Scientific background
I have always been fascinated by cell biology and the complex mechanisms of life and disease. For this reason, I pursued a BSc Biomedical Sciences at Utrecht University, followed by a research oriented MSc Biomedical Sciences with the specialization Cancer, Stem Cells & Developmental Biology (CSDB). As part of my MSc Major Research Project, I studied translational stop codon skipping in the model organism C. elegans and worked on a fluorescent protein-based reporter of this phenomenon in the group of Dr. Suzan Ruijtenberg. I then used the opportunity provided by my minor to familiarize myself with mammalian cell culture, studying membraneless organelle interactions and dynamics in rat insulinoma cells under the supervision of Dr. Ginny Farias-Galdames.
I am excited to begin the next stage of my academic career as a PhD in the group of Dr. Alex Garanto, and co-supervised by Dr. Atze Bergsma and Prof. Dirk Lefeber, where I will be working on antisense oligonucleotide (AON) based therapies for inherited metabolic disorders. My ultimate goal and motivation is to contribute to better healthcare and lessen the suffering of those affected by congenital disorders.
Hobbies outside science
I like undertaking long term creative projects such as model building/collecting and cosplay. Besides that, I enjoy visiting fantasy-themed conventions like Comic Con and Elfia, or simply relaxing in the pleasant environment of zoos like Artis and Ouwehands. Whenever I get the opportunity during summer I also engage in trail riding in my native country of Czechia.