Network
Doctoral Candidates
Below are the Doctoral Candidates (DCs) that perform the research projects of SurfEx.
Parul – DC1
Utrecht University
Identification and characterization of terminal web and brush border components in C. elegans
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.
Lynn
Lynn completed her 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, she focused a lot of her time on yeast, not just for her Master´s Thesis but also while baking a lot of sourdough bread in her free time. However, she has since shifted her research focus to the wonderful C. elegans, and has not yet taken up baking again thanks to a healthy fear of the widespread microwave ovens here in the Netherlands.
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
Laura completed an MRes in Translational Cancer Medicine at King´s
College London, where she continued her Master´s work on epithelial
cell extrusion as a Research Assistant.
At the Belmonte lab, she is now investigating the role of neonatal
enterocytes in intestinal homeostasis and disease. Using microscopy,
quantitative genomics and proteomics, she is looking into changes of
the microbiome and immune system in mouse models and patient samples.
Outside of the lab, you will most likely find Laura cycling, studying
Spanish, or visiting one of Madrid´s many museums.
Finja Dienhart – DC6
Uppsala Universitet
Real-time studies of ApECM barrier protection against gut bacterial attack
Lynn
Lynn completed her 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, she focused a lot of her time on yeast, not just for her Master´s Thesis but also while baking a lot of sourdough bread in her free time. However, she has since shifted her research focus to the wonderful C. elegans, and has not yet taken up baking again thanks to a healthy fear of the widespread microwave ovens here in the Netherlands.
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
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
Finja
Finja completed her master’s in Molecular Biomedicine at the University of Muenster in Germany and recently moved to Uppsala, Sweden, to pursue her PhD within Mikael Sellin’s research group. Her doctoral research focuses on the intricate dynamics between epithelial barrier properties and bacterial invasion using intestinal organoids.
Outside the lab, she has a passion for music and volleyball. On weekends, she enjoys exploring the stunning Swedish landscapes, driven by the hope of someday encountering an elk in its natural habitat.
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!