Personnel
Anna Aakula
Postdoctoral Researcher
Westermarck Lab, office 4123
+358 (0)29 450 3788
anna.aakula [at] bioscience.fiBackground
- PhD in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki. Conducted in the research group of Prof. Olli Kallioniemi, at the Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki.
- MSc in Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Åbo Akademi University.
Project
Dephosphorylational regulation of the epigenetic machinery in progression and treatment resistance of NSCLC.
Hend Abdelkader
C/O Centre For Functional Material , ÅA& Doctoral Candidate
Eriksson Lab (Biocity 2nd floor)
+358 2 215 4079
habdelka [at] abo.fiBackground
Master Degree in Clinical Dentistry& Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging (written as MClinDent-M.Sc Biomedical imaging)Research interests
- Development of Functional materials at biological interfaces for wound healing
- 3D cell models in different ECM matrix systems
- Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis
- Bioimaging and image analysis
Ketlin Adel
Project Engineer
Cell Imaging & Cytometry, office 5077
+358 (0)29 450 3770
ketlin.adel [at] utu.fiActivities in the core
Consultation, operations, training & maintenance: Flow Cytometry and Mass Cytometry
Marina Alves Amaral
Postdoctoral Researcher
Orešič Lab, office 5019
+358 (0)294503763
marina.amaral [at] utu.fi Has experience in Metabolomics; optimization of analytical methods by Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography of High and Ultra Efficiency; Medicinal Chemistry; Anti-Doping Control; Synthesis of organic compounds; ; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; Enzymatic Kinetics; Development of bioactive substances.
Syed Bilal Ahmad Andrabi
Postdoctoral Researcher
Lahesmaa Lab, office 7093
+358 (0)29 450 3769
bilal.andrabi [at] bioscience.fi
Tiina Arsiola
Laboratory Manager
Westermarck Lab, office 4123
+358 (0)29 450 3788
tiina.arsiola [at] bioscience.fiBackground
- Laboratory Manager, Turku Centre for Biotechnology, since 2012
- University Research Fellow, Animal Bioscience, University of Eastern Finland, 2010-2011
- Certificated Degree in Pedagogy, Jyväskylä University of Applied Science, Finland, 2010
- Research Associate, Animal Biotechnology, University of Eastern Finland, 2000-2010
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Prostate cancer research, University of Kuopio, Finland, 2004-2007
- Post Doctoral Fellow, Prostate cancer research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA, 2001-2003
- PhD, Animal Biotechnology, University of Kuopio, Finland, 2001
Kedar Batkulwar
Postdoctoral Researcher
Lahesmaa Lab, office 7115
+358 (0)29 450 3730
kedar.batkulwar [at] utu.fi
Tanja Buchacher
Postdoctoral Researcher
Lahesmaa Lab, office 7095
+358 (0)29 450 3810
tanja.buchacher [at] utu.fi
Ciarán Butler-Hallissey
Research Engineer
Cell Imaging & Cytometry, office 5077
ciaran.butler-hallissey [at] bioscience.fi Microscopy consultation, operations, training and maintenance
Umar Butt
Doctoral Candidate
Westermarck Lab, office 4120
+358 (0)29 450 3790
umar.butt [at] bioscience.fiBackground:
- B.S. Bioinformatics-COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Pakistan
- M.S. Biomedical Imaging-Åbo Akademi University, Finland
Project:
Characterization of Oncogenic and metastatic properties of SHARPIN
Deepankar Chakroborty
Doctoral Candidate
Elenius Lab, office 4137
+358 (0)29 450 3786
deepankar.chakroborty [at] bioscience.fi
Megan Chastney
Postdoctoral Researcher
Ivaska Lab
Eleanor Coffey
Vice-Director, Group Leader, Research Director
Office 7079
+358 (0)40 182 2424
eleanor.coffey [at] utu.fi
Project title
Regulation of integrin phosphorylationResearch interests
FRET biosensors and 3D models
Activities in the cell imaging core
CIC consultant on high content imaging
Kühl David
Undergraduate Student
Ivaska Lab, office 4121
Oxana Denisova
Postdoctoral Reseacher
Westermarck Lab, office 4120
+358 (0)29 450 3790
oxana.denisova [at] utu.fiBackground
- Ph.D. in Medicine (Molecular Virology) in 2014 at Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Finland.
- M.Sc. in Biology (Molecular Biology) in 2007, at Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
- Training at the Molecular Biology Education centre (2005 –2007), Institute of Protein Research, Pushchino, Russia.
Project
PP2A in glioblastoma therapy resistance: novel opportunities for targeted therapeutics
Prasannakumar Deshpande
Postdoctoral Researcher
Coffey Lab, office 5045
+358 (0)29 450 3784
prasannakumar.deshpande [at] bioscience.fiProject
My main goal is to identify mechanisms in nerve cells that may lead to death of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease.
Klaus Elenius
Group Leader, Professor of Medical Biochemistry
Office 4114
+358 (0) 29 540 4393
klaus.elenius [at] utu.fi
Laura Elo
Professor, Vice-Director, Research Director, Group Leader
Office 7073-74
+358 (0)29 450 2090
laura.elo [at] bioscience.fi
John Eriksson
Research Director, Group Leader, Professor
+358 (0)2 215 3313, +358 (0)29 450 2042
john.eriksson [at] bioscience.fi
Ilia Evstafev
Metabolomics, office 5019
Veronica Fagerholm
Postdoctoral Researcher and Lab Coordinator
Coffey Lab, office 5045
+358 (0)29 450 3784
veronica.fagerholm [at] utu.fiProject
I am searching for driver genes that act downstream of JNK1 to promote mood disorders.
Background
I am a microscopist with a background in electronics engineering and biomedical imaging. During my master’s study in biomedical imaging in University of Turku, I enjoyed microscopy and image analysis-related topics the most. Therefore, I decided to pursue a PhD degree jointly in Biophysics and Cell Biology laboratories. Currently I develop methods to enable studying resorbing osteoclasts using high and super resolution fluorescence imaging techniques, and focus on image analysis workflows to analyze big datasets I generate. I also work as a teacher in the master’s program of biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Imaging track and teach fluorescence techniques, bioimage informatics and hands -on microscopy courses.Research interest
- Intermediate filaments
- Actin filaments
- Bioimage informatics
- Super-resolution microscopy
- Atomic force microscopy
- Osteoclast biology
Dani Flinkman
Project Researcher
Coffey Lab, office 5045
+358 (0)29 450 3784
dani.flinkman [at] bioscience.fi
Jacquemet Lab: https://cellmig.org/lab-members/
Sirkku Grönroos
Departmental Coordinator/Controller
Office 7077
+358 400 513701
sirkku.gronroos [at] utu.fi
Nikhil Gupta
Postdoctoral Researcher
Westermarck Lab, office 4120
+358 (0)29 450 3790
nikhil.gupta [at] utu.fiBackground
- Ph.D. in Biological Science (2020), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Master in Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), India
Project
Cancer therapy implications of species specific difference in requirement of PP2A mediated tumor suppression
Background
- Postdoctoral researcher at “Molecular mechanisms of diseases” –group 2015-
- Postdoctoral researcher at Lund University 2011-2014
- Ph.D., University of Oulu, Finland, Biochemistry, 2011
- M. Sc., University of Oulu, Finland, Biochemistry, 2005
Projects
- Molecular mechanisms of valvular diseases
- Molecular bases for cancer development
- Molecular level force propagation in cells
Research interests
Studying the structure and function of proteins using X-ray crystallography and SAXS for understanding the molecular mechanisms behind human disorders and disease
Marjo Hakkarainen
Laboratory Technician
Lahesmaa Lab
+358 (0)29 450 3754
marjo.hakkarainen [at] bioscience.fi
Hellyeh Hamidi
Research Coordinator
Leave on absence (Ivaska Lab)
+358 (0)29 450 3787
hellyeh.hamidi [at] bioscience.fiResearch interests
Integrin activity, cell adhesion, cancer, cell migration
Sarita Heinonen
Laboratory Technician
Lahesmaa Lab
+358 (0)29 450 3758
sarita.heinonen [at] bioscience.fi
Eva Henriksson
University Teacher, Senior Scientist
Sistonen Lab
office: +358 2 215 4079 (Biocity 2nd floor)
eva.henriksson [at] abo.fiI am investigating how HSFs regulate a developmental process, i.e. spermatogenesis, and how they sustain malignant growth in cancer and promote cancer cell invasion. My special focus is in identifying interaction partners of HSF1 and HSF2 and in resolving the functional consequences of these interactions in different cellular compartments.
I am interested in understanding how HSF1 and HSF2 mediate cell protection upon different proteotoxic conditions. To study this, I am using genome-wide methods to discover what are the roles of HSF1 and HSF2 in transcriptional responses during heat stress and oxidative stress. In addition, I am interested in knowing how does repeated exposure to stress affect cell memory and capacity of cells to respond to subsequent stress.
Outside the lab, my biggest passion is street workout/calisthenics, but I enjoy also reading some good sci-fi literature among other things.
Karoliina Hirvonen
Doctoral Candidate
Lahesmaa Lab, office 7095
+358 (0)29 450 3810
karoliina.hirvonen [at] bioscience.fi
Background
I received my Master’s degree in Cell biology at Åbo Akademi University, Finland in 2018 while working under Professor Kid Törnqvist. During this period, I was mainly studying what role the transcription factors TRb1 and Runx2 have in follicular thyroid cancer. As I finished my Master’s degree, I hoped to learn new techniques that are used in cell biology and thus became a PhD student in Professor John Eriksson’s lab. Currently, I study the importance of vimentin in the maintenance of nuclear integrity in fibroblasts. In addition, I am also involved in studies involving vimentin phosphorylation and interactions between lamins and heat shock factor 1 during heat shock.Research interests
- Imaging
- Nuclear integrity and function
- Intermediate filament structure
- Mechanosensing
Ye Hong
Doctoral Candidate
Coffey & Elo Lab, office 7089
+358 (0)29 450 3805
ye.hong [at] bioscience.fiProject in the Kinase group
I am using bioinformatics to predict molecular mechanisms of depression and schizophrenia using proteomics and behavioral data.
Riikka Huhtaniemi
Postdoctoral Researcher
Westermarck Lab, office 4120
+358 (0)29 450 3790
marihu [at] utu.fi
Tuulia Hyötyläinen
Postdoctoral Researcher, Prof. (Örebro University)
Orešič Lab
tuulia.hyotylainen [at] utu.fi
Project title
Mechanotransduction mechanisms in cancerResearch interests
Cancer, actin cytoskeleton, cell migration, ECM, mechanotransduction
Maria Jaakkola
Doctoral Candidate
Elo Lab, office 7096
+358 (0)29 450 3794
maria.jaakkola [at] bioscience.fi
Guillaume Jacquemet
Affiliated Group Leader
+358 (0)50 5012 574
guillaume.jacquemet [at] bioscience.fiProject title
Targeting filopodia to block cancer cell invasionResearch interests
Cell invasion, actin cytoskeleton, myosin-X, integrins
I work with Nikita and together we hope to identify molecular drivers of anxiety and depression. We do this using different types of in vivo and ex vivo imaging methods.
Heli Jokela
Postdoctoral Researcher
Rantakari Lab, office 5091
+358 (0)29 450 2585
heli.jokela [at] utu.fi
Background
I trained as a Chemical Engineer and received a master's degree in Process Systems Engineering from Imperial College London, UK. I first came across the word 'apoptosis' while working on my masters thesis. Thereafter, because the word stuck with me, I decided to get a more in-depth knowledge about the pathways that drive apoptosis. In 2012, I enrolled as a PhD student at the Eriksson Lab to work on the regulation of death receptor-mediated apoptosis. My interest has since evolved to include cell cycle regulation.Research Interests
- Cell cycle regulation
- Cell death signalling
- Quantitative Modelling
I am mainly interested in HSFs and their importance in protein aggregation induced cell stress. Currently I am working with HSF2 and proteasome inhibition and I am mainly focusing on the HSF2-dependent transcriptional program that sensitises cells to proteasome inhibiting drugs. The overall keywords for my scientific interests could be: HSFs, protein aggregation, neurodegeneration, PTMs, SUMO, translation, cell adhesion, mechanical stress and many others!
I love knitting and crocheting, detective stories, sushi, gardening and of course my two wonderful kids Ivalo and Pietari.Johanna Jukkala
Undergraduate Student
Jacquement Lab, 3rd floor
Sini Junttila
Postdoctoral Researcher
Elo Lab, office 7087C
+358(0)29 450 3756
simaju [at] bioscience.fi
Taina Kalevo-Mattila
Laboratory Technician
Westermarck Lab, lab 5080
+358 (0)29 450 3758
taina.kalevo-mattila [at] bioscience.fi
Bahareh Kashani
Doctoral Candidate
Elenius Lab 4438
Sofia Khan
Postdoctoral Researcher, Adjunct Professor in Bioinformatics
Elo Lab, office 7114
+358 (0)29 450 3792
sofia.khan [at] bioscience.fi
Mohd Moin Khan
Doctoral Candidate
Lahesmaa Lab, office 7090
+358 (0)29 450 3806
mohd.khan [at] bioscience.fi
Meraj Hasan Khan
Postdoctoral Researcher
Lahesmaa Lab, office 7093
+358 (0)29 450 3786
meraj.khan [at] bioscience.fi
Elena Martinez Klimova
Postdoctoral Researcher
Sahlgren Lab, office 2022
elena.martinezklimova [at] abo.fi
Sara Koivuluoma
Research Assistant
Sahlgren Lab, office 2021
Activities in the core
Maintenance and training: microscopes located on the 2nd floor
Anu Kukkonen-Macchi
Research Coordinator
Elo Lab, office 7072
+358 (0) 294 503 796
anukuk [at] bioscience.fi
Minna Kyläniemi
Research Coordinator/Quality Manager
FFGC, Biomedical Epigenomics
+358 (0)29 450 3763
minna.kylaniemi [at] utu.fi
Current Role
Day-to-day laboratory organisation and assisting in several research projectsResearch skills
Molecular biology, immunoprecipitation, PLA, IHC & IF and FACS analysis
Riitta Lahesmaa
Director, Group Leader, Professor
Office 7075
+358 (0)29 450 2415
riitta.lahesmaa [at] bioscience.fi
Elina Laine
Rantakari Group, office 5021
Project title
LIMA1 in Rab21-mediated integrin traffickingResearch interests
Rab21, integrins, endosomes, LIMA1, cancer
Fatemehsadat Seyednasrollah (on leave)
Doctoral Candidate
Bioinformatics, office 7116
+358 (0)29 450 3803
fseyedna [at] bioscience.fi
Aleksi Lehtinen
Undergraduate Student
Westermarck Lab, office 4120
+358 (0)29 450 3790
alanleh [at] utu.fi
Project title
Integrin regulation and trafficking in mechanosensingResearch interests
ECM, integrin, mechanotransduction, integrin trafficking
Tuomas Lindeman
Project Engineer
Oresic Lab, office 5019
+358 (0) 29 450 3799
tuomas.lindeman [at] utu.fi
Tapio Lönnberg
Senior Researcher
FFGC, Single Cell Omics
+358 (0)29 450 3738
tapio.lonnberg [at] bioscience.fi
Riikka Lund
Head of FFGC, Group Leader, Adjunct Professor (Title of Docent)
Biomedical Epigenomics, FFGC
+358 (0)29 450 3793
riikka.lund [at] bioscience.fi
Paula Luoma
HR Specialist / Human Resources
HR Specialist / Human Resources +358 (0)29 450 2676
paula.luoma [at] utu.fi
I am interested in learning about new aspects of HSF2 by studying its localization in cells. I also work with Marek to produce CRISPR-Cas9 cell lines for the lab. I am also in charge of building and maintaining our website.
In my free time I study Japanese and enjoy both card and video games.
Mehrad Mahmoudian
Doctoral Candidate
Elo Lab, office 7096
+358 (0)29 450 3794
mehmah [at] bioscience.fiEleonora Mäkelä
Doctoral Candidate
Westermarck Lab
+358 (0)29 450 3790
eleonora.makela [at] bioscience.fiBackground
- Master of Science (M.Sc.), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Major in Biochemistry, minors in Chemistry and Biology
Project
Novel diagnostic markers in acute myeloid leukemia
Mathilde Mathieu
Postdoctoral Researcher
Ivaska Lab
Pieta Mattila
Affiliated Group Leader
Mattila Lab, 5th floor
+358 (0)50 574 0780
pieta.mattila [at] utu.fi
Arfa Mehmood
Doctoral Candidate
Elo Lab, office 7118A
+358 (0)29 450 3800
arfa.mehmood [at] bioscience.fi
Johannes Merilahti
Project Researcher
Proteomics
+358 (0)29 450 3779
johannes.merilahti [at] bioscience.fi
Joni Merisaari
Doctoral Candidate
Westermarck Lab, 4120
+358 (0)29 450 3790
joni.merisaari [at] bioscience.fiBackground
- Master of Science (M.Sc.), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Major in Biomedicine, minors in chemistry and biochemistry
Project
Pharmacological activation of a tumor suppressor PP2A: a novel therapy for glioblastoma
Mayank Modi
Doctoral Candidate
Eriksson Lab
+358-(0)-469527179
maymod [at] bioscience.fi; mmodi [at] abo.fiBackground
- PhD in Cell Biology (ongoing)
- MSc in Molecular systems biology (Dec 2019)
- B. Tech. in Biotechnology (May 2016)
Research interests
- Fibroblasts in ECM deposition and remodeling
- Vimentin mediated mechanotransduction in adipogenesis
- Directional cell migration
- Microscopy and bioimage analysis
Ponnuswamy Mohanasundaram
Doctoral Candidate
Eriksson Lab (Biocity 2nd floor)
+358 2 215 4079
pmohanas [at] abo.fi ; ponmoh [at] utu.fiResearch Interests
Vimentin knockout delayed wound healing process in mice. Vimentin involve in wound healing mechanism, by regulating cell proliferation, EMT signaling and collagen synthesis. Cell growth and proliferation are important process for wound healing and normal development. We found that vimentin regulate cell growth and proliferation through Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. My research work is to understand, how vimentin regulate cell growth and proliferation through Akt/mTOR signaling.Education
- PhD (2012– till date) Thesis title – Role of Vimentin in normal and disease conditions, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Cell Biology Unit, Åbo Akademi
- Masters (M.Sc) in Biomedical Science (2005 - 2010), Department of Biomedical Science, Bharathidasan University, India
- Thesis: Purification and characterization of alkaline serine protease from Bacillus pumilus TMS55
Robert Moulder
Senior Research Fellow
Lahesmaa Lab, office 7115
+358 (0)29 450 3802
rmoulder [at] bioscience.fi
Srikar Nagelli
Doctoral Candidate
Westermarck Lab, office 4120
+358 (0)29 450 3790
Srikar.nagelli [at] bioscience.fiBackground
- M.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences - Northeastern University, Boston, USA
- Specialization in Drug Delivery and Pharmaceutics
- Associate Scientist - High Throughput Screening - Oncology, Horizon Discovery Inc., Boston, USA
Project
To understand the role of CIP2A in Basal-like breast cancer initiation and tumorigenesis
Erik Niemelä
Postdoctoral Researcher
Eriksson Lab
office: +358 2 215 4079 (Biocity 2nd floor)
erik.niemela [at] abo.fiBackground
- Development of innovative nanomaterials for drug development and material-cell interactions
- Nanoparticles for targeted drug development
- Nanostructured polymers for controlling and manipulating cellular processes
- Biodegradable screening assay for material, drug and live cell studies
- Developing natural compounds for treatment of HPV associated diseases
- Studying the mechanism of cell death and cell proliferation by c-FLIP
Christina Oetken-Lindholm
Project Engineer
Cell Imaging & Cytometry, lab 5080
christina.oetken-lindholm [at] utu.fi
Ilkka Paatero
Head of Zebrafish Facility
+358 (0)29 450 3789
ilkka.paatero [at] bioscience.fi ; zebrafish [at] bioscience.fiProject title
In vivo imaging of cell migrationResearch interests
Confocal imaging, live in vivo imaging, zebrafish, angiogenesis, signalling, migration
Esko Pakarinen
Project Specialist / Data Systems Specialist
FFGC
+358 (0)29 450 2764
ehjpak [at] bioscience.fi
Tassos Papageorgiou
Group Leader, Senior Scientist, Adjunct Professor
+358 (0)29 450 3752, 3760, 3776
anapap [at] utu.fi
Sepideh Parvanian
Doctoral Candidate
Eriksson Lab
sepideh.parvanian [at] bioscience.fi; sepideh.parvanian [at] abo.fiBackground
I received my Master’s degree in Genetic Engineering from the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Tehran, Iran) in 2013. I worked in the biopharmaceutical industry for six years in up-stream bioprocess and R&D, and also as an internal auditor and monoclonal antibody API supervisor. I came to Finland in March 2017 as a Research Assistant to work on vesicular compartments in bone-resorbing osteoclasts, as a member of the EU-funded EUROCLAST project (Marie Curie ESR) at the University of Turku. I joined Erikson's Lab in June 2018 as a PhD student. My research focuses on novel fundamental insights on the role of fibrotic-derived extracellular vesicles in myofibroblasts heterogeneity and mechanism of fibrosis.Research interests
• Extracellular Vesicles • Wound healing • Biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Preethy Paul
Project Coordinator & Postdoctoral Researcher
Eriksson Lab
+358 41 36 40 948
ppreethy [at] abo.fi ; prepau [at] utu.fiBackground
- Screening & development of natural compounds and small molecules for anti-cancer activity
- Studying the molecular mechanism of apoptosis induced by the compounds
Research interests
- Drug development research related to anti-cancer therapeutics
- Developing natural compounds/extracts & small molecules for treatment of HPV associated cancers and warts
- Studying the mechanism of cell death induced by the compounds in HPV associated cell lines by various biochemical and biophysical methods
Niklas Paulin
Undergraduate Student
Elo Lab, office 7086
+ 358 (0)50 5216649
niklas.paulin [at] bioscience.fi
Ulla Pentikäinen
Academy Research Fellow/University lecturer (Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku)
+358 505012574
ulla.pentikainen [at] utu.fi
Doctoral candidate in Pieta Mattila´s group. I am interested in lymphocyte biology and imaging.
Nina Pettersson
Doctoral Candidate, co-supervisor Dr. Eva Ekholm
Biomedical Epigenomics
Project title:
Regulation of stemness and invasion in normal mammary gland and breast cancer.Research interests:
Breast development and cancer, mechanotransduction, somatic stem cells.
Sami Pietilä
Doctoral Candidate
Elo Lab, office 7086
+ 358 (0)50 5216649
sami.pietila [at] bioscience.fi
Susanna Pyökäri
Laboratory Technician
Coffey Lab, office 5080
+358 (0)29 450 3758 / 3771
susanna.pyokari [at] bioscience.fi
Senthilkumar Rajendran
Senior Research Fellow
Eriksson Lab
+358442362631
srajendr [at] abo.fi ; sekura [at] utu.fi ; biosen81 [at] gmail.comAreas of expertise
Drug discovery and development :- Synthesis of organic small molecules and inorganic metal complexes
- Natural products – Extraction and isolation of compounds
- Apoptosis cell signaling pathways
- Drug-DNA/protein interaction
- In Ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model
- Nanocarriers
Background
- Project Coordinator at Åbo Akademi Unviersity, Finland– January 2014 - present
- Postdoctoral Researcher at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Switzerland – September 2009 - January 2011
- Senior Researcher Fellow at Bharathidasan University, India – April 2007 - August 2009
Pia Rantakari
Adjunct Professor, Group Leader
Rantakari Lab
+358 (0)29 450 3734 / +358 (0)400 426 791
pia.rantakari [at] utu.fi
Omid Rasool
Senior Researcher, Adjunct Professor
Lahesmaa Lab
+358 (0)29 450 3769
omid.rasool [at] bioscience.fi
Background
I have received my BSc and MSc in Biochemistry from University of Aveiro, Portugal. I had the opportunity to join the Eriksson laboratory as part of the Erasmus Programme for my master`s thesis, in which I focused on studying vimentin and cell size signalling. I joined the Proteomics core facility for my summer job in 2017 and then I decided to enrol as a PhD candidate. I focus on understanding the role of vimentin in cell growth signalling by looking at signalling partners and post-translation modifications using mass spectrometry.Research interests
- Mass spectrometry techniques and data analysis
- Cell metabolism and signalling
- Post-translational modifications
Pia Roos-Mattjus
Academy Lecturer, Senior Scientist
Sistonen Lab
office: +358 2 215 4079 (Biocity 3rd floor)
pia.roos-mattjus [at] abo.fiThere are always projects available for students, please contact me for further information if you want to do your Biochemistry III lab rotation (or equivalent) or if you would be interested in doing your pro gradu research work in the laboratory!
To learn new things, teaching and spending time with family.
Kalle Rytkönen
Postdoctoral Researcher
Elo Lab, office 7089
+358 (0)29 450 3805
katyry [at] bioscience.fi
Markku Saari
Research Coordinator
Cell Imaging & Cytometry, office 5077
+358 (0)29 450 3770
markku.saari [at] bioscience.fiActivities in the core
Consultation, operations, training, maintenance: Microscopy
Cecilia Sahlgren
Principal investigator (Åbo Akademi University, Eindhoven University of Technology), Professor of Cell Biology (ÅAU), Professor in Biomedical Engineering (TU/e)
Sahlgren Lab, office 2017
+358 2 215 3300
cecilia.sahlgren [at] bioscience.fi
Project title
SHANK proteins in actin bindingResearch interests
actin cytoskeleton, cell migration, cancer, SHANK, SHARPIN
Jouko Sandholm
Research Coordinator
Cell Imaging & Cytometry, office 5077
+358 (0)29 450 3770
jouko.sandholm [at] utu.fiActivities in the core
Consultation, operations, maintenance: Microscopy and backup for Flow Cytometry and Mass Cytometry
I apply best practices of computational systems biology together with machine learning, stoichiometric and kinetic modelling to understand human and gut microbial metabolism.
Mukund Sharma
Doctoral Candidate
Westermarck Lab, office 4120
+358 (0)29 450 3790
mukund.sharma [at] bioscience.fiBackground
- MSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
Project
Epigenetic regulation by PP2A and RAS synergy and its implication in cancer
Ankitha Shetty
Postdoctoral Researcher
Lahesmaa Lab
+358 (0)29 450 3769
ankitha.shetty [at] bioscience.fi
Farid Ahmad Siddiqui
Postdoctoral Researcher
Elenius Lab, office 5130
+358 (0)29 450 3779 / 3779
farid.siddiqui [at] utu.fiBackground
- Doctoral student at Turku Center for Biotechnology since February 2016
- MSc in Biotechnology form Punjab Technical University and master thesis form School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, 2011
Project involvement
CIMO project- Understanding the mechanism of action of conglobatin A in blocking oncogenic K-ras signalingResearch interests
Drug development especially inhibiting oncogenic K-ras
Current role
Day-to-day laboratory organisation and assisting in several research projectsResearch skills
Cell culture, DNA & RNA purification, Western blotting, IF, recombinant protein production, qRT-PCR
Background
I have done my Biochemistry degree in University of Aveiro, Portugal. During that time, I adventured myself in University of Southern Denmark, where I worked in pseudoexon activation in disease. After this experience, I decided to look for another place for me to do my master thesis. I was kindly accepted in John Eriksson’s lab, where I worked on c-FLIP regulation of cell population size. When the opportunity of starting PhD arrived, I embraced a new project working with human papillomavirus E6 and E7 oncoproteins.Research interests
- Human papillomavirus E6 and E7 oncoproteins
- Cell death
- Ubiquitination
- Proteomics
Alejandro Da Silva
Doctoral Candidate
Sistonen Lab
+358 (0)2 215 4060
alejandro.dasilvanascimento [at] abo.fiMy main research interest is the protein network in which HSF1 and HSF2 function. Currently, I am focused on interacting partners of HSF2 in the context of cancer invasion. Finally, I am also studying the role of HSF2 upon proteasome inhibition and protein aggregation.
I participate in activities organized by the local Catholic Church. I enjoy swimming, hiking, and biking.
Johannes Smolander
Doctoral Candidate
Elo Lab, office 7118A
+358 (0)29 450 3800
johannes.smolander [at] bioscience.fi
Christel Sourander
Doctoral Candidate
Coffey Lab, office 5045
+358 (0)29 450 3784
christel.c.sourander [at] utu.fi In my PhD project, I am studying how loss of cellular homeostasis may lead to behavioral changes at the level of the whole organism.
Oscar Stassen
Postdoctoral Researcher
Sahlgren Lab, at Eindhoven University of Technology
oscar.stassen [at] abo.fi
Freddy Suarez-Rodriguez
Doctoral Candidate
Sahlgren Lab, office 2120
freddy.suarezrodriguez [at] abo.fi
Project title
MASTL and cell adhesionResearch interests
Cancer, cell adhesion, actin cytoskeleton, cell cycle
Background
International Masters Degree in Protein Science and Biotechnology, University of Oulu, 2016Project
Molecular bases for cancer developmentResearch interests
The understanding the structure and function of protein and their interactions with other molecules within the cells, as well as to elucidate the pathogenic condition caused by such interaction in the cells and to uncover the therapeutic approaches against them.
Laura Tiemeijer
Doctoral Candidate
Sahlgren Lab, at Eindhoven University of Technology
laura.tiemeijer [at] abo.fi
In my project, I use fiberphotometry to study how molecular drivers of anxiety and depression alter neural activity in awake behaving mice.
Ubaid Ullah
Postdoctoral Researcher
Lahesmaa Lab, office 7093
+358 (0)29 450 3808
ubaid.ullah [at] bioscience.fi
Elenaé Vázquez-Ulloa
Postdoctoral Researcher
Sahlgren Lab, office 2021
elenae.vazquezulloa [at] abo.fi
Background
Master of Science in Biomedical Imaging Bachelor’s degree in biotechnologyResearch interests
- Development of Functional materials at biological interfaces for wound healing.
- Vimentin’s role in cell migration (fibroblast, macrophages and zebrafish)
- Bioimaging and image analysis
Anniina Vihervaara
Postdoctoral Researcher
Sistonen Lab
+358 (0)2 215 4055
anniina.vihervaara [at] abo.fiPostdoctoral fellow working in the laboratory of John Lis at Cornell University, New York.
Xijun Wang
Doctoral Candidate
Courtney Lab
Peiru Yang
Doctoral Candidate
Eriksson Lab
+385 (0)418084762
peiru.yang [at] abo.fi; peiru.yang [at] bioscience.fiBackground
- Trainee in John Eriksson Laboratory (2018-2019, Åbo Akademi University)
- Trainee in Pharmaceutical Science Laboratory (2017-2018, Åbo Akademi University)
- Master's Degree in Medicine (2016-2019, Jiangsu University, China)
- Medical internship and rotation in surgery and radiology (2015-2016, The 81st Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, China)
- Bachelor's Degree in Medicine (2010-2015, Jiangsu University, China)
Research interests
- Cytoskeletal signaling
- Lipid droplet development and lipid metabolism
- Immunometabolism
- Wound Healing
Hongbo Zhang
Tenure Track Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory
+358 (0)22 154 141
hongbo.zhang [at] utu.fi
Holder of Biology Bechelor degree from Fudan university, Shanghai, China; Ph.D. degree from Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, China. His research interests focus on the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in diseases, targeted therapy of cancer stem cells, tissue repair and radiation medicine based on adult stem cell therapy and multifunctional nanomaterials. He has published more than 30 articles in Hepatology (IF=11.711. 2015), Cell Death & Diseases (IF=5.9, 2019), Stem Cells Development (IF=4.6, 2012) and other journals.