Fellows
Linn Denison
I am undertaking my PhD at the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, where I study the role of retinoid receptor gamma (RARγ) in sustaining prostate cancer stem cells.
I completed my studies in molecular biology, majoring in medical biology, at Lund University, Sweden. My master’s project focused on aberrant cell signalling in ovarian cancer, which increased my interest in understanding how signalling pathways and transcriptional regulation impact cancer development and therapy resistance.
Magda Góis
Since I was a child, I have known I wanted to be a scientist and make a difference in the world. Molecular biology and how our bodies are perfectly designed to function have always intrigued me. My goal in life is to contribute to science by actively using scientific knowledge to address pressing health challenges.
Hello, my name is Magda Manuela Teixeira Góis I am from Batalha, Leiria, Portugal.
My Bachelor´s degree in Genetics and Biotechnology (2019-2022) and Master’s degree in Biotechnology for Health Sciences (2022-2024) at Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Portugal, further solidified my commitment to research and gave me the tools to develop my skills and become the researcher I am today.
During my Master’s thesis, I had the privilege of working as a research fellow at the i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (Institute for Research and Innovation in Health) in Porto, Portugal. As part of the Cell Growth and Differentiation Group, I was allowed to explore the intricate mechanisms of the TGF-β Superfamily pathways and develop my work entitled: ”Fine-Tuning the Dpp/BMP2-4 Pathway: Investigating the Modulatory Role of the Inhibitory SMAD (Dad) in Drosophila melanogaster”.
I am honored to embark on a new journey as a member of the eRaDicate project. As a MSCA-DN eRaDicate – Treatment of Breast Cancer and Preventing Relapse PhD fellow, I am eager to delve deeper into the complexities of breast cancer and contribute to the development of innovative treatment strategies. I am ready to embrace this challenge and apply my skills and knowledge to significantly impact this field.
Agnes Graf
My name is Agnes and I grew up in the middle of Europe – a small town right where Austria, Slovakia and Hungary meet.
I obtained my pharmacy degree from the University of Vienna and grew passionate about the interplay of the various sciences that makes pharmacy so special. I love learning how chemistry, physics, technology and physiology come together in drug design. After completing my studies, I gained experience in the clinical area of pharmacy: Working in community pharmacy and in a research project dealing with dose-finding in paediatrics at the Medical University of Vienna.
Eventually, my interest in science drew me back to university and to another country – to start my PhD at Trinity College Dublin. I am excited to be conducting preformulation studies for anti-cancer agents with the aim to develop effective delivery systems – and potentially improve clinical outcomes of patients.
Apart from the science, I love literature, concerts and the outdoors – especially hiking and going for sea swims.
Carmen Guadalupe Colin Tenorio
Carmen received the Bachelor´s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Mexico. After that, she completed a Joint Master´s degree in Medical Imaging and Applications at the Universitat de Girona (Spain), Université de Bourgogne (France), and Università degli studi di Cassino (Italy). During her master’s program, Carmen conducted her thesis project at the Medical University of Innsbruck and Tirol Kliniken, where she focused on CMRI-to-CTA image conversion using diffusion models for the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation procedure. She will develop deep-learning based solutions for histoplasmonic tissue cytometry.
Interests: Deep Learning, Medical Image Analysis
Aqsa Jabeen
With a distinguished academic background in Biochemistry, I hold a Master’s degree from School of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Punjab, graduating with distinction and earning a University Gold Medal in 2021. My M.Phil research, conducted at School of Biological Sciences, University of Punjab, from 2021 to 2023, focused on developing a vaccine for Fowl Adenovirus-4, culminating in a thesis that explored the recombinant expression, purification, characterization and refolding of knob domain of fiber-2 protein of FAdV-4.
My passion for molecular biology led me to contribute to significant research projects, including the development of recombinant adenovirus vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 from 2022 to 2023 as I worked as a Research assistant in an HEC project “Development of indigenous recombinant human adenovirus 5-based vector vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants” at School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab. My recent internship at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology under Dr. Marcin Nowotny from December 2023 to September 2024 allowed me to refine my skills in protein crystallization and cryo-electron microscopy.
Currently, as a Marie Curie PhD Fellow in Prof. Dr. Krzystof Wozniak’s lab, which I joined in October 2024, I am investigating the structure of the Vitamin D Receptor and its interactions with innovative Vitamin D analogues. My work aims to deepen our understanding of this critical receptor and its potential therapeutic implications, bridging the gap between molecular biology and practical health solutions.
Mayur Arun Kadam
Ph.D. Student | Organic Chemist | Drug Discovery Specialist
I grew up in a small village in Maharashtra, India, where I developed a passion for chemistry early on. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry (2014-2017) and my Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry (2017-2019) from the University of Pune. During my master’s thesis at the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, I synthesized novel Oxadiazole and Pyrazole compounds.
With four years of industry experience in a Contract Research Organization (CRO), I have honed my skills in designing synthetic routes and preparing innovative heterocyclic compounds with diverse biological activities. My responsibilities also included the complete analytical identification and characterization of these compounds.
Since October 2024, I have been a Ph.D. student within the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network “eRaDicate” at the Medical University of Warsaw. My research focuses on the design and synthesis of hybrid compounds that target cancer stem cells by combining antagonists of the retinoic acid receptor gamma with agonists of the vitamin D receptor. This project aligns perfectly with my long-standing passion for drug discovery and medicinal chemistry.
My ultimate goal is to become an independent investigator in pharmaceutical sciences and drug discovery, continually expanding my knowledge and skills across international research environments.
Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, and broadening my horizons.
Alice Keirle
My name is Alice Keirle, I am 22 years old, originally from London, England. Throughout my years, I have had numerous dream professions, like all children: a doctor, a vet, a footballer, a neurosurgeon, an actress, but the only profession that I was certain on during secondary school, was an oncology researcher. I recently completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science in 2023 at the University of Birmingham, where I was truly exposed to laboratory research for an extended period of time. This confirmed my career choice, leading me to complete an MRes in Cancer Sciences, also at the University of Birmingham. The MRes offered me a 6-month research project where I chose to investigate the potential of transition metals in the treatment of ovarian cancer – not as scary as it sounds, when you think Cisplatin is a common chemotherapeutic drug consisting of Platinum, a transition metal. I predominately focused on Ruthenium complexes which have been deemed as industrial catalysts, which led me to question whether the complexes could be physiological catalysts – yes, they can be! From this, I investigated the potential underlying genetic mechanisms behind this catalytic activity using RNAseq.
Despite growing up in England and living there for my entire 22 years of existence, I felt it was time for a change and I needed to progress in my career. So, now I will be undertaking my PhD at the Med Uni of Vienna where I will be investigating the role of the retinoic acid receptors and vitamin D receptor in ovarian cancer, and colon cancer, and the related therapeutic implications.
In my free time, I will be exploring the beautiful city of Vienna, trying many new food and coffee places and indulging in the Viennese culture!
Dominika Mangabat
My name is Dominika Mangabat, and I was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany.
From an early age, I have been passionate about life sciences, particularly the processes behind disease development. This led me to study medicine at the University of Lübeck, known for its historic charm and famous Lübecker Marzipan, where I earned my medical degree in November 2023. During my studies, I completed a year-long research placement (2019–2020) at the Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, focusing on the complement system and its role in allergies. This research experience strengthened my interest in the scientific method and deepened my commitment to biomedical research.
With my combined background in medicine and early research experience, I am now pursuing a PhD to further expand my expertise in immunology and cancer research to help contribute to the fundamental understanding of these fields and the development of much-needed therapies for patients.
Outside of work, I am an avid skier, I enjoy creating custom thematic cakes and cookies and I have a great love for Scotland.
Mathilde Rey
My name is Mathilde Rey, I am from France and I am passionate about molecular biology with a particular interest in multidisciplinary approaches to cancer research.
Regarding my academic background, I completed my Bachelor in Life Sciences at the University of Bordeaux (France). I then moved to Montréal (Québec, Canada) to obtain a Master’s in Public Health in order to improve my knowledge of the health system and public policy. I returned to Bordeaux to obtain a second Master’s degree in the international Cancer Biology Graduate Program, to follow an integrated training covering the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer biology. During this time, I completed two internships at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) at the Bordeaux Institute of Oncology (BRIC). My research focused on genetic regulation in age-associated leukemia using molecular techniques, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
Currently, I am a PhD student in the Marie-Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network “Eradicate”. My research focuses on the role of RARγ in the malignant potential of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts, to develop novel therapies targeting cancer stem cell-driven relapse and metastasis. Ultimately, I aim to contribute to AML treatment advancements to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Giorgia Risso
Hello everyone! My name is Giorgia, and I am from Italy. Specifically, I come from a small town called Cuneo in Piedmont. My passion for biology and science didn’t start immediately; it was something I discovered gradually. In fact, in high school, I originally studied languages, but over time I realized that I wanted to take a very different path. I’m thankful for my background in languages, though, as it helped me connect with other cultures and sparked in me a desire to be a “global citizen” with a love for travel and discovering new experiences.
I completed my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Turin. Afterward, I pursued a master’s in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a biomedical focus, spending my first year in Turin and then going to Barcelona for my Erasmus exchange in the second year.
That year in Barcelona was the best of my academic journey, both in terms of learning and on a personal level. There, I worked on my master’s thesis as part of a cancer research group, specifically investigating the role of the neurogene STX1A in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker. The lab didn’t only focus on this type of tumor; I also had the opportunity to be involved in another project studying chemotherapy-resistant cells in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). After completing my thesis, I won a fellowship and continued working in the same lab for another four months.
Once I returned to Italy, I graduated and began an eight-month fellowship at the University of Turin, where I worked in a molecular biology lab at San Luigi Hospital. My project was about studying the role of different circular RNAs in breast cancer (BC).
After these experiences, I am now at the Medical University of Vienna, where I have just started my PhD within the eRaDicate program. I’m excited about this new adventure and curious to see where it will lead me. I’m happy to be part of a program that values communication and offers opportunities to connect with others, as I believe this will greatly enrich my journey.
On a more personal level, I’m a very social person (perhaps the Italian influence, haha). I enjoy exploring cities, visiting vintage markets, and attending exhibitions. I love playing sports like volleyball and beach volleyball, and I also enjoy hiking in the mountains.
My greatest passion, however, is traveling. Right before starting my PhD, I embarked on a backpacking journey through Vietnam, a meaningful way to mark the beginning of this new chapter.
Tanya Rudola
I am Tanya Rudola, from the serene foothills of the Himalayas in India. Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by the mysteries of nature, biology, and the unseen processes that shape life. Beyond academics, I find joy in pursuits that balance and energize me. Whether I’m on the football field, creating music, or painting, these activities help me stay grounded and bring a creative perspective to everything I do.
My lifelong curiosity eventually guided me to pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Bioengineering at Vellore Institute of Technology, India. An interest in cancer sciences took root during an undergraduate course that delved into cancer biology, sparking a fascination that has since shaped my academic journey. My undergraduate dissertation project focused on observing the expression of Toll-like receptor 7 in Hepatitis B virus-infected pregnant women, allowing me to delve into molecular biology, giving me a foundation for understanding complex biological systems and pathways.
This growing passion for cancer biology led me to the United Kingdom where I pursued a Master of Research in Cancer Sciences at the University of Birmingham. My master’s thesis focused on investigating the interaction of CBFβ with the LMO2 transcriptional protein complex in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. These experiences solidified my dedication to the field and ignited a deep interest in the molecular biology and epigenetics within cancer, ultimately leading me toward a PhD.
Currently, as a doctoral candidate at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and an eRaDicate fellow, I am working on testing Vitamin D receptor and Retinoic acid receptor ligands, along with electrophilic cell sensitizing compounds, as potential strategies to combat relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). This project seeks to uncover the mechanisms underlying the antileukemic cooperation between the nuclear receptor ligands and sensitizers using AML cell lines and patient-derived leukaemia blasts in vitro as well as the therapeutic potential of the combinations in murine models of AML in vivo.
Being a part of the eRaDicate consortium offers an incredible platform for advancing research in cancer treatment, and I am driven by the potential impact this work may have on therapeutic approaches for patients.