Katri is an associate professor in the department of bacteriology and immunology and docent of medical microbiology and has a broad background in medical science (MSc 2014), ecology (MSc 2010, PhD 2015), and bacteriology (PhD 2016).
Brandon Hickman is a PhD student with a background in environmental engineering (BSc 2008) and atmospheric physics (MSc 2015). He has an interest in environmental data and the role the environment plays in our health. He is currently investigating the role of the gut microbiota and the environment on allergy development in infants.
Sandro Valenzuela is an experienced bioinformatician with a strong background in computer science (Bsc 2016). Since graduating, he has been actively involved in microbiome-related projects and is currently pursuing a PhD with a keen interest in studying the dynamics of the baby’s gut microbiome.
Nienke Van Beek-Rieppo is a molecular microbiologist (Msc 2013). She has worked on the effects of Lactobacillus spp. on rotavirus infection outcome, the role of autophagy proteins in viral infection and the LPS transport system in Neisseria meningitidis. She is currently engaged in PhD research on the infant microbiota and host immune system interaction.
Gaurab Aditya Dhar is a PhD student with an Integrated Masters degree in Biotechnology (MSc 2021). He is fascinated by the gut microbiome and is presently investigating the effects of various dietary components in the infant gut.
Chu-An Hyyryläinen is a MSc student in Translational Medicine program. She is testing a new sequencing library preparation protocol for metagenomic samples
Iiris Katavisto is an MSc student in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences program with a BSc in Biology. She is working as a research assistant investigating host-microbiota interactions through faecal biomarkers.
Lilli Rasila is an MSc student in Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology program with a background in Molecular Biosciences (BSc 2023). She previously did an internship in the Satokari group with bifidobacterial mucus-adhesion experiments and is now working as a research assistant.
Karen Ahlnäs is a Midwife with a MSc degree in Translational Medicine. She is currently working as a research nurse in the ongoing studies and clinical trials.