Who I am:

I am a 2nd-year master’s student of Molecular and Cellular Biophysics at the Jagiellonian University in Kraków. I am mostly interested in the fields of cancer cell biology, microscope imaging, and image analysis. My current research at the university consists of analyzing whether the force of adhesion has an impact on the drug resistance of cancerous cells. In order to prove my thesis, I culture the lung cancer cells on different modified media and use microscopy techniques to analyze the efficacy of their migration and calcein efflux. For the BioLAB project, I will be joining MD Lily Cheng’s research group at the University of Virginia. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, playing board games, listening to music, and reading books.

My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:

Working in Cheng’s lab, my research will focus on answering whether the biomechanical forces occurring in the lower intestine contribute to the inhibition of the proper function of the enteric nervous system in Hirschsprung disease and chronic idiopathic constipation. During this research, I will be employing novel laboratory techniques in order to simulate the forces of stretch and distention on cell culture.

I decided to apply for a BioLAB program because:

I wanted to experience working in an international setting and have the opportunity to use cutting-edge equipment and methods. I’ve also heard that alumni of the BioLAB program are presented with PhD opportunities at some of the best universities in Europe and the United States. This, with the addition of invaluable experience, makes joining the BioLAB program a very enticing prospect.

After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:

After completing my BioLAB program, I think I would like to pursue a PhD position back in Europe. For now, it’s hard to decide, but after receiving the title, I would either pursue a further academic career or try my luck in the industry.