Zofia Link

MSc Student

I graduated with a BSc in Biomedicine from the Medical University of Lublin, where I worked on my thesis concerning genetic markers in non-small cell lung cancer. In 2022, I completed an internship at the Experimental Medicine Center of UMLub, where I gained experience in supervising environmental conditions and ensuring animal welfare. In 2023, I interned at VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, where I optimized the production of minicircle DNA vectors. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Warsaw. I joined the Laboratory of Cellular Genomics in December 2023 to conduct my master’s thesis research, focusing on the role of gut microbiota-derived metabolites in host physiology. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, candle making, and practicing Irish dance.

FROM MAY 2026: Predoctoral trainee at Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland

Anna Majerowicz

Lab Technician

I am a molecular biologist with a BSc in Environmental Protection and an MSc in Molecular Biology from the University of Warsaw. During my studies, I focused on the phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Euglena. At Olab, I initially coordinated research on the relationship between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and the composition of the human gut microbiome and then worked as a laboratory technician. Outside of the lab, I enjoy long walks and spending time with my dogs — especially during agility, frisbee, and nosework training sessions.

FROM MARCH 2026: PhD Student at Laboratory of RNA Regulation of Microbe-Host Interactions, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Daniel Vasile Robescu

Erasmus Student

I’m a third-year student in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest. This summer, I joined the Laboratory of Cellular Genomics to study the CRISPR-Cas9 technique and explore microbiota-host interactions in different models of liver fibrosis. I’m excited to contribute to this fascinating field and to develop my research skills in such an advanced setting. In my free time, I enjoy taking long walks, reading on topics like politics and social economics, mountain biking, and watching movies.

Daria Elena Manolache

Erasmus Student

I am a third-year student in Medical Biotechnology and this autumn I joined the Laboratory of Cellular Genomics through an Erasmus internship. My project focuses on examining how amatoxins affect hepatocytes and on identifying bacterial strains with the potential to break down these compounds. I am deeply enthusiastic about this opportunity, as it enables me to strengthen my scientific expertise and acquire advanced laboratory skills. Outside of my academic work, I enjoy exploring new places on foot and experimenting in the kitchen with recipes from diverse culinary traditions.

Jolina Zimmer

DAAD Research Scholar

I recently graduated with a Bsc in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the Constructor University Bremen. There, I conducted my thesis on molecular microbiology on the topic of Vicilin-derived antimicrobial peptide.  I am joining the Laboratory of Cellular genomics for this summer to study the effect of amatoxin on hepatocytes and isolating bacteria capable of degrading this toxin. Super excited for this opportunity! In Fall, I will start my Msc in molecular biology at the university of Göttingen.  In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball and listening to music of different genre. 

Zofia Czarny

Summer intern

I’m a second-year BSc student in Genetics and Experimental Biology at the University of Wrocław. This summer, I’m joining the Laboratory of Cellular Genomics to study the azo dye degradation by gut bacteria to evaluate the effects of their consumption on the host and microbiome diversity. I’m beyond thrilled for this opportunity! In the fall, I’ll begin my final year of undergraduate studies and focus on writing my thesis. In my free time, I enjoy long walks in the woods with my dog, reading and playing board and computer games.

Dr Anna Sobocińska

Lab Manager

As a Lab Manager during the first two years of the OLAB my work came down to equipping everyone with tools for a smooth launch of the Lab. I was a mediator between the needs and wishes of the OLAB team and the rules and deadlines of the Administration, building a new logistic protocols and following the procurement law. I made sure that OLAB worked efficiently and stress-free and everyone felt catered to – overall, I made over 500 orders during those 2 years, onboarded 20 people and took part in 10 tender committes. I was trying my best to keep our space organized (yay, labels!) and ergonomic, while making sure to implement more green solutions, for example tracking and reducing our SUPs usage or equipping the the Lab with energy saving and low carbon footprint solutions. I enjoyed being a part of Lab Manager community at IIMCB.

FROM APRIL 2025: Postdoc at the Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine