We’re so proud to announce that on May 30th, 2023, Sigrid has defended her Master’s thesis titled Optimization of CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing in Human PBMCs!
Sigrid’s work at our lab involved improving precise CRISPR editing by local chromatin modulation, and her daily lab supervisor was Pavel.
I decided to do my master's project in collaboration with NCMM and the Haapaniemi Lab mainly because of CRISPR. I've always been intrigued by this gene editing platform and I was very excited starting in June last year.
One of my research questions was to optimize the precise gene editing in human blood cells by delivering Cas9 as mRNA. I didn't have any knowledge nor experience when it came to handling cell cultures, which actually became one of my favorite techniques in the lab.
I also found bacteria work very relaxing (as long as my colonies survived), and as soon as I mastered the in vitro transcription protocol, I enjoyed synthesizing my own mRNA.
I valued all the time spent in the lab thanks to the excellent training and supervision I received throughout my stay at Haapaniemi Lab. Working in this lab taught me the beauty of science and that a failed experiment fosters valuable feedback and insight when handled correctly.
To be honest, I did several mistakes and errors that I found very embarrassing, nevertheless, these mistakes gave me the drive and motivation to succeed in my next experiments.
During my master's project I achieved both professional and personal growth which I will proudly carry with me in my future endeavors. Thank you for this wonderful journey.
It has been a pleasure working together with Sigrid here at the lab, and we wish her all the best for her future adventures!