Our team

Katarzyna Ciuba, PhD

PostDoc

Anna Stroynowska-Czerwińska, PhD

PostDoc

Monika Mielnicka, PhD

PostDoc

I obtained my M.Sc. Degree from the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bangalore University, Bangalore, India specialising in Bioinformatics and Biotechnology. For my M.Sc. project, I investigated the possible role of epigenetic markers in inheritance of memory. I briefly worked as a Bioinformatician at the Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Science, Bangalore, India. 

Currently, I'm working on a project to understand the evolution of regulatory networks in Astrocytes. I'm interested to learn the development and evolution of our brain and possibly the evolution of memory. I have tons of hobbies notably reading, travelling, video games and DIY projects.

I'm working with Dr Aleksandra Pekowska's group since Fall 2020. My research is centred around understanding the role of transcription factors that help define the outstanding biology of human astrocytes across evolution. I aim to divulge the Gene regulatory network of human astrocyte by a combinatorial approach of cell reprogramming, CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing, sequencing technology (ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and ATAC-seq) and bioinformatics. 

Prior to joining Dioscuri Centre, I worked at Jubilant Biosys Ltd and then at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru for a duration of two years in the field of cancer therapeutics. I also did a nine-month stint at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), also in Bengaluru, where my work concentrated on stem cell biology. 

In 2019 I graduated from Warsaw University of Life Sciences with a Master’s degree majoring in Molecular Biology. During my MSc studies, I worked on the detection of protein-protein interaction using a two-hybrid system. I determined a potential function of a few parasite antigens which have a significant role during Toxocara canis invasion in the human organism. 

Currently I participate in a project on the regulation of chromatin topology. I am interested in the three-dimensional structure of the genome and the regulation of gene expression during development. Using high-throughput sequencing technologies, I would like to answer the question of how the factors associated with the CTCF influence cell development. In my spare time, I am a big fan of good cuisine and long walks.

I completed a Bachelor in Science with specialisation in Molecular Genetics at the University of Edinburgh and a Master degree in Biology-Biotechnology at the University of Copenhagen. In my master thesis I was developing a transcriptional biosensor for detection of adipic acid. I also worked for two years in a molecular diagnostics start-up Sense Biodetection. 

Currently, I am interested in finding the evolutionary basis for human-specific traits in astrocytes. To achieve that, I am developing and employing functional screens coupled with bioinformatic analyses. Outside of the lab, I am interested in biotechnological entrepreneurship.

I obtained my MPhil degree from National Centre for BioInformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan. During my MPhil studies, I worked on Population Genomics Analysis of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Data in Dogs. I did internship at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Lahore, Pakistan, involved in Biomedical Informatics Research Laboratory, Department of Biology. Prior to joining Dioscuri Centre, I worked as Lecturer in Government University Faisalabad, Pakistan affiliated campus.

I recently joined the Dioscuri Centre for Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics, I am involved in computational analysis of the data generated in the lab. Currently, my major focus is on molecular mechanisms of the regulation of gene expression.

In 2020 I completed my post-graduation majoring in Biosciences from Jamia Millia Islamia. During my M.Sc studies I worked on establishing therapeutics efficacy of Saponins in cancer.  Then for a short period of time I worked as a Junior Research Fellow at Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Bengaluru where my project was to establish the epithelial to mesenchymal transitioning in colorectal cancer cell lines.

I recently joined Dr Pekowska's lab on December, 2022 as a Ph.D. Since then I have been working with Dr Aleksandra Pekowska on a project to understand the non-canonical functions of ATP and how does it effects the chromatin organization in mouse embryonic stem cells. Apart from lab, I enjoy taking pictures, experimenting with new recipes, and doing sports.

I pursued my MSc with specialization in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics from Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Bengaluru, India. As a part of my MSc thesis, I worked on establishing hypercompact CRISPR-Cas systems in mosquito cell lines to be used as tools for understanding dengue virus (DENV) propagation in mosquito cells lines.

While studying epigenetics as part of my coursework in MSc, I became fascinated by the molecular mechanisms governing chromatin biology and role of chromatin dynamics in gene regulation and disorders.

I have obtained Marie Curie Fellowship (chrom_rare consortium) to pursue my PhD under Dr. Aleksandra Pękowska. I am trying to investigate the molecular consequences of haploinsufficiency in CEBP and p300 histone acetyltransferases underpinning the Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome.

In my spare time, I like exploring new food joints, trekking, judging a place by its coffee and reading.

I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Clinical Laboratory Sciences at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran and a Master degree in Molecular Medicine at Institute of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkiye. During my Master's program, I focused on neuroinflammation in microglial cells and studied the relations between inflammation and autophagy in microglia.

My current research is centered around the molecular evolution and function of interlaminar astrocytes (ILAs). I am particularly interested in understanding the evolutionary progression of ILAs and their impact on neurodegenerative diseases and neuroinflammation. In addition to my scientific pursuits, I have a passion for traveling, cooking, and music.

I am interested in the molecular bases of inheritance, in particular, in how epigenetics shapes the identity of a cell.

In 2019, I obtained a Master’s Degree in Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Warsaw. My project was aimed at the development of molecular biology methods to diagnose chosen rare genetic disorders.

I joined the Dioscuri Centre for Chromatin Biology and Epigenomics in Fall 2019. I derive and maintain induced pluripotent stem cell lines from mammals (mouse, primates, and humans). I am still learning about their needs and moods. I am also responsible for the technical infrastructure in the lab.

Besides my implication in the lab, I study bioethics at the University of Warsaw. I am interested in ethical aspects of biotechnology in particular, the moral implications of the use of human ES cells and of human genome editing.

I obtained my MSc diploma from the Faculty of Biology at Warsaw University as a Biotechnologist. My master studies and the next few years I spent in Prof Barbara Tudek’s lab in the IBB PAS in Warsaw. I was exploring the dark depths of DNA damage response pathway in Fanconi anemia patients’ cells to understand the etiology of this rare disease. 

Iconsider myself as a cell biologist with a heart for microcope imaging.

I have joined the group at the end of February 2023. I have started with moody but cute IPS cells and trying some gene modifications on them. I am learning how to work with mice too.

In my free time I enjoy sourdough baking, reading and playing outside with kids.

Agatha Iwanek, BA

Administration Officer