CeMi around the world – Dora in Leuven!

In this series of blogs we hear from students recently returned from academic placements about their experiences. Dora Rogkoti is a fourth-year PhD student under the supervision of Prof Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez.

Hello! 😊 I’m Dora, currently a final-year PhD student at the Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment in Glasgow. From September until December 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Professor Hans Van Oosterwyck’s lab (MAtrix Group) at KU Leuven in Belgium. My project focuses on the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) viscoelasticity in 3D matrices and, specifically, how multicellular spheroids respond to different mechanical properties of the ECM (e.g. stiffness, viscoelasticity, degradation). One such response involves the magnitude of forces spheroids exert to the ECM, which can be investigated through a technique called Traction Force Microscopy (TFM).

Professor Van Oosterwyck and his research group are pioneers and one of the few groups worldwide to have established 3D TFM workflows for calculating cellular force exertion in 3D. My goal during this 3-month placement was to learn as much as possible regarding TFM. Being part of the MAtrix group provided me valuable lessons – not only in an academic and professional sense but also on a more personal level. Working in a different environment was an incredibly beneficial experience that allowed me to adapt to new circumstances, overcome challenges and learn new ways of working and thinking. Exchanging ideas and knowledge with the group was very useful to broaden our understanding on the topic of mechanobiology.

On a personal level, I was very thankful for all the wonderful people I had a chance to work and interact with during my stay there, the beautiful cities I got to visit, such as Gent, Brugge and Brussels, and the great food and beverages (especially beers!) I was able to taste. I also cherished my bike rides, which, although occasionally wet, were always a refreshing way to unwind after a long workday.

Overall, my visit to Leuven was an unforgettable experience! I am truly grateful to Professor Van Oosterwyck for hosting me and to his whole group for the support and lovely lunches/dinners we shared! Lastly, a big thank you to the CDT for funding this amazing opportunity.

Hopefully, my visit to Leuven marks the start of a great collaboration between the two groups!