Please introduce yourself

I lead the Reproductive Biology Research Group at the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, where we study the molecular mechanisms underlying female infertility. My background is in molecular and cellular biology, but I am deeply interested in data analysis and especially in data visualization — something I consider one of my greatest passions. Professionally, I enjoy staying up-to-date with the rapid advancements in biotechnology. These developments not only ensure that I remain engaged in my field but also continuously fuel my curiosity. I am very open to new collaborations, as I firmly believe that the world is transformed by combining expertise from different fields.

Which of your experiences and knowledge are beneficial in your role as a professor?

Certainly, the fact that I am not new to TalTech is an advantage — I don’t need much time to settle into my new role. Over the past few years, I have gained a good understanding of the data analysis skills of students at various educational levels within the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a clear awareness of the gaps in their knowledge that need to be addressed. I aim to enhance the current curricula in this regard.

I also represent TalTech in the ELIXIR Estonia consortium, where we work in collaboration with experts excelling in diverse fields of data science. We meet up regularly to also discuss how to better educate students in these fields.

Another advantage is the practical research experience I have gained during my studies at various universities. Even after earning my PhD, I have participated in numerous national and international collaborative projects. This has provided me with expertise in both experimental molecular diagnostics and data analysis methods. I believe that understanding the entire lifecycle of a science project—including how scientific data is generated — is essential for interpreting the results.

Over the years, I have built a collaborative network comprising specialists from academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and industry. Jointly, we apply for research grants. Combining diverse skills to address scientific questions is not only far more effective than working in isolation but is also deeply motivating and enriching for me personally.

What do you aim to achieve as a professor?

In line with my title, I aim to advance the fields of molecular diagnostics and bioinformatics within the university, both in teaching and research. I also strive to foster greater collaboration between research groups and departments. One of my interests within the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology is to ensure that students and staff across all research areas can better utilize and add value to their scientific data.

I also hope to strengthen cooperation with healthcare institutions. While TalTech has made advances in this area, there is still room for growth.

In my research group, I will continue conducting health technology research using innovative methods ranging from whole-genome sequencing technologies to large-scale image analysis.

I also want to make doctoral studies more attractive to Estonian students. My goal is to help prospective PhD candidates understand the career advantages of a doctoral degree — even if academia is not their primary career choice. To this end, I plan to continue organizing career events in our department, where life science PhDs share their diverse career paths.

If there were one piece of wisdom I could impart to every TalTech student, it would be the ability to distinguish between evidence-based information and everything else.

What has surprised you in your new position?

I remain continually amazed by the fact that teaching is always a two-way process. The well-worn phrase, "The best way to learn is to teach," has repeatedly proven true in my experience. In my research group, every single student I’ve worked with has taught me something—whether it’s an academic insight or an article I hadn’t yet read. Sometimes it’s a new hobby, skill, or lifestyle, or even strategies for managing challenging situations. Students are often engaged in remarkable activities outside the lab, which broaden my perspective and inspire greater creativity. I am immensely grateful to them for this.