
Milena Bors
Who I am:
I am a third-year doctoral student in the Faculty of Chemistry at Lodz University of Technology, conducting my research at the Institute of Organic Chemistry in the RNA Chemistry Group. I hold two Master’s degrees — one in Chemistry and another in Food Technology and Human Nutrition — both from Lodz University of Technology. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in nucleic acids chemistry, which led me to pursue a research path in this field.
My research so far has explored epitranscriptomic cytidine modifications and their potential regulatory roles in translation process. I am particularly passionate about understanding how RNA modifications contribute to gene regulation and disease. I value interdisciplinary approaches and enjoy combining biochemical methods with structural and computational tools to answer complex biological questions.
I’ve gained valuable international experience through Erasmus+ internships at the University of Aveiro in Portugal and the University of Salerno in Italy, where I had the opportunity to broaden my scientific perspective and work in diverse research environments.
My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:
Studying the interaction between the immune system and RNA biology. As a member of Prof. Joseph Piccirilli’s lab at the University of Chicago, I will work with autoimmune antibody libraries, bio-panning against RNA targets, and use next-generation sequencing to analyze selected variants. The overall goal is to pursue deep understanding of RNA antibody interactions to gain insight into autoimmune diseases and to develop immunology tools for use in RNA biology.
I decided to apply for a BioLAB program because:
It offers a unique opportunity to work on innovative scientific challenges and to be part of a cutting-edge research environment. I was particularly drawn to the BioLAB Program to deepen my research skills, explore new experimental techniques and build lasting connections — both scientific and personal — with leading experts and fellow researchers from around the world. I believe this program will help me contribute meaningfully to high-impact biochemical research.
After completing my stay on BioLAB Program I would like to:
Complete my PhD and continue my research in RNA biochemistry, ideally through a postdoctoral position in an international lab. I see this program as a significant step toward building a career as an independent scientist, where I can bridge chemistry and biology to understand disease mechanisms and develop innovative therapeutic tools. I hope the skills and knowledge I will gain during my BioLAB internship will provide a solid foundation for a research-driven career in molecular life sciences.
- University of Chicago