Team Members

About me

I am a passionate researcher, dedicated teacher, and inspiring mentor. I have a diverse background spanning multiple fields, including organic and supramolecular chemistry, nanoparticle self-assembly, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and extracellular matrix design for breast cancer tissue culture. I am leading a multidisciplinary team of researchers at the interface of materials science and biomedical sciences. We focus on efficiently controlling the structure and properties with the highest possible precision. We develop Lab-on-a-chip-based sustainable in vitro preclinical models for personalized and precision breast cancer disease and diagnostic platforms. We fabricate bio-based short-distance optical fibers and microlasers in the optics and photonics areas. Beyond material development, we are actively engaged in advanced electron microscopy imaging, including cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM),  electron tomography, and in situ electron microscopy. For more information, see our Research Page and Publications.

Field of expertise

• Bio-based materials for optics and photonics
• Breast cancer disease and diagnostic models
• Precision nanomaterials
• Advanced transmission electron microscopy

Research unit

Material Science and Environmental Engineering

Research career

Current position

• 03.08.2020-Present: Associate Professor (tenure track) in Nanochemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland. 

Academic degrees and titles

• 19.10.2018: Abilitazione Scientifica Nationale (ASN), CHIM/07-Fondamenti Chimici delle Tecnologie, MIUR, Italy.
• 26.05.2017: Title of Docent in Soft Matter Microscopy, School of Science, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Finland
• 13.12.2008: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India. 
• 24.05.2003: Master of Science (M.Sc. in Chemistry), Department of Chemistry, Mangalore University, Karnataka, India.
• 19.06.2001: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. in Chemistry, Botany, and Pharmacognosy as equal options), Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College, Ujire, Karnataka, India.
• 10.11.2020: Executive Master of Business Administration, Quantic School of Business and Technology, Washington D.C., USA. 
• 04.05.2019: Fundamentals of Business, Quantic School of Business and Technology, Washington D.C., USA

Previous research experience 

• 26.05.2017-31.07.2020: Research Fellow and Docent, Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Finland
• 01.08.2012-25.05.2017: Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto University, Finland.
• 15.02.2009-31.07.2012: Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. 
• 15.08.2008-14.02.2009: Visiting Ph.D. student, SITRA fellowship, Department of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
• 23.09.2007-22.03.2008: Visiting Ph.D. student, CIMO fellowship, Department of Chemistry, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

About me

In my current role as a postdoctoral researcher in the Precision Nanomaterials Group, I have been working on breast cancer metastasis and developing different 3D culture models to understand how breast cancer initiates and how and why its organ-specific metastasis develops. 

In addition to focusing on research, I actively train and supervise students from diverse backgrounds for their bachelor`s (BSc) and master's (MSc) theses. 

Field of expertise

I have over 10 years of experience developing 3D in vitro models and microfluidic platforms to identify molecular, mechanical and biochemical changes promoting the formation of breast cancer metastasis using cell, tissue and patient-derived samples. 

I use my expertise in in situ contactless rheology to create dynamically responsive soft materials that model breast cancer tissue at both primary sites and secondary metastatic target sites, taking into account not only the genomic events in individual cancer cells but also the composition of the surrounding environment.
 

Field of expertise

Experience in the fabrication of sensors, and expertise in electrospinning for various applications such as face masks, surface coatings, and substrates for cell culture. Hands-on with various optical and electron microscopes (SEM) and used high-speed cameras for various experiments.