Network
Doctoral Candidates
Below are the Doctoral Candidates (DCs) that perform the research projects of SurfEx.
Lynn – DC1
Utrecht University
Identification and characterization of terminal web and brush border components in C. elegans
Lynn
I completed my Master’s in Cell Biology at ETH Zürich, Switzerland before moving to Utrecht University, Netherlands to take a closer look at the molecular specialization of the intestinal apical domain in C. elegans. Previously, I focused a lot of my time on yeast, not just for my Master´s Thesis but also while baking sourdough bread in my free time. However, I have since shifted my research focus to the wonderful C. elegans, and have not yet taken up baking again thanks to a healthy fear of the widespread microwave ovens here in the Netherlands.
Parul
I completed my Integrated Master’s degree in Biology at UM-DAE CEBS, Mumbai, India. During my master’s thesis project in the St Johnston lab at the Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, UK, I conducted a genetic screen aimed at discovering novel polarity proteins in the Drosophila midgut epithelium. Building on my interest in developmental biology, my PhD research in the Boxem lab at Utrecht University, Netherlands, will be focused on identifying and characterizing new components of apical exchange surfaces, using C. elegans as a model organism. Beyond the lab, you may find me exploring new places, honing my culinary skills or jamming with fellow music enthusiasts.
Monica Maselli – DC3
Utrecht University
In vitro polarization of the proximal tubule: functional implications in health and disease
Monica
Monica finished her Master’s in Medical Biotechnologies at the University of Trieste, after an internship in the chilly Stockholm. There, between the cold snow and cozy cafés, she developed her interest in 3D modeling. Recently, she started her PhD at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, studying how apicobasal polarization affects kidney function. In her free time, Monica loves trying new things. Whether it’s climbing, baking, or sewing, she’s always up for a new challenge.
Laura Akintche – DC4
CBMSO (CSIC)
Mechanics, metabolism, and inflammation in lysosome-rich epithelial cells (LREs) in homeostasis and disease
Laura
I completed an MRes in Translational Cancer Medicine at King´s College London, where I stayed on as a Research Assistant in the Rosenblatt lab to continue working on epithelial cell extrusion.
At the Belmonte lab, I am now investigating the role of neonatal enterocytes in intestinal homeostasis and disease. Using microscopy, quantitative genomics and proteomics, I am looking into changes of microbiome and immune system in mouse models and patient samples.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, studying Spanish, and visiting one of Madrid´s many museums.
Munish – DC5
University of Rennes
Microvillus blunting and regeneration in pathological contexts in vivo
Munish
I completed my Integrated Master’s degree in Biology at IISER Mohali, India. For my master’s thesis project with Dr. Rajesh Ramachandran at IISER Mohali, I investigated the role of histone demethylases in retina regeneration in zebrafish. Currently, as a PhD researcher in the Michaux lab at IGDR, France, I am studying microvilli atrophy and regeneration using C. elegans as a model organism. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking and playing badminton
Finja Dienhart – DC6
Uppsala Universitet
Real-time studies of ApECM barrier protection against gut bacterial attack
Finja
I completed my master’s in Molecular Biomedicine at the University of Münster in Germany. My master’s thesis project in the Ludwig lab at the Institute for Molecular Virology, Münster, I investigated the role of protein phosphatase 2a in influenza A virus infections. I then moved to Uppsala, Sweden, to pursue my PhD within Mikael Sellin’s research group. My doctoral research focuses on the intricate dynamics between epithelial barrier properties and bacterial invasion using intestinal organoids, which perfectly aligns with my interest in cell and infection biology.
Outside the lab, I love playing volleyball or unwinding by playing the clarinet. On weekends, I enjoy exploring the stunning Swedish landscapes, driven by the hope of someday encountering an elk in its natural habitat and observing the northern lights.
Fleur van de Kolwijk – DC7
Göteborgs Universitet
Mapping the selective barrier properties of cell-attached and shed glycocalyx in human and mouse intestine
Fleur
Abdul Mateen – DC8
Bac3Gel
Recreating human gut microbiota in intestinal mucus models to study infection dynamics
Abdul
Abdul Mateen is a dedicated researcher with a robust background in biotechnology. He served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) in Pakistan, working on projects related to prebiotics and antimicrobial agents. Abdul holds a Master’s in Biotechnology from NIBGE and a Bachelors in Biotechnology from the University of Sargodha. His expertise includes microbiological and molecular techniques, bioinformatics, and biosafety analysis. In addition to his research work, Abdul has participated in numerous scientific seminars and training courses. He is also an active volunteer and enjoys reading, playing guitar, and engaging in art and design.
Harpreet Singh – DC9
University of Rennes
Functional characterization of novel components of C. elegans microvilli
Harpreet
I obtained my Master’s in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, where my research focused on host-microbiome interactions. I used Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the effects of novel probiotics on stress resilience and aging. Currently, as a PhD researcher in Grégoire Michaux’s group at the IGDR, I am studying the molecular components involved in microvilli formation and maintenance in the C. elegans intestine.
Outside the lab, I enjoy improving my French language skills, taking long walks, and reading good books.
Lovely Monney – DC11
Queen Mary University of London
Mechanical, inflammatory, and pharmaceutical regulation of cell polarity and the role of primary cilia in a human kidney-organ chip model
Lovely
T.b.d.
Lovely
Ciara Doody – DC12
Gurdon Institute – University of Cambridge
Mechanisms of apical domain formation in the Drosophila intestine
Ciara
Hi! I’m Ciara. I just completed my undergraduate studies in biomedical science at the University of Galway, Ireland, and now I’m starting my PhD in the St Johnston lab. I will be researching the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of polarity in the epithelial cells of the Drosophila midgut.
Outside of the lab, I like doing crafty stuff, reading (as if the research papers weren’t enough) and rock climbing!
