Meet our Young Scientist Working Group

YSWG - the Young Scientist Working Group - is an organization of engaged and motivated young scientists from PRIMA that works to promote career development and networking between the students and young scientists in PRIMA.

Photos of young scientist working group

YSWG, 2024

 

YSWG has a representative from each research group and works closely with the PIs and Centre management to support and develop Centre activities.

Fulgencio Ruso-Julve, researcher, Spain  

I am a PhD in Biomedicine with multidisciplinary experience in Molecular Biology, focusing on antibody-based drug discovery research. My long-standing interest as a researcher has been the study of the mechanisms of disease in a translational research context of several human diseases, such as mental disorders, cancer, infections, and autoimmune diseases. I also have complementary expertise in industry start-ups in Spain and Norway.

Being part of YSWG is challenging as everything is new in PRIMA, but also a good opportunity to create something good for researchers (and people in general) from the beginning.

I have been obsessed with skiing since arriving in Oslo. Also love travelling, board games and good food.

 

Kanutte Huse, researcher, Norway

I study lymphomas and the tumor microenvironment using single-cell and spatial technologies. I obtained my MSc in Biophysics at UiO, before joining the Institute of Cancer Research where my PhD and postdoc work focused on signaling in healthy and malignant B cells.

Collaboration across groups is essential to succeed as a center, and to obtain this I think it’s important to get to know each other and “become a family”. By being part of YSWG I can contribute to events where this is in focus and I also make connections with the other young scientists.

I am passionate about Judo, climbing, mountain biking and everything outdoors. But I also love Netflix and wasting time on “bad” movies”

 

 

"everything under control"

Lamberto Torralba-Raga, postdoc, Spain

I obtained my BSc in Biochemistry in Valencia, where my passion for Immunology and Molecular Genetics flourished. This led me to pursue an MSc in Biomedicine in Stockholm. My doctoral research at the Karolinska Institutet delved into the genetic basis of immune cell dysfunction and inflammation. Now, as a postdoctoral researcher in Oslo, I am dedicated to applying my expertise in engineering immune cells to combat cancer.

I am truly excited about the opportunity to actively contribute to the PRIMA community by spearheading the planning and organization of scientific events. Being part of the YSWG means having the power to shape the direction of these events, make crucial decisions, and ultimately foster an environment that cultivates collaboration, innovation, and excellence. I am deeply motivated to harness this opportunity to drive positive change, inspire fellow members, and elevate the PRIMA experience for all.

While I cherish my past in athletics (110mH), my passion for staying active endures through  participation in triathlons and popular races. Beyond sports, I have a deep appreciation for culinary delights: so where is that new ramen place I have not visited yet?

 

Thea Kristin Våtsveen, researcher, Norway

My main research interest evolves around B-cell cancer biology. I studied and did my PhD in Trondheim, NTNU, focusing on multiple myeloma genetics. Coming to Oslo I shifted towards lymphoma biology and now I am enjoying dividing my time between both lymphoma and myeloma. 

I enjoy working in teams, and with YSWG I hope we can contribute to find joint activities that can engage across groups and scientific backgrounds.

In addition to activities with my family, I spend quite some time with my clarinet and I play in one of Oslos best amateur wind ensembles, Bjølsen ungdomskorps.

 

Trung The Tran, postdoc, Vietnam

I have a strong academic background in proteomics and molecular biology, with expertise in method development for mass spectrometry-based research. My master's and Ph.D. studies focused on qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometry techniques. Currently, I am a postdoc at Rikshospitalet where my research interests lie in antibody validation using flow cytometry and mass spectrometry methods. I have played a key role in developing a high-throughput platform for antibody testing against COVID-19, capable of processing up to 10,000 samples per day. Additionally, I specialize in immunopeptidomics to detect and quantify MHC-I peptides for potential Immunotherapy targets. My motivation for being part of the working group for young researchers stems from my desire to collaborate and learn from other young researchers. I believe that by being part of this group I can contribute with my skills and knowledge while also gaining insight and perspectives from other talented researchers.

Outside of my research, I am passionate about outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring nature. I find comfort and inspiration in spending time outdoors and appreciating the beauty of our environment. I also enjoy reading, it allows me to broaden my perspective and stimulate my imagination

 

Oline Rio, PhD student, Norway

I have a MSC in Biomedicine and background in human genetics and cancer research and diagnostics. My main interest is molecular biology and gene editing, and my PhD project is mainly focused on molecular and high throughput methods in CRISPR gene therapy in the Haapaniemi lab.

It is a great opportunity to get to know the other group members in PRIMA, and to contribute to organizing social and scientific events.  

Right now my main hobbies are pub quizzes, knitting and going to the cinema.

 

Julia Zeun, postdoc, Germany

I received my PhD in 2023 from the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremburg (Germany), in the group of Anita Kremer/ Andreas Mackensen. My PhD work focused on the role of the non-classical HLA class II molecule HLA-DO and its potential use for the separation of graft-versus-leukemia and graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. I then started my first postdoc in the Experimental Immunotherapy group (Olweus) at the department of Cancer Immunology in March 2023. I’m very interested in T cell immunobiology with focus on translational research.

The idea of networking others within PRIMA and supporting them in their professional development etc. sounded very appealing to me. At the same time, working in the YSWG gives me the opportunity to expand my own skills and look at things from a different perspective.

As I am an outdoor enthusiast, living in Norway offers me many opportunities to go on breathtaking hikes, bike tours and ski tours in remote areas of astonishing beauty. Another passion of mine is climbing, which I only recently discovered for myself, but it fits perfectly with the inspiring Norwegian friluftsliv spirit too.

Published Apr. 5, 2024 10:48 AM - Last modified May 6, 2024 1:43 PM