PhD
Medical Science, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden – Group of Dr. Maria Genander

M.Sc.
Biomedicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

B.Sc.
Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Germany

How cells communicate and interact to form and maintain complex tissues fascinates me. In my PhD I focused on epithelial progenitor cell behaviour of the skin and oesophagus and how their cellular environment regulates cell fate decisions. I focused on in vivo lineage tracing, organoid models, and next generation sequencing techniques.

As a Postdoc I want to delve deeper into the cellular biology of intercellular communication by visualising cell-cell communication in intestinal organoids. I hope this helps me to understand how altered intercellular communication contributes to stem cell dysfunction with age.

Outside the lab I enjoy doing sports, cooking (& eating!), reading, and visiting and spending time with friends. I enjoy arts and music and wish I’d take more time to play guitar again. Maybe in later years I wish I’d worked more on investigating ageing while I play the guitar.

PhD
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, USA – Group of Dr. Pinar Zorlutuna

M.Sc.
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, USA

B.Sc.
Environmental Engineering, South China Normal University, China

I started my scientific journey in bioengineering, where I explored drug delivery and tissue engineering in cancer, and became fascinated by how the microenvironment shapes cell behaviors in health and disease. During my PhD, I focused on how the aging tumor microenvironment influences breast cancer progression, using engineered 3D models and extracellular vesicle analysis to study cell–matrix interactions and age-specific drug responses.

As a postdoc in Sandra’s group, I am excited to expand my work on cell–cell and cell–matrix communication, particularly in the context of stem cell and aging biology. I hope to integrate my background in bioengineering with the lab’s expertise in cell biology to better understand how aging alters tissue organization and stem cell functions.

Outside the lab, I share my free time with my cat Yuumi. We read, knit, watch movies and sports, listen to music and true crime podcasts while we play fetch and cuddle.

M.Sc.
Double-degree in International Master’s Program in Innovative Medicine,
Heidelberg University, Germany +
Uppsala Universitet, Sweden

B.Sc.
Molecular Biology and Genetics,
Izmir Institute of Technology, Izmir, Türkiye

During my bachelor’s studies, I rotated through different scientific hubs, where I exposed myself to a variety of techniques and perspectives to better understand biology from multiple angles. Soon after, although I majored in molecular biology, I became increasingly interested in cellular-level dynamics in health and disease. At the same time, I focused on learning diverse methods, including advanced imaging techniques, iPSC culture, and the production of lab-on-a-chip devices.

For my PhD, I want to specifically explore the subcellular and cellular dynamics of the intestinal crypt niche. By utilising advanced imaging methods, I aim to investigate the organisation of endomembrane organelles within the intestinal stem cell niche. Ultimately, I believe that uncovering the importance of endomembrane organelle organisation will deepen our understanding of the dynamics of ageing.

Outside the lab or the microscopy room, you will probably find me at the gym, where I enjoy lifting weights. Besides that, I like reading novels, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.