in Kraków. As a member of the Evolutionary Genetics Team, I used the yeast model system to study chromosomal instability and aneuploidy, which are common hallmarks of cancer. For my master’s studies, I decided to join the Life History Evolution Team at the Institute of Environmental Sciences of Jagiellonian University. For my master’s project, I decided to dive deep into concepts related to the theory of optimal cell size (TOCS) and study how body size impacts the number and size of single cells. I took part in the Erasmus+ exchange program and I studied at Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands, where I successfully completed a couple of courses connected to molecular biology and epigenetics. I also completed three internships: at the Polish Academy of Sciences, Synevo Genetics Laboratory, and Regional Centre of Blood Donation and Treatment in Kraków.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

My BioLAB project will concentrate on chromosome dynamics and nuclear structure in vertebrate cells. I will use a CRISPR-Cas9 technology to engineer DNA breaks in cultured cells and assess repair outcomes.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

I decided to apply for a BioLAB program because it allows me to expand in my favorite scientific field – molecular biology. I believe I will get great research experience and take on new laboratory skills.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

After completing my BioLAB internship I plan to apply for a Ph.D. program either in Poland or abroad. In my future research career, I would like to study genetic disorders and try to find new drugs and potential therapies.

Who I am:

I am a biotechnology student from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. I am also a science enthusiast with a constant need to search for new ways to progress and expand my horizons. I am deeply interested in tissue engineering, cancer biology, and molecular biology. So far, I have had the opportunity to study the impact of several carbon and metal nanoparticles on normal and cancer cells and I have also worked as a 3D bioprinting specialist at a deep tech (bio) company in Poland. I am a hard-working and open-minded person who enjoys meeting new people. Moreover, I am an ambivert, which means that I can be both adventurous and outgoing with a combination of a geeky loner once I discover my new hyperfixation. Outside of the lab I like learning languages, hiking, and baking. I am also a devoted pet lover and foodie with a tendency to experiment in the kitchen with different results. Problem solver by nature.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on analyzing the mechanical aspects of spindle assembly and segregation during cell division, as well as its role in cancer formation and infertility. I will work on determining the regulation of component levels of chromosome passenger complex (CPC) in different chromosomes.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

I decided to apply for the BioLAB program because it is a great learning opportunity for me as a person who loves biotechnology. I believe thanks to that program I will acquire new practical wet lab skills and I will have the chance to work with fascinating and talented scientists. I will also experience the USA’s culture and practice my English.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to continue my education and get my PhD title from one of the American or European universities. I am also thinking about starting a biotech company of my own.

Who I am:

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome! My name is Magdalena and I’m a second year master’s student in molecular biotechnology at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow. To be honest, after graduating from high school I didn’t know what I would like to do in the future and biotechnology wasn’t even my first choice, however, I got accepted and I had to do something with my life. I started as an ordinary student, with ordinary records, but after a few years of getting into lab work and the scientific community I have to admit that I love it (no more than I love my Dogs, but still)! Now, more ambitious and determined, I work on the interplay between macrophages and tumor cells in the Department of Immunology at my faculty, and look for self-development opportunities. Last summer I applied for the Erasmus+ internship and spent three months in the scientific center in Madrid. That journey has convinced me that travelling is one of the best parts of science, maybe even inevitable. So, here I am.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

My BioLAB project in Dr. Umesh Deshmukh’s group focuses on Sjögren’s syndrome (SjS), an autoimmune disorder which affects salivary and lacrimal glands, thereby leading to the reduced fluid secretion as well as dryness of eyes and mouth. We’re going to investigate how pregnancy and age are related to the increased susceptibility of women to SjS development.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because for me it’s an extraordinary opportunity to learn cutting-edge techniques, broaden my knowledge, skills and develop my passion for immunology in the U.S., which is the leading country in this branch of biology. And I would like to see the Grand Canyon…

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

After completing my BioLAB traineeship I would like to apply for a PhD program. Therefore, the whole year of full-time laboratory work is an excellent time to gain more experience and confidence.

Who I am:

I am a student of Master’s degree in Molecular Biotechnology at the Jagiellonian University in Poland. In 2021, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology at the same university. During my studies, I also participated in the Erasmus+ scholarship program, in which I studied for a semester at KU LEUVEN in Belgium. I am a committed and determined person who is not afraid of challenges and tasks related to learning new things. What’s more, I always try to think outside of the box. In my free time, I love hiking in the mountains and playing volleyball. I also enjoy traveling, meeting people and getting to know new traditions and cultures.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

I will be responsible for expression and purification of mitochondrial translocation complexes in mammalian or insect cells. Next, I will determine the 3D structure of this complex using Cryo-EM and characterize this multicomponent protein using biochemical techniques. The goal of the project I am joining is to discover 3D hotspots that will allow us to understand the molecular basis of colorectal cancer progression and develop drugs to combat this disease in patients.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

The Biolab program is a unique opportunity to be part of the scientific world in the USA, where scientific research is conducted at the highest level and research facilities give access to the latest and most advanced infrastructure. Moreover, I thrive in an international environment, so this Traineeship Program is a great occasion for me to gain more experience and further develop my scientific career.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

After the BioLAB Program, I would like to continue my scientific career and start doctoral studies.

Who I am:

I am a Master’s student in Chemistry with a specialization in digital chemistry. In addition, I am pursuing a professional career at QSAR Lab as a junior R&D specialist. I’m a person who tries to strive and, importantly, doesn’t compare myself to others, which I believe is the key to success.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

I will be assigned to a project under the supervision of Dr. Nathan Sheffield. My work will focus on computer analysis, mainly in terms of genetic big data.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

Above all, I wanted to try my existing data analysis skills in conjunction with the biological disciplines and to learn as much as possible in the context of working on large data sets based on newly learned methods and tools.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

I would like to apply to doctoral school and continue to pursue science in the context of using computer methods to solve biological and chemical issues.

Who I am:

I am a final year Master’s student in Medical Biotechnology at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. From an early age, I was interested in biology and medicine, so I knew that biotechnology with a medical specialization was perfect for me. During my studies, I joined scientific societies, in which I have been active and continue to realize myself to this day. This allowed me to gain my first experience by assisting with scientific projects on various topics.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

My BioLAB work focuses on the structural and molecular basis of amyloid aggregation to develop therapeutic and diagnostic tools. One of the most prevalent examples of diseases is Alzheimer’s disease and cardiac amyloidosis. These are caused by the formation and accumulation of fibrillar structures in organs causing eventual death. During my internship, I will be working to understand disease presentation in amyloid conditions and to develop clinical tools to better diagnose these diseases and stop their progression.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

As I mentioned earlier, I was interested in biology and medicine from an early age. Back then, my dream was to develop a new drug/treatment for previously incurable diseases. Today, those dreams are becoming a reality. Opportunities to participate in projects offered by the BioLab program make it possible to realize just such dreams, and maybe even already goals.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

Participation in the internship will allow me to expand my laboratory and language skills. That is why I would like to continue my research and start doing my Ph.D. at some university in Europe.

Who I am:

I am a 5th year biotechnology student, studying at the University of Wrocław. I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in the department of Cytobiochemistry, where I’m studying aggregation of a-synuclein. This protein is associated with several neurodegenerative disorders. Other than that I’m passionate about music, arts and crafts and reading. Music was always an important part of my life and I enjoy discovering new sounds and artists. I also like creating things with embroidery and crocheting, and immersing myself in books to learn and be entertained.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

I am going to be a part of Dr Lunardi’s lab at UVA, which focuses on the mechanisms of intravenous and inhaled anesthetics in the brain of elderly patients.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

I wanted to gain an opportunity to work alongside experts in the field, gain hands-on experience with new technologies and methodologies that would be otherwise unavailable for me.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

I would like to continue working as a researcher either in academia or the industry. Maybe pursue PhD studies or stay another year at the UVA 🙂

Who I am:

Currently, I am a student of Master’s studies at the Faculty of Animal Breeding, Bioengineering and Conservation at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences and a graduate of Bachelor’s studies at the Faculty of Horticulture and Biotechnology at the same university. From the beginning of February 2023, I am implementing the Erasmus program studying biology and related biological sciences at Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.

In my spare time I like to paint, create ceramics and cook. I love discovering new elements of everyday life, developing my interests. I am a huge fan of museums, travels, karaoke and dogs. 

My latest discovered hobby is hiking. In the future I would like to try cross-country skiing and improve my level of proficiency in sign language.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms accompanying the functioning of mitochondria located in a neuron, as well as mechanisms related to aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

Personally, I reckon that an internship in the USA will certainly give me chances to expand my knowledge and the opportunity to work with real experts in their field. In addition, the USA, as a biotechnology leader in the world, has equipment that is unavailable in Poland. A trip to the USA will also allow me to overcome my own weaknesses – I think that if I manage to go on this internship, I will prove to myself that nothing is impossible for me.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

After completing the BioLAB Program, I would like to further develop and expand my knowledge and expertise in neuroscience and stem cells. I would also like to start doctoral studies.

Who I am:

I am originally from India, started my scientific journey by pursuing B.Sc in Biotechnology from the University of Wroclaw, Poland. I decided to continue my Master’s studies in medical biotechnology at the same university. I have always strived to be versatile and push myself out of my comfort zone. If you do not find me working in a lab, I will be writing poetry whenever I find some time.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

I have been assigned to Prof. Tao Pan’s lab at the University of Chicago. This lab focuses on the functional genomics and biology of tRNA including microbiomes and epitranscriptomics including microbiome-host interactions.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

Microbiology has been one of my core interests since the beginning of undergraduate studies. My Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis, both have been in the department of molecular microbiology. One of my main motivations to apply for the Biolab programme has been the blend of interesting cutting edge research topics along with the opportunity of working with a group of talented individuals. I look forward to developing my scientific expertise, strong connections with fellow researchers and commitment towards the given project.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

After the completion of my BioLAB program I would like to advance my scientific expertise by opting a research project or a PhD. This program will let me gain the necessary skillset for a rigorous project I would be looking forward to contributing my time towards. It is a beginning for a plethora of scientific opportunities ahead.

Who I am:

My name is Magda. I am studying animal bioengineering at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Currently, I am doing research at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, where I became passionate about neuroscience. My master’s thesis is about brain mapping during appetitive learning.

I am an ambitious and open-minded person. I enjoy making new friends and finding myself easily in new situations.

In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and reading books about psychology and human behavior. In addition, I am interested in Italian culture. I could spend my free time in charming Italian towns. In my personal opinion, Italian cuisine is one of the best I have tasted in my life.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

Biochemistry of RNA processing complexes linked to childhood neurodegenerative diseases. I will learn about biochemistry and the genetic basis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases using various lab techniques.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

I applied to the BioLAB program because I believe that I have learned a lot during my years at a university in Poland and I want to take on new challenges. I am ready for a new stage in my life which will allow me to develop in the field and gain new experience and skills. I am sure that participation in the program will allow me to broaden my knowledge, which I will be able to use in my scientific work. In addition, I am sure that living in Chicago will allow me to get to know a new culture and make new long-lasting friendships.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

After the BioLAB program, I would like to continue my scientific career. I hope that participation in the internship will allow me to gain experience and knowledge that will help me achieve further scientific success.

Who I am:

I’m a Master’s Degree Biotechnology Student at Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk. I had an opportunity to work in the Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk. I was working there on interactions of calcium and magnesium ions with amino-acids side chains using UNRES force field modeling [DOI:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1079923/v1]. I’m working now in the Laboratory of Molecular Enzymology and Oncology at MUG where I am working on my Master’s thesis and participating in research on cell signaling in regards to breast cancer.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

I will be working with Dr. Marty W. Mayo from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at University of Virginia. I will be examining the role of the BAZ1B in cancer progression, metastases and treatment resistance, especially in LUAD (Lung Adenocarcinoma).

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

Participating in the BioLAB program has been my main goal ever since I learned about it during my BSc studies. My supervisor advised me to go to a meeting with the local program ambassador. I believe that the BioLAB program is a great opportunity to start a scientific career at the world’s highest level possible

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

My plan is to pursue a Ph.D. degree in the USA or in Europe. Thanks to the BioLAB Program, I have a great opportunity to gain invaluable experience that I believe will help me in application for Ph.D. programmes at the best universities in the world.

Who I am:

I am a PhD student at Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences in Lodz. For my PhD, I had great opportunity to work with Jarosław Dziadek, PhD on the topic of tuberculosis transmission. I have a degree in Medical microbiology, Immunology and Laboratory Diagnostics. As and undergrad student I participated in an internal competition of the University of Lodz and was awarded a one-year grant titled “IP-10 and sCD14 as potential biomarkers of pediatric tuberculosis’. As a principal investigator, I was responsible for many formal and scientific aspects of the grant. During my graduate and undergraduate studies I was awarded Rector’s Scholarship for the best students, but also Rector’s Special Award for activities benefitting the University of Lodz. I am also an active member of the Graduate Student Council of the University of Lodz and have organized many events such as scientific conferences and workshops.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

I am joining the research group of Anja Bielinsky, PhD at the University of Virginia. My project will be focused on FANCD2 protein and its involvement in DNA repair pathways through interaction with Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).

I decided to apply for a BioLAB Program because:

BioLAB Program offers great opportunity to expand my knowledge on various topics of research, but also to acquire many new laboratory skills that are of great importance for my future career. I think participating in an internship in a foreign country is a very important step for all young scientists since joining the program will affect my soft skills, like critical thinking and problem solving, which are even more important to develop. I think by throwing myself in at the deep end and pushing hard I will gain more confidence in being in a scientific team and find my place in the world of science.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

I definitely want to work in a world of science and further develop my interests in many research topics. I would like to work on issues that are relevant to our society and push the science further to help others. To reach that goal after completion of my internship, I will apply for post doc positions in the USA or Europe.