Expertise
Interests
Wide background in pharmacology, cell biology and biophysics. Knowledge in molecular biology, immunology, cancer biology.
Experience in scientific writing, data interpretation and presentation, literature search and systematic reviews, translating complex scientific concepts into accessible language, creating educational and training materials.
Practical skills in confocal microscopy, image analysis, cell cultures, in vivo cancer research and immunoassays.
Neuropsychiatric disorders and neuropsychopharmacology, novel therapies in cancer treatment, topics in molecular biology and physiology.
Research Projects
Imaging of Fibres of Extracellular Matrix with a new Fluorescent Probe Col-F. During my PhD research
I was working on a new low-molecular-weight fluorescent dye. I determined that Col-F exhibits affinity to collagen and elastin, binding in a noncovalent mechanism, and allows distinguishing between them. I used it in imaging of extracellular matrix fibres in freshly excised animal tissues including tendon, skeletal muscle, connective tissue, and arteries as well as biomaterials and secondary fibroblasts in in vitro culture.
Investigations into the mechanisms of DNA damage inflicted during replication
A complex project, which included culturing of mammalian cells under various conditions, immunostaining and very precise registration of DNA replication regions, and DNA damage response foci in cell nuclei, and subsequent 3D analysis of the localisation, numbers, and relations between these foci in 3D space.
Imaging of bacteriochlorine photosensitizer in intact tumour tissues subjected to photodynamic therapy
Imaging of the freshly excised tumours with metabolically active cells to determine internal localisation of the photosensitise after intravenous injection.
Imaging of zinc-pheophorbide localization in live cells
Visualisation of the zinc-pheophorbide fotosensitizek in relation to cell nucleus, mitochondia, Golgi apparatus,
lysosomes and endoplasmatic reticulum in live cells.
Visualisation of the entry of microparticles into live cells in vitro
Imaging of the entry of the fluorescent microparticles entrance into cells, 3D analysis
Developing of the solid phase immunoassay for detection of toxins in foodstuffs
Development of a novel solid phase immunoassays with a unique readout system based on rare-earth metal labels. Readout via ELISA, fluorescence flow cytometry, mass cytometry (CyTOF), electron microscopy (EDX) and breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS and SIBS).
Determining the metastatic rate of 4T1 breast cancer in the BALB/c mouse model, working
on imaging of lymph nodes
Optimisation of immunofluorescence staining and registering the images of the lymph nodes at different stages
of the breast cancer development, analysing the metastatic rate.
Using of the gold nanoparticles as radiosensitizers in cancer radiotherapy in the 4T1 breast cancer
in the BALB/c mouse model
I was synthesising various sizes of PEG- coated gold nanoparticles, and investigating its effect on cells in vitro (Toxicity assays and biochemical analysis of enzyme activity after incubation). I also planned all the in vivo experiment for cancer radiotherapy treatment, and did the pilot study for this experiments: I optimised protocols for an intratumoural injections and radiation dose for 4T1 breast cancer model in BALB/c mice.
Education
Additional training
Training in super-resolution single molecule localization microscopy imaging dSTORM
Department of Cell Biophysics of the Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland 2017
Training in immunoassay development
USDA-ARS Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Unit, Albany, CA, 2016
Training in molecular biology techniques
Internship at the Department of Molecular Genetics of the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland, 2014
Practice in two – photon and spinning disc microscopy
Internship at the Laboratory of Functional and Structural Tissue Imaging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland, 2014.
Post-graduate coursework
FELASA C
Online course in laboratory animal science - 80h, consisting of online lectures and a practical session. The course is recognized by the “Environment, Nature and Energy Department” of the Flemish government, and by the department “Bruxelles Environnement”, in order to be able to function as a person directing animal experiments, as described in Annex 11 of the Belgian RD of 29th May 2013, University of Gent
Molecular Mechanisms of Virus-Induced Malignant Transformation
a course taught by visiting Professor Krzysztof Reiss from Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Course in Laboratory Animals Handling Jagiellonian University, Kraków
Exploring the 4D Nucleome (a course taught be visiting Professors Thomas and Marion Cremer, Munich University, Germany.
Molecular Mechanisms of Neuropsychiatric Diseases
a course introducing current approaches to neuropsychiatric diseases at the cellular receptor level – Jagiellonian University,
Kraków, Poland.
2007 – 2013: Doctoral studies, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
PhD Thesis: Imaging of Fibres of Extracellular Matrix with a new Fluorescent Probe Col-F; (September 2013)
supervisor: Professor Jerzy Dobrucki
1999 – 2007: Pharmacy, leading to MSc Pharm., Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University, Kraków
MSc thesis: Application of Fluorescently Labelled Physostigmine in the study of Cholinesterases in Live Tissues with Confocal Microscopy; (June 2007)
supervisors: Professor Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz, Professor Jerzy Dobrucki
Broad experience in state-of-art microscopy techniques including:
o 2D fluorescence microscopy
o 3D microscopy techniques: confocal, two-photon microscopy, and second-harmonic generation microscopy
o Spectral imaging
o Live cells imaging
o Reflected light imaging
o Electron microscopy: TEM, SEM, EDX
Image analysis
o Deconvolution
o Spectral unmixing
o Image processing and morphometry
Cell and tissue cultures
o Stable cell lines and primary cell cultures
-
Viability assays
-
Clonogenic assay
Immunoassay development
o Antibodies validation
o Background minimization
o ELISA development
Solid phase assay development
o Carbodiimide chemistry
o COMU – based conjugation
o Physical absorption
o Metallic nanoparticles synthesis
Flow cytometry
o Multicolour analysis
o DNA analysis
CyTOF
Molecular biology
o PCR, quick change mutagenesis
o DNA electrophoresis
o Ligation, transformation, isolation and purification of plasmid DNA
o Protein purification, western blot
o Competent cells preparation
Experience in working with regulated food-borne toxins
o Botulinum neurotoxin, Shiga toxin, ricin
Spectroscopy techniques
o LIBS, SIBS (Laser- and Spark Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy)
o Atomic absorption spectroscopy
Basics of experimental radio- and protontherapy
Statistical data analysis
Research methods and techniques
Publications
E. Biela, J. Galas, B. Lee, G. Johnson, Z. Darzynkiewicz, J. W. Dobrucki,
Col-F, a Fluorescent Probe for Ex Vivo Confocal Imaging of Collagen and Elastin in Animal Tissues.
2013 Jun; Cytometry Part A 83(6):533-9
K. Berniak, P. Rybak, T. Bernaś, M. Zarębski, E. Biela, H. Zhao, Z. Darzynkiewicz, J. Dobrucki,
Relationship between DNA Damage Response, initiated by camptothecin or oxidative stress, and DNA replication, analyzed by quantitative image analysis.
2013 Oct; Cytometry Part A 83(10):913-24
H. Zhao, D. Halicka, J. Li, E. Biela, K. Berniak, J. Dobrucki, and Z. Darzynkiewicz,
DNA damage signaling, impairment of cell cycle progression and apoptosis triggered by 5-ethynyl-2’deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporated into DNA.
2013 Nov; Cytometry Part A 83(11):979–88
C. Gondhalekar, E. Biela, B. Rajwa, E. Bae, V. Patsekin, J. Sturgis, C. Reynolds, I-J. Doh,
P. Diwakar, L. Stanker, V. Zorba, X. Mao, R. Russo, J.P. Robinson,
Detection of E. coli labeled with metal-conjugated antibodies using lateral flow assay and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
2020 Feb; Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 412(6):1291-1301
M. Szczygieł, A. Drzał, M. Śniegocka, D. Michalczyk-Wetula, E. Biela, K. Urbańska,
L. Kapka, H. Lewandowska, K. Brzóska, M. Kruszewski,
Transient vasodilation in mouse 4T1 tumors after intragastric and intravenous administration of gold nanoparticles.
2021 Feb; International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26;22(5):2361.
K. Brzóska, M. Wojewódzka, M. Szczygieł, A. Drzał, M. Śniegocka, D. Michalczyk-Wetula,
E. Biela, M. Elas, M. Kucińska, H. Piotrowska-Kempisty, L. Kapka-Skrzypczak, M. Murias,
K. Urbańska, and M. Kruszewski,
Silver Nanoparticles Inhibit Metastasis of 4T1 Tumor in Mice after Intragastric but Not Intravenous Administration.
2022 May; Materials 15(11), 3837.
2024 - current: Lecturer at the Merito University in Szczecin. (Teaching Biophysics and pharmacology)
2019 - current: Scientific Writer (Popular science writing, explaining complex topics at the intersection of pharmacy and medicine to a broad audience, and promoting scientific knowledge through presentations.)
2024 - 2025: Scientist at Trince (Testing new protocols for gentle transfection using LumiPore platform.)
2018 – 2020: Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Namur (Working in the cancer protontherapy project; Experiments in vitro and in vivo: cell viability, enzymatic tests in vitro, in vivo tumour inoculation, intratumoural injections, irradiation, statistical data analysis).
2017 – 2018: Researcher at Jagiellonian University, Department of Plant Biotechnology (Analysis of the role
of Arabidoposis thaliana PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) protein in DNA replication, repair and recombination; identifying plant proteins interacting with PCNA).
2017 – 2018: Participation in research project Determine the metastatic rate of 4T1 breast cancer in the BALB/c mouse model – Jagiellonian University. (Immunofluorescent analysis of lymph nodes)
2014 – 2016: Postdoctoral Research Associate at Purdue University, Department of Basic Medical Sciences. (Developing of the solid phase immunoassay for detection of toxins in foodstuffs. Readout via ELISA, fluorescence flow cytometry, mass cytometry (CyTOF), and breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS and SIBS))
2013 – 2014: Limited-term lecturer at Jagiellonian University, (Lectures: Basics of Biology, and Introduction to Cell Biology, practicals: Introduction to Cell Biology, Confocal Microscopy, Cell Biophysics.)
2012 – 2014: Research and teaching assistant at Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Teaching: Basics of Biology, Cell Biology and Engineering, Practical Training in Cell Biology and Engineering, Cell Biophysics and Confocal Microscopy)
2012 – 2014: Participation in a research project DNA Damage and Replication Stress (Immunofluorescence, confocal imaging, and analysis of spatial relations between labelled foci of DNA damage signalling proteins.)
2012: Participation in a project Analysis of Subcellular Localisation of Zinc-Pheophorbide Photosensitizer
in Human Cancer Cells (Confocal imaging of localisation of the photosensitizer in live cells).
2011 – 2012, 2014: Participation in a project Stable Bacteriochlorins – Possibilities in Infrared Chemistry (Confocal imaging localisation of the photosensitizer in live cells in cell culture and in tumour).
Work experience
Gallery
Hobby
Dogs
Growing up, I had always shared my parents' love for dogs and dreamed of having one of my own someday. As a teenager, I finally had the chance to take on that responsibility, and my first dog was a calm and forgiving collie mix named Apa. I loved him very much, but it wasn't until I rescued Korlat, a more powerful and demanding Hovawart mix, that I truly began to understand dogs' behavior and needs. Her influence sparked my interest in dog behaviorism and inspired me to volunteer at the "Corde Canis" foundation, which helped homeless or abused dogs recover and find new homes.
Over time, I helped care for many dogs through the foundation, including Nela, who temporarily joined our pack before moving to her new family in New Jersey. There were countless others too - Huzar, Terrified Ben, Aster, who struggled to control his emotions, and even pregnant Mila, whom we rescued just hours before she gave birth. Then there were Kora and Korek, two siblings from Olkusz, and Riina the Terrorist, among many more. Through my experiences with these dogs, I learned so much about their unique personalities and the importance of patience, understanding, and love when working with them.
We lost Korlat in 2016. But in 2017, we welcomed Moyra, a purebred Hovawart, into our family. Moyra is a bit different from Korlat - she has a lower threshold for social stressors and she needs our support in her daily life. However, she makes up for it with her exceptional intelligence and keen sense of smell.
One day, by chance, we found ourselves in the right place at the right time and ended up joining a search for lost tourists in the Polish mountains during a snowstorm. On the way back, Moyra helped us find a path that had become covered in fresh snow, allowing us to quickly and safely return to the shelter with the tourists we had found.
Inspired by this experience, we started training Moyra (and myself) in Mantrailing. In 2019, we passed our first international exam in this field as a team. That same year, we also welcomed another Hovawart named Charlie into our pack. Charlie had shown great potential as a puppy, and he has now become a Search and Rescue Dog as a teammate of my husband.
In June 2023, we adopted Abbie, a small homeless dog.
We wanted to give her a home so she wouldn't have to spend the last years of her life in a shelter. Her teeth were in terrible condition, and she had an old-age sagging belly. But she was cheerful, cuddly, and sweet.
On walks, we discovered that although she knew how to walk on a leash, she hadn't walked much. After taking care of business, she would turn back home. It was only with us that she learned to enjoy walks. She started trotting quite long distances. She quickly built up muscle, her belly lifted, and a waistline appeared. Her test results were excellent. We thought she was indestructible, and although she was estimated to be about 13 years old, it seemed like she might live another 7.
Then came the diagnosis: pancreatic cancer, with ascites. After that, we had only a few more weeks to say goodbye. In March 2025, we said goodbye to our Little Yellow Dog.
Hiking
Whenever it is safe and we can allow it, we go hiking. Polish Beskid Sądecki, Bieszczady, Slovenski Raj, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Rocky Mountains, Romanian mountains and hills of Scotland, mountains in Norway... Never enough.
