This is HaikaLab 💜
We study primary immuno-oncology (IO) and targeted therapy resistance mechanisms & aim to discover more durable immuno- and targeted therapy combinations for lung cancer patients
Lab Members
Meet our brilliant scientists 🔬
Heidi Haikala,
PhD / MBA,
Principal Investigator,
Assistant Professor
"I did my PhD in the University of Helsinki, after which I worked as a postdoc in Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & Harvard Medical School in Prof. Pasi Jänne's Lab. In DFCI, I developed new targeted therapy strategies to prevent EGFR inhibitor resistance in lung cancer.
One of our findings led to a clinical trial in lung cancer patients.
Our group studies how to target primary (immuno)therapy resistance and discovers new combination therapies for lung cancer.
Science communication, music, yoga & winter sports are close to my heart! "
Bassel Alsaed,
MSc,
PhD Researcher
(Immuno-oncology & Ex vivo models)
" I'm studying immunotherapy resistance in lung cancer using 3D co-cultures. This includes culturing patient-derived organoids with matched T cells with or without immunotherapies (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors). The aim of the study is to figure out new mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance and optimize an easy-to-use screening platform for patient-derived tissues.
I also like (all) good food, especially the swedish semla!"
Elena Kremneva, PhD,
Research Coordinator
(Tumor-on-chip
& Ex vivo models)
"I did my PhD in A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry, after which I worked as postdoctoral researcher in Neuroscience Centre & Institute of Biotechnology at University of Helsinki. My research focused on actin-binding proteins and maintenance of actin cytoskeleton. Now I work on developing a new tumor-on-a-chip platform that could be used for studying individual drug responses in cancer patients. Solving problems and setting up new methods are of my interest. Outside work, I enjoy reading, walking and spending time with my family."
Lilja Lahtinen,
MSc,
Laboratory technician
(Patient samples
& Drug screening)
"I did my master’s degree in neuroscience at the University of Helsinki. My job in the lab is to process patient-derived tumor samples and use them to culture 3D organoids. I maintain our cell lines and prepare them for DNA sequencing, co-culture experiments, and more. In my free time you can often find me baking, playing music, or enjoying the outdoors!"
Johannes Smolander, PhD,
Postdoctoral Researcher
(Bioinformatics & Machine learning)
"I did my PhD at the University of Turku, the topic of which was scRNA-seq analysis. I am interested in everything related to NGS analysis, and especially its applications related to immunology. In my spare time, I do a variety of sports and play video games."
⚽🎮
Milos Gojkovic,
PhD,
Postdoc
Researcher
(Immunology)
"I completed my PhD at Karolinska Institutet, where I studied oxygen sensing in myeloid cells and its implications for physiology and cancer. I then pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Cologne, focusing on cell death and inflammation, particularly within the context of immune responses. Currently, my research is centered on discovering novel blood-based biomarkers to optimize immuno-oncology treatments for lung cancer. In my free time, I enjoy photography, spending time outdoors, and being with my family and friends."
Linh Lin,
MSc,
PhD Researcher
(New therapeutics)
"I completed my Master's degree in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences in the University of Helsinki, specializing in Molecular and Analytical Health Biosciences. I gained interest in translational medicine during my studies.
In the lab I study the epigenetic and protein level regulators of EGFR expression in lung cancer, by using CRISPR and other genetic screening methods.
Dancing, reading and eating delicious food are my favorite activities!"
💃🏻📚🍽
Hanna Laitinen, MSc,
PhD Researcher
(Innate immunity)
"I completed my MSc in Molecular Medicine at the University of Eastern Finland, where I studied how novel drug candidates act against NRF2-altered lung cancer. I then joined HaikaLab as a project researcher and continued as a doctoral researcher within the iCANDOC program.
My work focuses on investigating the phenotypic and functional changes of NK cells in the lung cancer microenvironment and how fibroblast subsets interact with NK cells to modulate their cytotoxicity against cancer cells. My goal is to identify signals that drive NK cell dysfunction and to improve therapeutic strategies.
Outside the lab, I enjoy a variety of sports, training my puppy, reading, and photographing the nature."
Zac Darroch,
BSc,
Laboratory Manager
"I did my Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Newcastle University in Australia, with my undergraduate thesis at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. After this I worked for seven years as a Hospital Scientist in Clinical Chemistry at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney before moving to Finland. In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading history, trivia and playing social football. A thirst for fresh experiences has taken me to many places, from climbing Kilimanjaro and kayaking the White Nile to driving from London to Mongolia via Kyrgyzstan. These days however you are more likely to find me on the weekends exploring the playgrounds of Espoo with my kids."
Narges Moradi,
MSc,
PhD Researcher
(PROTACs,
drug resistance)
"I did my MSc in Molecular Biotechnology, at the University of Turku. Following that, I explored the fascinating world of oncology research, contributing to both the Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) and Cancer Genomics teams at Orion Pharma.
Currently, I am on an exciting journey pursuing my PhD at the HaikaLab. My research focuses on unraveling the tumor-specific immunological properties and immunopeptidome in lung cancer. My ultimate goal is to pave the way for novel immuno-oncological therapeutics in lung cancer or enhance the effectiveness of existing ones. Outside the lab, I like to read , write , do yoga , and travel."
Elenia Bracalenti,
MSc,
PhD Researcher
(Immune organs & cancer)
"I am a student of the Master’s in Molecular and Medical Biotechnology in Verona (Italy). After training in different labs in the Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Helsinki, I chose HaikaLab to focus on personalized medicine and immuno-oncology. For my Master’s thesis project, I worked on a genome-wide CRISPR screening in combination with NK cells. I just started my PhD studying the relationship of immune system development and lung cancer.
In my free time, I like working out, dancing, and traveling around the world."
Kasim Kaader,
MD/PhD Researcher
(Immunotherapy resistance)
"I completed my Bsc in Medicine at the University of Helsinki. I am interested in working together with other people to find good answers to good questions, and I currently pursue a PhD in the field of immuno-oncology. For my PhD project, we aim to find pharmacologically targetable biomarkers for IO resistance. Apart from medicine and science, I enjoy playing the clarinet and playing tennis."
Sameer Kumar Panda, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher
(Tumor immune microenvironment, disease models)
"I hold a master's degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Further, I honed my research skills in disease modeling and high-throughput drug discovery at Syngene Intl. India. I then moved to Italy to pursue my PhD at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli. My doctoral research delved into the fascinating phenomenon of mitochondria transfer from stem cells to cancer cells, impacting drug resistance and cancer stem cell phenotype in breast cancer. Now at the HaikaLab, my research explores the effects of CAFs in shaping the TIME, with the goal of identifying innovative IO-based therapies for lung cancer. Apart from research, I enjoy writing, cooking, eating, and traveling."
Jenna Ilomäki,
BSc,
Research Assistant
(Laboratory engineer / analyst)
"I did my Bachelor of Laboratory services and Laboratory Engineering at Tampere University of Applied Sciences. After my thesis I have over ten years of work experience as a Research Assistant from diabetes and tuberculosis research. My job is mostly maintenance and setting up new protocols for our laboratory in Tampere. In my fee time I like knitting and crocheting. Sometimes I forget time when I do jigsaw puzzles.
I also like to dance!"
🧶🧩💃
Kübra Ugur,
MSc,
PhD Researcher
(Tumor microenvironment)
"I completed my BSc and MSc in Pharmacy, after which I worked as a clinical pharmacist in an oncology and hematology unit. This experience highlighted how much progress is still needed in cancer treatment and inspired me to pursue a PhD. At HaikaLab, I am currently investigating the potential new inhibitors to overcome microenvironment-driven drug resistance in lung cancer, with the goal of combining these inhibitors with existing therapies, such as immunotherapies, in the future. In my free time, I enjoy creating music as a vocalist, both original compositions and covers, and producing social media content focused on metal music and vocal techniques."
Rita-Maria Lehmonen,
MSc Student
(Tumor microenvironment)
"I’m a licensed Biomedical Laboratory Technologist and Bachelor of Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering. I completed my BSc thesis on glioblastoma and am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Cell Technology at Tampere University. At HaikaLab Tampere, I’m working on a project focused on discovering the role of secreted microenvironmental factors in lung cancer. I have a strong passion for disease modeling and developing accurate, alternative methods to animal testing.
In my free time, I enjoy various sports such as fit boxing, going to the gym, and cross-country skiing. I’m also a foodie who loves spending money on eating out and traveling around the world."
Alireza Tajmirriahi,
MSc,
Bioinformatics
(Spatial biology and data pipelines)
"I completed my MSc at Aalto University in Bioinformatics and Digital Health. During my studies, I explored the application of AI in healthcare across several domains, including multi-omics, bacterial genetics, medical imaging, and medical device innovation.
I aspire to combine my engineering skills with biological rigor to develop methods that leave a lasting impact on human life.
Currently, I am working as a research trainee at HaikaLab, where I develop robust computational pipelines for spatial transcriptomics data analysis.
In my free time, I play football, cook, and binge-watch old TV shows!"
⚽🍳🎬
Kim Vy Huynh,
MSc Student
(Biomarkers)
"I am pursuing my MSc in Genetics and Molecular Biosciences at the University of Helsinki. I have a strong interest in biomarker research, which is why I chose to work on the functional validation of biomarkers to advance immuno-oncology (IO) treatment for my MSc thesis in the lab. Outside the lab, I enjoy photographing, writing in my diary (as part of my personal growth), and hitting the gym. I am also trying to learn a language for 30 minutes each day to build self-discipline."
Maria Francesca Borrasi,
MSc,
Erasmus+
"I am a visiting student currently spending a research period at Haikalab. I completed my Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Naples in December. I’m interested in molecular and cellular biology and in understanding the biological mechanisms behind human diseases. During my studies I have gained experience in laboratory work and I enjoy learning new techniques and approaches in biomedical research
Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling, reading, taking photos, and discovering new food. I like exploring new places and cultures, which is one of the reasons why I enjoy international research experiences."
🧫🧬🍕
Alex Ryzhenkov,
MSc,
PhD Researcher (Translational data analysis)
"I have been working with data analysis for years in different applications and been working on my PhD on lung cancer data analysis from 2024 working all the way from clinical rwe data to single cell lab data. I want to unite clinical, biological and computation expertise in order to create new cancer drugs and therapies."
Iiris Sipari,
MSc,
Laboratory Technician & Project Coordinator
"I'm new!"
Anastaasia Fedorova,
MSc,
Research Assistant
"I'm new!"
Milla Pihlajamäki,
BSc,
Research Assistant
"I'm new!"
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