DC1: Lei Cuasay

Supervisor: Abdelkrim Talbi

Co-supervisor: Philippe Pernod

Host institute: Centrale Lille Institute (CLI), France

I am Lei from the Philippines, with a background in Materials Engineering from UP Diliman, where I first explored tactile sensors for E-skins. My journey since has taken me through the Erasmus Mundus Master in Chemical Nanoengineering, studying in France, Poland, and Italy, and culminating in a thesis on bioimaging amyloid spherulites using gold nanoclusters. As a Materials Engineer, my passion has always been for bridging disciplines to create groundbreaking technologies in the biomedical field. For my next chapter here with the CanDoIt network, I am eager to work in the interface of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering, believing that interdisciplinary collaboration is the key to revolutionizing diagnostics and treatment.

DC2: Francesca Izzo

Supervisor: Hamida Hallil

Co-supervisor: Florence Poulletier

Host institute: University of Bordeaux (UBx), France

Francesca Izzo obtained her M.Sc. in Biotechnology from University of Naples Federico II(Italy), where she contributed to the development of a new design of lateral flow assays. Currently, she is a PhD student of University of Bordeaux, where she is pursuing her passion for the development of biosensors.

DC3: Peggy Xinyu Pei

Supervisor: Martina Gerken

Co-supervisor: Yannick Dusch/Abdelkrim Talbi

Host institute: Christian Albrecht University of Kiel (CAU), Germany

As a researcher with a background in electronics and electrical engineering, I first attained my Master of Engineering (MEng) degree at the University of Edinburgh, UK. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. at Kiel University, Germany, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Martina Gerken. My previous work focused on biosensing system design and integration. My current research interests include precise control mechanisms in bioelectronics and biosensing systems, as well as the development of lab-on-chip devices, femtech solutions, and compact wearable technologies. I am dedicated to conducting impactful research in the bioengineering field, utilizing innovative methodologies to address challenges affecting vulnerable populations.

DC4: Gokul Nagarajan

Supervisor: Raffaele Velotta

Co-supervisor: Bartolomeo Della Ventura

Host institute: University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), Italy

To introduce myself briefly, I hold a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, having completed my Master’s at Centrale Lille. Over the past year (November 2023–November 2024), I worked as a Research Engineer at Centrale Lille on the European project “SNOW” (Nano Opto Electrical & Mechanical Systems), funded by the Chist-Era initiative. During my Master’s thesis under the supervision of Prof. Abdelkrim Talbi, I focused on characterizing breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cell line) using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. I also have expertise in the rapid prototyping of electrochemical biosensors at micro scales. My passion lies in developing innovative electrochemical biosensors aimed at reducing mortality rates and improving human survival outcomes.

DC5: Niki Basirhaghighi

Supervisor: Martina Gerken

Co-supervisor: Andreas Latz

Host institute: Christian Albrecht University of Kiel (CAU), Germany

My name is Niki Basirhaghighi. I hold a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a master’s degree in nanobiotechnology from Tehran University. During my master’s studies, I focused on the fabrication of electrochemical nanobiosensors for the detection of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. For my PhD project, I aim to develop nanostructured optical waveguides for sensitive, label-free multiplex detection of breast cancer biomarkers utilizing an optical readout approach.

DC6: Kristin Tkalčec

Supervisor: Gerolama Condorelli

Co-supervisor: Cristina Quintavalle

Host institute: University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), Italy

Let me introduce myself! My name is Kristin Tkalčec and I come from Croatia. I hold a BSc in Biotechnology and Drug Research and an MSc in Biotechnology in Medicine. During my university studies, I gained extensive experience in various laboratory techniques and methods. Immediately after graduation, I began working in clinical trials, where I furthered my education and became a certified Clinical Trial Specialist. Over nearly two years, I gained valuable experience in management and coordination of oncological and immunological clinical trials, contributing to the successful execution of complex projects. Driven by an unwavering passion for cancer research, I am dedicated to advancing knowledge and achieving innovative breakthroughs that can truly make a difference in the world.

DC7: Devika Shetty

Supervisor: Christophe Lefebvre

Co-supervisor: Nawale Hajjaji

Host institute: University of Lille (ULILLE), France

I am Devika Shetty from India, holding a Master’s degree in Genome Engineering from the Manipal School of Life Sciences, India. My research expertise lies at the intersection of translational immunology and cancer genomics, with a particular focus on leukemia and lymphoma during my tenure at India’s premier cancer research institute, Tata Memorial Centre. I have also worked in Germany, where I gained hands-on experience with advanced molecular medicine techniques across diverse disease contexts. Driven by a deep passion for cancer research, I am committed to leveraging my interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to develop innovative solutions for the healthcare industry.

DC8: Mitchel Tumuhimbise

Supervisor: Marco Trerotola

Co-supervisor: Maurizio Ronci

Host institute: D’Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara (Ud’A), Italy

I studied Cell Biology for my Undergraduate Degree at Makerere University Kampala in Uganda. Later on, I moved to Spain for a Research Fellowship in experimental gene therapy for cancer at CIMA Universidad de Navarra and subsequently pursued a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Research, focusing on cancer biology as a sub-specialty. I am enthusiastic about personalized medicine for cancer treatment and efforts to make companion diagnostics and targeted therapies for cancer affordable and accessible. My extra-laboratory interests range from Outdoor Exploration, Hiking, Writing Fiction and Satire to Photography (particularly landscapes and perspective). I am also keen on Tennis, Extreme Sports and Equestrianism.

DC9: Tinku Naik

Supervisor: Martina Gerken

Co-supervisor: Olivier Bou Matar

Host institute: Christian Albrecht University of Kiel (CAU), Germany

My name is Tinku Naik from India. I have obtained my master’s (MS) from Sogang University, South Korea major in Mechanical Engineering (2021-2023) and Bachelor’s from Rajiv Gandhi Univesity of Knowledge Technologies, India (2015-2019). After master’s, I have worked as a Research Engineer at Cleome Innovations Pvt. Ltd., India to develop portable PCR microfluidics. I’m much passionate towards working in designing, fabrication, and integration of microfluidics. I’m extremely honour for being selected as a PhD candidate in the CanDolt European Project. Looking forward for an exciting journey with other CanDolt PhD candidates.

DC10: Patrick Mertens

Supervisor: Tomo Jarc, Matjaž Gams

Co-supervisor: Mitja Luštrek

Host institute: Caretronic, Slovenia

My name is Patrick Mertens, and I am from the Netherlands, currently pursuing a PhD at the Jožef Stefan Institute and Caretronic within the CanDoIt project. I hold a master’s degree in Systems Biology, and my past research focused on analyzing complex diseases using computational approaches, network-based methodologies, and machine learning. I am passionate about understanding complex diseases and uncovering their secrets to drive innovation. In the CanDoIt project, I aim to advance cancer diagnostics by leveraging liquid biopsies for breast cancer classification. My ultimate goal is to develop impactful solutions while growing as a researcher.

DC11: Tahereh Azargoshasb

Supervisor: Hadi Heidari

Co-supervisor: Ensieh Hosseini

Host institute: University of Glasgow (UGLA), United Kingdom

Tahereh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and a Master’s degree in Photonics with a specialization in Electronics and Telecommunications from the Graduate University of Advanced Technology (KGUT) in Kerman, Iran. She worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Bonab in the field of Optical Fiber Sensors. She has outstanding expertise in the multidisciplinary fields of synthesis and characterization of nanostructures, with over five years of research experience. Her work focuses on the optical characterization of nano-thin film coatings on dielectric transparent platforms for sensing applications in various environments. She is familiar with different nano-material synthesis techniques and various characterization methods, including XRD, TEM, SEM, and EDX. She will develop such a miniaturised, low-cost and room temperature magnetic sensor array.

DC12: Paria Kamkar

Supervisor: Hadi Heidari

Co-supervisor: Ensieh Hosseini

Host institute: University of Glasgow (UGLA), United Kingdom

Paria Kamkar graduated from the school of Medical Sciences. Her research focuses on the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices. She is developing a microfluidic platform utilising transient optimization techniques to seamlessly integrate with TMR biosensors. This platform aims to enable precise sample handling, controlled flow rates, label-free sorting, and efficient microfiltration, under the supervision of Prof. Hadi Heidari.