Doctoral alum Laura Kolsi's doctoral thesis focused on the anti-cancer activity of synthetic derivatives of natural products. In her current role, she oversees the production of synthetic small-molecule antigens for drug testing covering both legal and illegal substances, demonstrating the benefit of her research.
When University of Helsinki doctoral alum Laura Kolsi began in her current workplace about four years ago, she encountered an empty laboratory.
She works as technology manager at Medix Biochemica, a supplier of diagnostic raw materials.
"I came here to start a new lab from scratch," she says.
Kolsi relished the challenge of setting up a laboratory and establishing production processes, leveraging her four years of postgraduate studies at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Pharmacy. In her doctoral research, she created synthetic derivatives from natural substances in a laboratory and examined their efficacy against pancreatic cancer.
In her current role, she oversees the production of synthetic small-molecule antigens used, for example, as components in diagnostic tests for legal and illegal pharmaceuticals.
Doctoral degree opens doors
Originally Kolsi wished to pursue postgraduate studies believing it would open professional doors - and it did.
"My skills developed tremendously at the doctoral thesis stage. My doctoral thesis is essential for my current job."
Kolsi took a research interest in pancreatic cancer, as it is often difficult to treat. In fact, the prognosis is exceedingly poor: only 5% of patients are alive five years after diagnosis.
"It typically takes a long time before symptoms appear. Once diagnosed, the disease has usually spread. This also makes it difficult to target drugs at tumours."
Much-needed change of scenery
Before her postgraduate studies in pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of Helsinki, Kolsi had completed a Master of Science in Technology degree at Aalto University, majoring in organic chemistry. She felt she needed a change of scenery and wished to switch universities before embarking on postgraduate studies.
This led her to contact Jari Yli-Kauhaluoma, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Helsinki.
"He heads a research group in medicinal chemistry that has extensively examined natural substances and their derivatives. I was drawn to cancer research because it still holds many unanswered questions. I had the chance to develop compounds to be tested against cancer."
Doctoral research gave Kolsi the opportunity to delve into a large project over four years.
"After earning my master's degree, I struggled to find job opportunities and my niche. I thought doctoral research might be it."
Upon graduating with a doctoral degree, Kolsi first worked for a patent office and then a pharmaceutical startup. She did not consider a career in academia, as she enjoys a faster pace of work than that typically required in research.
However, she has fond memories of her postgraduate studies.
"We had a brilliant research group with a strong sense of community. Many of us still keep in touch regularly, and I believe I've made lifelong friends."
