I did my Master thesis at the Dept. of Molecular Oncology at the Radium Hospital in Oslo, studying the degradation of the gap junction protein Cx43. I then did my PhD in Terje Johansen’s lab at UiT – the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø. My research topic was on the autophagic degradation of an anti-inflammatory protein (TNIP1), and its interaction with the autophagic machinery.
Both projects have focused on protein-protein interactions, and a biochemical understanding of the forces driving them. I’m excited to further explore this in the context of antibody design for cancer therapy.
In PRIMA, I will be working on improving agonist antibodies for cancer therapy through protein design. Our goal is to develop a novel and safer antibody technology that can lead to efficient tumor cell killing, with limited adverse effects.
Two obligatory questions!
1. What brought you to PRIMA?
I find the concept of harnessing the body's immune system to fight cancer really fascinating. At PRIMA, I'll have the chance to explore this further by combining it with protein design, in an expert environment!
2. What are you passionate about?
Outside the lab, I enjoy knitting, reading, photography and hiking.