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Dr. Sandra Crnko

Assistant professor

Background: I am originally from Rijeka, Croatia, where I completed my high school education at the First Croatian Gymnasium in Sušak, focusing on languages. Despite this, my passion for biology and chemistry led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology and Drug Research at the University of Rijeka. I continued my studies there, earning a Master’s degree in Biotechnology in Medicine summa cum laude in 2015. My master’s research internship was conducted at the University of Copenhagen, Center for Glycomics, in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Henrik Clausen.

 

PhD Research: In 2016, I relocated to the Netherlands to begin my PhD training in the Experimental Cardiology group at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht. Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Linda van Laake, Prof. Joost Sluijter, and Prof. Dr. Pieter Doevendans, my research primarily focused on circadian rhythms and heart failure, with additional work on stem cells, cardiac fibrosis, and the development of 3D in vitro cellular models. My research spanned patient-derived data and materials, such as CardioMEMS HF readouts and blood samples, as well as fundamental research techniques, including 2D/3D cell culture and qPCR.

 

Educational Innovation and Supervision: During my PhD, I had the opportunity to supervise numerous Master’s and Bachelor’s students during their internships, which deepened my interest in education. This led to my current role as an assistant professor at the Biomedicine Student Research Hub, where I actively engage in both teaching and research.

 

I have been involved in several key educational initiatives, including co-coordinating a module within the CHARM-EU European University Alliance. This innovative alliance brings together universities across Europe to create interdisciplinary, challenge-based educational programs, aiming to foster collaboration and innovation in higher education. Additionally, I helped establish a course between Utrecht University and the University of Montpellier, further enhancing international educational collaboration.

 

Research Focus: My current research focuses on the integration of circadian rhythms into immunotherapy strategies for brain cancers. I investigate how circadian rhythms, which regulate various physiological processes, including immune responses, affect tumor biology and therapeutic outcomes. By identifying novel therapeutic targets and optimizing the timing of treatment, my work aims to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy, reduce side effects, and offer a platform adaptable to other diseases.

 

Summary: With a strong foundation in biotechnology and drug research, I have cultivated a career that bridges cutting-edge research with innovative educational practices. My work in circadian rhythms and cancer, coupled with my commitment to fostering collaboration between academia and industry, reflects my dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient outcomes. Through my involvement in educational innovation, such as the CHARM-EU alliance and international course development, I continue to push the boundaries of traditional education, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful in addressing global challenges.

Dr. Sandra Crnko
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