Meet our team

Saara Hämälistö

PrincipaI Investigator, PhD

Email: saara.hamalisto[at]utu.fi

I am a curiousity-driven scientist who wants to understand the behaviour and ways of communication between cells.

I am also a music enthusiast and could not live without my piano and choir singing anymore. I try my best to always be positive, supportive and scientifically open-minded and a good mother to my three wonderful children.

Jelena Gnjatovic

Doctoral researcher, MSc

Email: jelena.j.gnjatovic[at]utu.fi

I am a PhD candidate in the group, and for my project I am investigating lysosomal role in cell activation signalling and hyperproliferation in DLBCL, and the therapeutic potential of lysosome-targeting drugs.

My favourite lab activity is taking care of the cell cultures. Outside of work, I like video games, yoga, photography and art, and weekends at the cottage.

More about the lysosome project →

Prakhya Shastry

MSc student

Email: prshas@utu.fi

I am a master student specializing in Biomedical Imaging and interning in this group. I am interested learning more about the prognosis of tumour cells and understanding how various pathways contribute to the proliferation of the cells.

Outside of work, I indulge myself in a good book, savouring coffee, lifting weights, binge watching anime and keeping up with Formula 1 racing.

More about the EV project →

Anni Virtanen

MSc student (currently on studies)

Email: aevirt[at]utu.fi

I am a masters student studying cell biology and work as a part-time research assistant around the lab, always popping out of some corner and accidentally giving people scares. I am extremely interested in especially how the cells react to the world outside of them and to each other!

My hobbies include crocheting, other miscellanious art projects, video games and always accidentally consuming way too much caffeine.

Nasir Uddin Badal

MSc, Researcher

Email: nasir.badal[at]abo.fi

I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical imaging at Abo Academy University. I am interested in extracellular vesicle-oriented cancer detection and therapeutic solutions and new methods that can help in this. Beyond academics, I am well-versed in meditation and hold a certification as a yoga trainer. Additionally, I am committed to contributing to the community by regularly donating blood and participating in various charitable activities.

Klaudia Card

Research intern, BSc

Email: klaudia.m.card@utu.fi

I am actively pursuing my master’s degree in biomedical imaging and am currently an intern with this group. I have always been interested in exploring the unseen and fascinating world of cellular life and look forward to learning new approaches and methods utilized in cancer research.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, looking for any opportunity to be in the sun, and I’m always searching for my next travel destination.