Our group members
I was trained as a geneticist and molecular biologist at the University of Helsinki. I obtained my PhD in the field of molecular virology, but after joining Irma Thesleff's lab as a post-doc, there was no going back, and I have been fascinated by the wonders of embryonic development now for more than 20 years.
Currently (2022-2025), I am a member of the Board of the University of Helsinki.
If you don't find me in Viikki Biocenter 2, you will find me in my garden.
Marja Mikkola's contact and research profile in the University of Helsinki People Finder
In 2019 I joined Marja Mikkola group to work on my research project aiming to uncover cellular mechanisms driving growth of mammary gland using 4D microscopy. Acquired knowledge of those processes will affect our understanding of breast cancer.
I am originally from Olecko, Poland and I got my engineer and M.Sc. in molecular biotechnology from University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. I am mostly interested in molecular and cell biology as building blocks of living organism.
In my free time you can find me at the gym weightlifting, hiking somewhere or just enjoying good food.
Beata Kaczyńska's contact and research profile in the University of Helsinki People Finder
My doctoral research focuses on the early cellular and molecular features of hair follicle morphogenesis. In particular, I am interested in understand how cells could acquire hair follicle cell fate and which factors could play a meaningful role in this organogenesis-driving mechanism. Understanding how cells are able to acquire a specific cell-fate during development can indeed improve knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the reprogramming process and it can also shed light on new regenerative therapies for their use in medicine.
I pursued my M.Sc. degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics at the University of Pavia (Italy) in 2018. In March 2019, I moved to Finland to start my Ph.D. studies in Marja Mikkola’s lab. On my own time, I enjoy reading books, drawing and painting in the nature.
Verdiana Papagno's contact and research profile in the University of Helsinki People Finder
My priority is that everything is going smoothly in the Lab and keep researchers happy. I am currently working part-time.
Raija Savolainen's contact and research profile in the University of Helsinki People Finder