Mgr. Lenka Radoňová, Ph.D.
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Martin Anger, Department of Genetics and reproductive biotechnologies, Veterinary Research Institute
PhD Thesis: Control mechanisms of chromosome segregation during early development (2021)
Current Position: Postdoc, Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory – Reproductive Medicine Group, NIEHS, Durham, NC, United States
„I’m currently working as a postdoc in the Reproductive Medicine Group led by Dr. Carmen Williams at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina, USA. In our lab we are interested in events of egg activation and its transition to a developing embryo. I’m particularly interested in studying calcium signaling at fertilization, which is crucial for successful fertilization itself and faithful accomplishment of pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. During my doctoral studies at OFIZ I appreciated the variety of offered courses and seminars which allowed me to gain valuable theoretical knowledge in the field of reproductive/developmental biology and the friendly atmosphere of the department. Our research group, the Mammalian Reproduction Group led by Dr. Martin Anger, is based at the Veterinary Research Institute in Brno. Here I had an amazing opportunity to work with excellent equipment for oocytes and embryos micromanipulation and live cell imaging. I’m currently using these techniques in my postdoctoral position, as well as other important skills gained during my PhD such as design of experiments and scientific writing.“
Mgr. Stanislav Drápela , Ph.D.
Supervisor: Mgr. Karel Souček, Ph.D., Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
PhD Thesis: Synthetic lethality in the therapy of advanced prostate cancer (2021)
Current Position: Postdoc, Department of Molecular Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
“I work as a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Ana Gomes in the Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL. My current research takes advantage of my well-rounded cancer biology background and skills to understand how epigenetic modification such as chromatin remodeling affect disseminated breast cancer cells condition metastatic colonization. “Previous academic and formal training in Soucek Lab under OFIZ fostered in me the desire to do research that matters, allowed me getting essential experience and skills in internships abroad and has provided me with a comprehensive background in biochemistry and cancer biology.“
Mgr. Petra Paclíková, Ph.D.
Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Vítězslav Bryja, Ph.D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: Dishevelled functional analysis using CRISPR/Cas9 editing technique (2021)
Current Position: Postdoc, BryjaLab, Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
„I am currently continuing as a postdoc in prof. Vítězslav Bryja research group. My doctoral studies were based on CRISPR/Cas9 methodology that helped me to create many new cell models for studying one of the most important signalling pathway- Wnt pathway and its crucial component -protein Dishvelled. And my work now continues to dissect unknown roles and functions of this protein. During my doctoral studies I was awarded by Brno PhD Talent grant and EMBO short term fellowship stipend that supported my work here and I was lucky to publish and contribute to several scientific papers. All this thanks to a great environment, motivated and inspiring colleagues and friendly atmosphere at OFIZ.“
Mgr. Martin Kunc, Ph.D.
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Pavel Hyršl, Ph. D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: Insect immune and behavioural reactions under stress condition (2020)
Current Position: Postdoc, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Stockholm University, Sweden
“I currently work as postdoc in laboratory of prof. Ulrich Theopold at The Department of Molecular Biosciences, Stockholm University, Sweden. Here I continue with research of insect immune system this time focused on reactions employed against tumor progression in Drosophila. During my stay at OFIŽ I acquired all the necessary knowledge and enthusiasm needed for research career. Moreover, I highly appreciated the collaboration with the most prestigious research groups worldwide, possibility to attend several international fellowships and conferences, and technical background of the university. Last but not least, I would like to highlight all the amazing and helpful people at OFIŽ, which are heart and soul of the department and all together create friendly and supportive environment.”
Tomasz Witold Radaszkiewicz, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Vítězslav Bryja, Ph.D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: The role of RING finger proteins in Wnt signalling (2020)
Current Position: Postdoc, BryjaLab, Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
“I have finished my Ph.D. studies at OFIŽ, where I had a great to opportunity to study different aspects of the cellular communication using various approaches – from genome editing to dynamic protein-protein interactions. Thanks to the stimulating scientific environment, state-of-the-art equipment, and collaboration possibilities, we could tackle both relevant medical problems and basic biological questions about cell functioning. Most importantly – I met great people. Thus, I have not hesitated to stay and continue my research as a Postdoctoral Researcher in BryjaLab.”
Mgr. Marek Hampl, Ph.D.
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Marcela Buchtová, Ph.D., Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS
PhD Thesis: Developmental processes involved in formation of the cleft lip and palate (2020)
Current Position: Postdoc, Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics CAS
„I am currently working as a postdoc in the group of Assoc. Prof. Marcela Buchtová at the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the ASCR in Brno. Here, I study the developmental processes involved in craniofacial defects using mouse transgenic models. Studying at the Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology allowed me to develop my theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of developmental biology. Thanks to OFIŽ, I was able to get experience also from studies abroad at the University of Turku in Finland through the Erasmus program during my master’s studies. During my doctoral studies, I participated in two internships abroad (University of Pittsburgh, USA and Medical University Vienna, Austria), where I learned to work with mouse transgenic models and established cooperation with other significant scientific groups in the field of developmental biology.“
Zakruti Dave, Ph.D.
Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Vítězslav Bryja, Ph.D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: ErRORs in cellular crosstalk – importance in development and disease (2020)
Current Position: Postdoc, Department of Neuro-Oncology, Uppsala University, Sweden
„Presently, I work in Department of Neuro-Oncology, Uppsala University, as a post-doc in the lab of Dr. Michael Andäng. We are interested in understanding of what controls the balance between active and quiescent cell states in neuronal stem cells and wish to apply this knowledge towards protecting the stem cell population in patients, especially young children, undergoing chemotherapy. During my stay at OFIZ I have had an opportunity to broaden not only my skill set but also expand my scientific views and get trained in thinking critically. Over the years, I have highly benefited from the collaborative, supportive and friendly nature of the department.“
Mgr. Karol Kaiser, Ph.D.
Supervisor: Juan Carlos Villaescusa Ramirez, Ph.D., Karolinska Institute, Sweden
Co-Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Vítězslav Bryja, Ph.D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: Wnt Secretion and Transport in the Mammalian Nervous System (2018)
Current Position: Postdoc, Laboratory of Prof. Fiona Doetsch, University of Basel, Switzerland
„I am currently working as postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Dr. Fiona Doetsch at the University of Basel. In my research I am focused on the role of largely unknown tissue – choroid plexus and its importance for the regulation of cerebrospinal fluid composition. I have discovered this fascinating region of the brain, which determined and sealed my postdoctoral fate, thanks to a unique opportunity to participate as a PhD student at the Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology in an exchange program with Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. From my perspective, it is exactly due to such possibilities that this section represents an exceptional workplace for studies as well as to pursue academic career in a nice environment, with terrific technical infrastructure and for the Masaryk University standards, outstanding opportunities to participate in collaborations with the most prestigious international scientific teams.“
Mgr. Jakub Harnoš, Ph.D.
Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Vítězslav Bryja, Ph.D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: The Consequences of CK1ε-induced Phosphorylation of the Selected Components of the WNT/β-catenin Pathway: Structural Biology Point of View (2018)
Current Position: Postdoc, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
„I work as a postdoc in the laboratory of prof. Sergei Sokol, where we focus on the Wnt signaling pathway and its role in the regulation of embryonic development (determination of cell polarity in vertebrate development, axis specification or development of the nervous system). Studying at OFIŽ gave me the necessary theoretical insight into the field of developmental biology and intercellular communication. But above all, thanks to OFIŽ I acquired knowledge of a wide range of molecular biology methods. By participating in the presentation of the results at international conferences, I have also gained several useful professional contacts, which helped me, among other things, to get a postdoc position at a prestigious institute in the USA.“
Pharm.Dr. Ján Remšík, Ph.D.
Supervisor: Mgr. Karel Souček, Ph.D., Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
PhD Thesis: Regulation of plasticity of cell surface phenotype and its role in cancer progression (2018)
Current Position: Postdoc, Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
„After successful PhD defense at the Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, focused on tumour cell plasticity, I joined the research team of Dr. Adrienne Boire at MSK, where as a postdoc I work on research of immunology of breasts, lungs and melanoma cancer metastases to the central nervous system.“
Mgr. Kateřina Straková, Ph.D.
Supervisor: Prof. Gunnar Schulte, PhD. (Karolinska Institute, Sweden)
Co-Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Vítězslav Bryja, Ph. D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: Interaction of Class Frizzled receptors with G proteins and Dishevelled (2017)
Current Position: Assistant professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, MUNI
„I have been teaching the basics of biology to students studying at the Faculty of Medicine, MUNI – medical students, dentists, medical technicians or physiotherapists. Most of my work consists of communicating with students, preparing lectures and seminars, and organizing teaching at our department.“
Mgr. Martina Danešová, Ph.D.
Supervisor: RNDr. Antonín Lojek, CSc., Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
PhD Thesis: Production of reactive oxygen metabolites and nitric oxide by phagocytes under inflammatory conditions and possibilities of prevention
Current Position: Research Specialist, Enantis s.r.o.
„The main focus of my work is the development of a dosage form and the preclinical testing of a potential drug that is facilitating the healing of chronic wounds and is based on growth factors. My responsibility is the cooperation with MUNI and other universities, academies of science, and companies involved in our research.“
Ing. Viktor Horváth, Ph.D.
Supervisor: doc. RNDr. Peter Fedoročko, CSc.
PhD Thesis: High effectiveness of platinum complexes with adamantylamine in overcoming resistance to cisplatin and suppressing proliferation of ovarian cancer cells in vitro
Current Position: International Key Account Manager EMEA Subregion South-East, Roche Diagnostics
„My job position includes business development in relation to large international laboratory diagnostic institutions and companies. In my work for Roche Diagnostics, my knowledge of cell and tumour biology acquired during my studies at Masaryk University in Brno has always helped me a lot.“
Mgr. Silvie Kremserová, Ph.D.
Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Lukáš Kubala, Ph.D., Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
PhD Thesis: The role of myeloperoxidase in vascular inflammation
Current Position: Postdoc – Inflammation Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA USA
„After my PhD defense, I decided to stay in the academic sphere, extend my skills acquired during my studies at the Faculty of Science of MUNI and continue as a postdoc in the labora-tory of prof. Nauseefa. Here, I have been investigating the cell death of human neutrophil granulocytes after ingestion of methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The main focus of my work is to plan and conduct experiments, write publications and grants, and present the obtained data at seminars and international conferences.“
Mgr. Alena Votavová, Ph.D.
Supervisor: doc. RNDr. Vladimír Ptáček, CSc., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: The research of new methods in laboratory breeding of bumblebees
Current Position: Research specialist, Fodder Research Institute and Agricultural Research, Troubsko (Výzkumný ústav pícninářský, s.r.o. a Zemědělský výzkum, s.r.o.)
„As part of my studies at OFIŽ, I worked on the topic of bumblebee breeding. During my studies, I got a job in VUP and ZV Troubsko as a researcher. I am in charge of managing bumble-bee breeding, obtaining and solving research projects, and also commercially selling bumblebees and everything associated with it.“
Mgr. Libor Vojtek, Ph.D.
Supervisor: doc. RNDr. Pavel Hyršl, Ph.D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: Usage of luminometric methods in animal innate immunity studies
Current Position: Sales Representative and Application Specialist, Department of Molecular Biology, BioVendor a.s.
„My job at BioVendor includes complete solution for customers in the field of life science and clinical diagnostics. Thanks to this work, I am constantly in contact not only with the latest technologies, but also with new people.“
Mgr. Kateřina Štefková, Ph.D.
Supervisor: Mgr. Jiří Pacherník, Ph.D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: Molecular mechanisms of the development and regulation of hematopoietic cells
Current Position: Assistant, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University
„My work at the Department of Anatomy consists of teaching future physicians in the field of human anatomy. Studying at OFIŽ has given me a broad general knowledge that I can now apply in the preparation of individual practical seminars and lectures.“
RNDr. Eva Janouškovcová, Ph.D., LL.M.
Supervisor: doc. RNDr. Alena Žákovská, Ph.D., Section of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, MUNI
PhD Thesis: Monitoring of the spirochete presence and their identification in haematophagous and nonhaematophagous arthropods and vertebrates in the Czech Republic
Current Position: Director of Technology Transfer Office, MUNI
„Studying at the Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology allowed me to develop my skills with an emphasis on independence, performance, responsibility for myself and the team, and opened me the door to the world of adult educated and respected kind people. I love to remember my work here and I support my former colleagues from my current position.“
Doc. RNDr. Eva Bártová, Ph.D.
Current Position: Director Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
„I have been working at the Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences since 1997, and since May 2017 I have been the director there. My research is focused on the study of cell nucleus architecture and chromatin and chromosome structure. I’m also interested in epigenetic mechanisms in DNA repair.“
RNDr. Rita Pacasová, Ph.D.
Current Position: Head Physician Deputy, Transfusion and Tissue Department (TTO), University Hospital Brno
„I have been working at the University Hospital Brno since 1990. For all my positions in the hospital, I have been using my knowledge and experiences from immunology and cell physio-logy. Also now, in the position of the quality manager, as a deputy of the head of the TTO or in managing the projects regarding human tissues and cells.“