In this second series of interviews with our Doctoral Candidates, we welcome Sofia Perdikari. She is a brilliant Greek PhD student enrolled at CiMUS research centre (University of Santiago de Compostela) under Dr. Marta Varela Rey supervision, and working on RBPs expression in liver fibrosis.

Question: Can you tell us a bit about your academic background?

Answer: I studied Biology at the University of Crete in Greece, with a specialization in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. After that, I did a master in the program “Molecular Basis of Human Diseases” at the Medical School as I was interested in exploring the more applied and therapeutic aspects of my bachelor studies, which is where my primary interests lie.

Q: What motivated you to join this MSCA-DN project?

A: As I was nearing the end of my master’s program, I started thinking about pursuing a PhD. I asked for advice from one of my former supervisors, who suggested looking into MSCA fellowships because of the wide range of opportunities they offer. During my master, I worked with lncRNAs and, indirectly, with RBPs, which really intrigued me. When I came across the project description, it caught my attention, especially since it also promised a therapeutic focus, which aligned with my interests.

Q: What specific research or training are you focusing on within this project?

A: In my project, I’m focused on the connection between liver fibrosis and the expression of RBPs. Specifically, we’re investigating which RBPs are expressed in hepatic stellate cells and how they might influence or activate the expression of fibrotic genes.

Q: How do you think this project will contribute to your career development?

A: Beyond learning new techniques, I’ll be building a broader set of skills like organization, time management, teamwork, and adaptability, skills that will be valuable in any career path I choose, whether in academia or industry. Additionally, the opportunity to interact with experts from various fields through the project’s network, particularly during the annual meetings, will offer valuable guidance and advice. The secondments will also give me experience in the industrial sector, which will be helpful in shaping my future career plan.

Q: Can you describe any challenges you have faced during your time in the project and how you overcame them?

A: A few months ago, we encountered a significant issue with a key experiment in my project. We discussed the problem with my supervisor, and we decided to replan and redo the experiment in a more adequate facility, specific for this.

Q: What skills or knowledge do you hope to gain by the end of this fellowship?

A: I hope to learn more about how the industrial field works and develop my soft skills further. Specifically, I want to improve in areas like communication, teamwork, and adaptability, which are essential in any professional environment.

Q: How do you see the impact of your research on the wider community or field?

A: Liver fibrosis is a major health issue affecting many people in the developed world and can lead to severe conditions like liver failure or cancer. However, it is a potentially reversible condition. Through this project, I would like to identify some proteins involved in regulating liver fibrosis and enhance our knowledge on these mechanisms. This could potentially help in developing drugs to reverse this condition and prevent more severe outcomes.

Q: What advice would you give to future fellows or researchers entering this field?

A: My advice for future researchers is to be ready for challenges and setbacks, because things don’t always go as expected. You’ll need to stay flexible, use the tools and resources you have, and figure out how to tackle problems as they come up.

Q: Where are you from? Since these are mobility grants, are you missing your place? Family, friends, city…

A: I’m from a small town near Corinth in Greece. I do miss my home, but it’s something I’m used to, as I was away from it during my bachelor’s and master’s studies as well (even if it wasn’t that far).

Q: And what about your new place? What are you liking the most/the least?

A: Santiago is a beautiful city, quite different from what I had imagined to be like before moving here, compared with the rest of Spain. I really appreciate that it’s a small city, not chaotic, and easy to walk around. I also enjoy the greenery, although it does come with a lot of rain, which is something I don’t really enjoy.

Q: What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research work?

A: I enjoy working out at the gym, and on weekends walking around in the nature.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

A: Since I was very young, I wanted to visit Pompeii. I’m not entirely sure why, but I’ve always been fascinated by ancient civilizations with intriguing histories.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the city or country you are currently living in?

A: What I enjoy most about living here is that Spain shares a lot of similarities with Greece in terms of its people, culture, and food, which made it easier for me to adjust to the new environment.

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your life, and why?

A: My mother because of her dynamic character and her ability to overcome with many difficulties on her own.

Q: How do you balance your work and personal life?

A: I believe it’s important to set clear boundaries from the start and try to leave work-related concerns and stress at the lab. However, sometimes it isn’t as easy as it seems…

Q: What is one thing you have learned about yourself during your fellowship so far?

A: I’ve learned that I’m more adaptable than I initially thought.