Secondments 28, 29, 30: From University of Crete to Genetic Lab

|
|
Secondments 28, 29, 30: From University of Crete to Genetic Lab

“I participated in a 3-month secondment in the Genetic Lab (GL) in Bucharest, from April 1st  2024 until the 30th of June 2024. During this 3 month period, I had the chance to receive training and become accustomed to the field of diagnostics. As a scientist who contacts basic research, this secondment was a unique and enriching experience as it gave me the opportunity see how the research translates from bench to diagnostic tool development and application, something that I had not experienced before. Additionally, this secondment was a unique opportunity for me to work in a laboratory abroad, which is something that I had not experienced since my undergraduate Erasmus placement. 

In the Genetic Lab I was welcomed by the fellow Genetic lab members. Specifically, the first day of my arrival Dr Florentin Nitu gave me a very explanatory and detailed tour of the facility, the equipment and the techniques that the lab members use.We talked about the potential, the practical costs and the limitations of certain technologies that are available in the lab and lab members use. The junior lab members, presented me the main principles of diagnostics and demonstrated to me the experimental processes of DNA extraction, sample preparation and result analysis. Specifically, I had the chance to learn the process behind HLA, paternity tests, HPV, detection of lactose intolerance  as well as next generation sequencing. Anca Munteanu also gave me a brief tour around the facility and along with the junior fellows gave me a practical training to human sample handling and laboratory standards. Dr Consuel Ionica was very willing to inform me about the protocols that the Genetic Lab works with on a  daily basis and give me a step-by-step explanation on the specifics of each protocol. During this 3 month period I had the chance to learn, optimize and analyze RNA and DNA extraction protocols and real time PCR, a knowledge that I can now tranfer to the laboratory in Crete.The training that I received in the Genetic Lab was improtant for me to familiarize with the molecular methods needed for carrying out WP5 of the CardioSCOPE project. Additionally, I learned the standard operating procedures of extraction and quality assessment processes. The protocols that we used were compared to the ones we use in the Medical School (UoC), hence improving the way we perform and analyze our experiments (WP4). Overall, working alongside these amazing colleagues allowed me to exchange knowledge and expertise, enhanced my collaborative skills and helped me build a network of international contacts. I firmly believe that scientists from both basic and applied research can learn from the distinct ways in which different countries tackle similar research problems, leading to novel solutions and improved diagnostic methods. This along with the access to new resources and cutting-edge technology can significantly enhance the quality and impact of our research.

Besides the above, this 3-month period in Bucharest allowed me to travel around Romania and get to know the history, the culture and the traditions of another European country. I met some amazing local people both in the work environment and outside of that. Moreover, during my secondment I had the chance to meet other fellows from Belgrade, exchange ideas, have enlighting conversations about the pros and cons of science in Balkan countirs and share experiences and create new, beautiful memories.

 To conclude, this secondment was an eye-opening experience for me as it matured me both as a person and as a post-doctoral scientist. It gave me an insight on how the research in the private sector works and helped me build a network of collaborators that will be useful for me in the future. “

Ourania Kolliniati, Post Doctoral Researcher, University of Crete

“From May 11th until July 10th, I attended a two-month secondment in a genetic diagnostic laboratory, the Genetic Lab (GL) in Bucharest. My degrees in biology, with specialization in Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, and in “Molecular Basis of Human Diseases” at the University of Crete, have given me the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills on how to conduct experiments to comprehend better the pathophysiology of a disease. Currently, I am a PhD student and my academic background is centered on basic research, and I have never worked in the private sector specifically in the field of diagnostics. 

Upon my arrival at the Genetic Lab, I received a warm welcome from the fellow lab members. Dr. Florentin Nitu graciously provided me with an extensive tour of the facility and offered me detailed explanations of the techniques and equipment that the lab uses. During my time there, I learned the laboratory principles of a diagnostic lab, including theoretical knowledge of genetics and ISO laboratory standards. Furthermore, the training provided at the Genetic Lab was designed to give me invaluable hands-on experience in molecular diagnostic techniques. They also presented me with the principles of the distinct diagnostic tests they perform, such as prenatal testing, paternity tests, chromosomal analysis to identify numerical and/or structural aberrations, tests to detect gene mutations responsible for cystic fibrosis, lactose intolerance and hereditary thrombophilia, HPV, HLA, and next-generation sequencing tests. The fellow lab members explained to me different laboratory protocols, such as DNA, RNA extraction, and real-time PCR as well as data analysis and the preparation of reports for patients. The lab is equipped with impressive technology, including automated sample preparation, PCR devices, and next-generation sequencers. Having no experience in the field of diagnostics, this two-month secondment was a unique opportunity to expand my academic background toward diagnostic applications. Moreover, I had a great time in Bucharest and also visited Brasov. In general, I learned better the local culture and enjoyed the delicious food. Overall, my secondment in the Genetic Lab provided me with valuable scientific and professional insights into the private sector’s working environment, a realm with which I was previously unfamiliar. This secondment was an incredible experience, in which I strengthened my connections with professionals, creating new opportunities for future collaboration. “

Ioanna Lapi, PhD student, University of Crete

“From July 12, 2024 to August 11, 2024, I participated in a one-month secondment at the Genetic Lab. During that period, I recieved practical training in the field of molecular diagnostics. After getting my Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics, I worked for a short period of time at a hospital in laboratory diagnostics, however my expirience at the Genetic Lab significantly broadened my previous knowledge, providing me with hands-on skills in various genetic laboratory techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and next-generation sequencing analysis. Coming to the Genetic Lab I was welcomed by the Genetic lab members, Anca Munteanu, Dr. Florentin Nitu and Dr. Consuel Ionica who gave me an extensive tour of the facility, explained all the techniques and equipment employed, and shared their knowledge regarding the principles of diagnostics. Genetic Lab, was very well equipped with cutting-edge technology instruments, ranging from automated sample preparation machines, to various PCR cyclers and next-generation sequencers. At first, I was introduced to the fundamental principles of a diagnostic laboratory, including human sample handling, laboratory safety protocols and ISO laboratory standards. During my time at the Genetic Lab, I was trained in various diagnostic protocols including DNA/RNA extraction, real time PCR, SNP identification and cycle sequencing for the detection of various diseases, such as thrombophilia, cystic fibrosis, myeloid leukemia, periodontitis etc. This experience was very helpful, since it led to beneficial comparisons and improvements of the protocols already used in the UOC. Moreover, I had the chance to see various diagnostic tests being performed, such as prenatal tests, paternity tests, COVID tests, HLA typing, HPV screening, and detection of lactose intolerance. Additionally, Dr. Consuel Ionica generously gave me an insight on genomic variant interpretation and data analysis using bioinformatic tools. This was my 2nd secondment at the CardioSCOPE project, which gave me another valuable opportunity to work aboard, meet and collaborate with interesting people, build a network of international contacts, but also get to know the culture and traditions of another European country. Overall, working at Genetic Lab expanded my scientific knowledge in the field of molecular diagnostics using various genetic analyses, gave me more experience of working aboard in the private sector and contributed to my personal development.”

Ioanna Pantazi, PhD student, University of Crete

Latest Updates

As we approach the end of the second year and the midpoint of the project, our partner, the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Pharmacy,...
From 16th-18th September, 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to join forces between MSCA SE CardioSCOPE and COST Action AtheroNET, bringing the latest advances in...
IMG_0461
“I was hosted in the Clinical Chemistry lab, led by prof. Tsatsanis, at the University of Crete School of Medicine (UOC). During my stay at...
MC1
“I spent two months (from July 2nd  to August 31st, 2024) at the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) in Trento, Italy....
“During my stay at the Genetic Lab SRL. I received extensive instruction on the general organization of the laboratory and the workflow when analyzing different...
“During my secondment at the Medical School in Crete from 16 June 2024 until 17 July 2024, I had the great opportunity of working under...
image1