Profile

I was studying neuroscience in Cracow, Poland. During my studies, I came across an opportunity to had internships if few different laboratories in Poland, as well as I could conduct experiments for my master thesis in Antwerpen, Belgium. It shaped me as a scientist and thought me what I want to do in the future, which patch I want to choose. All of these events led me to Galway, where I’m working on my PhD in the Multiple Sclerosis field. During some free time I’m gardening, this is clearing my mind a lot and the feeling of being so close to nature is also very peaceful. During the whole pandemic situation travelling is not possible, so I started painting to have some other way of “going out” from my home for a moment. I can recommend it to everyone, it’s a lot of fun! Regularly I’m creating outdoor games and playing with my neighbours to still have some fun during this strange time but most important: stay safe!

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease in which the myelin is damaged. Myelin is a coat around the neurons axons. When the coat has holes (when it’s damaged) then the signal travelling throw the axon is going to escape by the holes, so it can’t reach the intended target. I’m working with cells, which can possibly damage the coat (myelin). It is a lot of fun to be in the laboratory, try new techniques and “grow” cells. The moment when you can look under the microscope and see your beautiful cells alive is truly thrilling!

I’m a well-organized person, so everything is prepared the day before. From the morning I can already start the experiment. Working with a fresh mind can help a lot when you are a scientist! So all of my tools are prepared and I can start working on the brain and isolating (separating) a different area of interest (structures). All of my tools have to be sterile (extremely clean). To make my tools sterile I’m putting them to the  pressure cooker: a big pot with water on the bottom and the lid with seal. Almost always when I’m sterilizing my tools my colleagues are asking which soup I’m cooking today. Scientist are truly a group of people with a great sense of humour! When the first part of the day is done, I can go to the special room, which is fully sterile and there I can work on the structures: start growing them on the special membranes. Everything in this room is very clean, so I have to change my lab coat and my gloves. The last step is to put the favourite music on and the second part of the work can start 😉 When I’m coming back home I’m trying to clear my mind with the view around, what’s not always so easy because work is that exciting that it’s staying in my head for a long time.