During my PhD, my research was focused on the identification of genetic alterations and their influence on cancer treatment resistance. I was keen to learn different genetic technologies and I have acquired expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing and next-generation sequencing. Using these tools I was able to highlight new genetic polymorphisms altering cell physiology and thus drug sensitivity.
Following this experience, I joined the immune genomics group, led by Dr Gosia Trynka at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. The group focuses on genetic regulation of the immune system function and how it contributes to autoimmune diseases. I am applying my skills to establish novel strategies in primary human cells to better understand the role of genetic variation in autoimmune diseases. For example, I use the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to perturb the function of genes and gene enhancers to understand their impact on immune cell functions. Furthermore, I have the chance to develop computational and statistical skills to analyse large-scale data.
When I’m not in the lab I like watching movies, playing video games, reading fantasy novels and traveling.