ENGLUNDLAB
Englund lab researchers
Johanna Englund, PhD, Group leader
Johanna earned her PhD in 2012 in Dr. Juha Klefström’s laboratory at the University of Helsinki’s Faculty of Medicine, where she studied how breast epithelial architecture regulates oncogenic growth. She then did her postdoctoral research with Dr. Pekka Katajisto at the Institute of Biotechnology at University of Helsinki, investigating how the extracellular matrix influences mammary lineages and stem cell function. As a post doc, Johanna also worked at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden with Dr. Leander Blaas and Dr. Rune Toftgård, focusing on developing novel culture methods for patient-derived cells.
She is currently a group leader at the Institute of Biotechnology and serves as Director of Replacement ‘R’ at the Finnish 3R Center. In her free time, Johanna enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, as well as outdoor activities and music.
Anu Prakash, PhD
Anu joined Englund Lab as a postdoctoral researcher. She has a PhD in breast cancer and centrosome biology from the University of Galway, Ireland. Her current research focuses on the breast cancer tumor microenvironment, exploring how cancer cells interact with immune and stromal cells and its influence on basement membrane proteins. She is particularly interested in investigating how tissue-resident and tumor-associated macrophages modify basement membrane proteins to promote early breast tumorigenesis. Outside of work, Anu supports pet rescue organizations and enjoys trying new cuisines and watching movies.
Priyal Dhawan, MSc
Priyal joined the Englund Lab as a Master's student in the Genetics and Molecular Biosciences (GMB) programme at the University of Helsinki. Her thesis focused on exploring the role of the basement membrane (BM) in breast cancer initiation, a topic she continues to investigate as a doctoral researcher in the iCANDOC pilot doctoral programme. She is particularly interested in how the BM influences early tumorigenic processes and its potential as a therapeutic target. Outside the lab, Priyal loves heading outdoors for hikes, exploring new corners of the world, and unwinding by experimenting with new recipes.
Amy Nyberg, MSc
Amy joined Englund lab as a Master’s student in Genetics and Molecular Sciences at The University of Helsinki and is continuing in the lab as a doctoral researcher. Her project investigates the use of hydrogels as a 3D model system for studying cell-matrix interactions. She is specifically interested in how ECM influences drug resistance in breast cancer and its implications for therapeutic approaches. Outside the lab she likes to enjoy nature and experiment with baking.
Eveliina Kailari, BSc
Eveliina was the first member to join the lab and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Translational Medicine at the University of Helsinki. Her project investigates the role of basement membrane components in patient-derived breast cancer samples. She is also developing cell line tagging strategies for functional characterisation of these components. Her interests lie in understanding tumour–BM interactions and their clinical significance. Outside the lab, Eveliina enjoys horse riding and spending time with her dog.
Alissa Prast, MSc
Alissa joined the Englund Lab as a Master's student in Translational Medicine at the University of Helsinki. Her project explores the role of laminins in breast cancer stem cell regulation. She is particularly interested in ECM-Stem Cell interactions and ECM-targeted therapies. Prior to joining the lab, Alissa completed her BSc in Neuroscience. Outside of research, she enjoys the outdoors and all sorts of sporty activities.
Iiris Sipari, BSc
Iiris is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Neuroscience and Cell Physiology at the University of Helsinki. Her project focuses on how various oncogenes, such as HER2, influence the expression of ECM components and the growth of organoids. More broadly, she is intrigued by the future potential of organoid and organ-on-a-chip technologies in diagnostics and as advanced model systems. Iiris unwinds by either dancing with friends or getting lost in a book.