Published 22 August 2024 by Ulrike Böhm
Women in Research #LINO24: Aneta Karpińska
Aneta from Poland is a PhD student at the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the Polish Academy of Sciences and Chief Operating Officer at Cell-IN.
She uses the Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy technique to study anticancer drugs’ internalization directly inside living cancer cells at the single-molecule level. This method allows for determining whether and to what concentration the desired drug is uptaken by cells as well as the tested drug’s intracellular interactions. Such data are essential in selecting the molecule with the most significant therapeutic potential even before clinical trials, which last about ten years and cost about $1 billion. In parallel to her PhD project, she leads Cell-IN commercialization – she works on a quick and easy method dedicated to delivering a desired molecule into particular cells.
Aneta participated in the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.
Enjoy the interview with Aneta and get inspired:
What inspired you to pursue a career in science / in your discipline?
After high school, I considered finances or biotechnology as a field of study. I decided on biotechnology – I wanted my work to have a big social impact. Moreover, my mother graduated in medical analytics, so at home, she told me what laboratory work looks like. During my studies at the Warsaw University of Technology, I did many student internships – in the areas of microbiology, virology, and organic chemistry, among others. Meanwhile, it was always my “little dream” to start research on human cells – I succeeded in it during my PhD. Today, through my research, I can make my little contribution to the fight against cancer.
Who are your role models?
My role models are my PhD supervisors – Prof. Robert Hołyst and Dr. Karina Kwapiszewska. The way they do science, their careers, and their approach to people inspire and motivate me. I would add that they are also a great support to me, always offering help in any difficult situation.
How did you get to where you are in your career path?
While studying at the Warsaw University of Technology, I did numerous internships. In this way, I wanted to get an idea of what area of biotechnology suits and interests me the most. After completing my master’s degree, the decision to start a PhD was not obvious to me. I considered joining the industry (I was even sending my CV to various companies). My decision to start a scientific path and choose a PhD study was influenced by conversations with more experienced people like Aleksandra Kozińska, M.Sc. – my master’s thesis laboratory supervisor at that time. Wanting to have a higher degree than a master’s, I started my PhD, returning to Prof. Hołyst’s group, in which I had done my first student internships. At that time, Dr. Kwapiszewska, who was working with cancer cells, had an open position for a doctoral student in her grant. As I mentioned above, this area of biotechnology has always been one in which I have been very interested. Therefore, I submitted my application, being lucky to win the competition. This is how I began my scientific research in the area that still interests me the most today. Laboratory research conducted within my PhD revealed that we, as a team, need to develop a fast, simple, and versatile tool for introducing various types of compounds into the human cell. Thus, we started experiments lasting several years, which resulted in a patent. The developed formulation became the subject of commercialization at the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS. A while after this initiative started, the person responsible for leading it decided to change jobs. The team concluded that I would be the right person for that position. Despite my fear of inexperience and much responsibility, I decided to take on this challenge, knowing that I had people next to me who would support me. Thus, to this day, I have been leading the commercialization of Cell-IN, combining science and business. Thanks to that, I know this combination is perfect for me, and I would like to continue this in my professional future. I try to expand my business knowledge not only in practice – I participate in many programmes aimed at expanding the leadership skills of young scientists, such as The Excellerator 2023 (Global Biotech Revolution, The University of Cambridge) and Shesnnovation Academy organized by The Perspectives ‘Women in Tech.’
What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?
I can’t point to just one coolest project I’ve worked on. My PhD adventure, which combines scientific research with leading commercialization efforts, is one big and ongoing project that I consider to be the coolest of all. At this point in my career, I am certain that this is the path I want to continue pursuing.
What’s a time you felt immense pride in yourself / your work?
I try not to settle on my laurels while being aware of my achievements, which result from a combination of hard work and luck, including the people around me. I’m proud of my Cell-IN team – I think the Cell-IN product is a great solution with potential for applications in various fields. Cell-IN is an excellent example of how hard teamwork based on complementary competencies pays off.
What is a “day in the life” of you like?
I start every day with strong coffee. Upon arriving at work, I first check my emails and answer them. The rest depends on what I have planned for the day. I often spend the whole day in front of the computer, doing things related to running Cell-IN or writing/editing a scientific publication or grant proposal. Very often, I also spend the day in the lab doing measurements. And sometimes, it’s a combination of computer work and experiments. That’s what I love science for – every day looks different.
What are you seeking to accomplish in your career?
I don’t have a strictly defined goal. I would like to be remembered. Perhaps in the future, I will be allowed to head the R&D department of a large biotechnology company. But what is really important for me is to obtain results that directly or indirectly affect the quality of health or life of each of us.
What do you like to do when you’re not doing research?
In my free time, I love dancing. When a free weekend comes, I like to spend it in the mountains, reaching the next peaks.
What advice do you have for other women interested in science / in your discipline?
Not to be afraid, to try. Do many internships in different disciplines so that, in the end, you choose the area of study that interests you the most. But most importantly, believe in yourself and your skills. And remember – doing science is fun.
In your opinion, what will be the next great breakthrough in science / in your discipline?
I feel that the next significant breakthrough in my discipline will be connected with inhibiting cellular aging or targeted cancer therapies.
What should be done to increase the number of female scientists and professors?
In my opinion, the most important thing is to promote gender equality. Women need to feel equally valuable, they need to believe in their abilities, and they should be rewarded accordingly.