Members
I am a molecular biologist with an education in gene technology. In order to seek answers to questions in reproductive biology I tend to use a selection of tools from the field of bioinformatics.
I’ve always been interested in how cells can sense the environment, communicate with each other and as a result make the organism function. As a part of my work, I’ve gained experience in virology, neurobiology, in vitro fertilization and acquired skills in various experimental methods. The symbiosis of laboratory work and data science still fascinates me as it is full of things to uncover and learn.
I love teaching through seminars, exercises and practical work to create a sense of continuity for the students as they are picking up knowledge. I believe the skills to find and interpret information are more relevant than just a dry repetition of facts.
Outside of work I enjoy the outdoors and different forms of culture. I love to dabble in diverse hobbies – I’ve been into singing, playing the guitar, figure skating etc. Also, recommendations for great theatre, films or books are welcome.
E-mail: [email protected]
For my bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD theses in gene technology, I studied purinergic P2X receptors in the Immunology Laboratory at TalTech. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in informatics from the University of Tartu, which has complemented my background in experimental biology with skills in data analysis and informatics.
I currently work as a research scientist in the reproductive biology research group. My research focuses on cellular senescence, cell cycle distribution, and how these processes are affected by chemical exposures. Alongside my research, I teach bioinformatics to master’s students.
I am a keen nature lover. Geocaching takes me to interesting and often unexpected places and gives me a good excuse to explore the outdoors. I also enjoy container gardening and do my best to add a little more greenery to my own surroundings - and sometimes to those of others as well.
I am a researcher in the reproductive biology research group at TalTech. My work focuses on the ovarian follicle microenvironment and the molecular mechanisms that shape ovarian function and female fertility. I am particularly interested in how extracellular vesicles enable communication between cells and how environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals affect ovarian physiology.
I defended my PhD at TalTech in April 2026. My doctoral thesis, “Extracellular Vesicles and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals as Modulators of Ovarian Follicle Physiology”, combined reproductive biology, molecular biology, and toxicology to investigate the effects of follicular fluid extracellular vesicles and phthalates on the ovarian cellular microenvironment.
My research career began at the University of Tartu, where I studied the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the ovary and the toxicity of dioxins during early embryonic development. Before starting my PhD, I worked at Celvia on endometrial receptivity testing and non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Together, these experiences shaped my interest in human reproductive biology and the molecular and environmental factors that influence fertility.
I also teach at the university and am committed to making science accessible beyond academia. I have given lectures and organised workshops and laboratory visits for a range of audiences, helping people engage with research on reproductive biology and fertility. I have also spoken about fertility and infertility treatment on the Tervis Pluss podcast, which you can listen to here.
Outside work, I enjoy crafts, reading fiction and popular science, and playing video games.
I started to have a deep interest in health, nature, and medicine during high school years, which led me to studies in the field of gene technology. Curiosity toward difficult to treat diseases, such as cancer, guided me to the Cancer Research and Development Center investigating expression and regulation of human Plexin-B3 gene in the course of bachelor studies. During the master’s program I joined TalTech Bioinformatics group to study lung cancer recurrence via whole exome sequencing data analysis. Hopefully nice collaboration with North Estonia Medical Center oncologists and focused research will lead to novel discoveries in predicting prognosis and outcome of recurrent lung cancer patients.
Outside of studies, I work as a personal and group trainer in the gym. I enjoy very much going outside for walks in the nature, especially in the beautiful Estonian bogs.
My academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Catholic University of Brasília. During my undergraduate studies, I joined a research group, where I gained hands-on experience in molecular biology. I contributed to a project that used Sanger sequencing to validate genetic variants identified in patients with skeletal dysplasia.
I then earned a master’s degree in Health Sciences, with a focus on Cellular and Molecular Biology, from the Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre. For my master’s project, I investigated how genetic variations related to serotonin and dopamine may influence food intake in children.
I am now a second-year PhD student in the reproductive biology research group. My current research uses bioinformatics modelling and bioimaging techniques to understand the molecular processes altered by endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the ovary. This work combines my passion for molecular biology with advanced computational and imaging methods to address an important health concern.
Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching a good TV series, and playing video games.
I began studying gene technology at Tallinn University of Technology in 2020. Genetics is a discipline that closely intertwines with both individual and societal challenges, and I believe that advances in this field are progressing at an explosive pace. In the future, this growing knowledge will enable us to address questions that currently remain unanswered.
Within the Reproductive biology research group, I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s theses. For my bachelor’s thesis, I isolated and characterized extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication in the human ovary. My master’s thesis focused on how extracellular vesicles from infertility patients affect gene expression in granulosa cells.
In my doctoral research, I am investigating endocrine-disrupting chemicals, integrating this work with my previous expertise in intercellular communication through extracellular vesicles, and large-scale data analysis.
Beyond my studies, I enjoy dancing and reading.
In high school, chemistry and biology weren't my strongest suits, but the field of applied chemistry and genetic engineering seemed very interesting, so that's the university path I chose. This decision initially surprised even me, but throughout my studies, I've discovered how right and fitting that choice truly was. At the end of the first year, I leaned towards applied chemistry, but as the second year began, I realized that my true calling lies in cellular biology and genetic technology. Working with these small biomachines feels like the realization of my dreams, and the idea that my contribution could have a positive impact on society at a larger scale makes the entire field even more fascinating.
I completed my bachelor’s thesis in the Reproductive biology research group, studying how Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) affects ovarian cell viability, proliferation, and miRNA expression.
My decision to study gene technology came from a desire to understand how biological processes function in the human body at the molecular level. During my studies, however, I have realized that I am not only learning what happens in the body, but also gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind these processes.
My bachelor’s thesis focuses on investigating how BPA affects the cell cycle of granulosa cells. I decided to conduct my thesis research in the reproductive biology research group because I am particularly interested in understanding how chemicals and other toxic substances affect female fertility.
In addition to my studies, I work as a badminton coach in my free time.
I have always been interested in the natural sciences and medicine, which is why specializing in gene technology at university felt like a natural choice. While studying in this field, I have discovered that life at the molecular level is far more fascinating than I initially imagined, and that even the smallest details can be crucial.
In my bachelor’s thesis, I am investigating the behavior of granulosa cells in 2D versus 3D culture. I hope to contribute to the field of reproductive biology, as its impact extends beyond science to society as a whole.
In my free time, I enjoy reading and staying active. I also lead science clubs and volunteer as an Estonian language conversation partner.
Former Members
In high school, natural sciences weren’t my strongest area, but I was deeply interested in biology and psychology. To my own surprise, I chose to study gene technology and have since discovered the fascinating world it opens up throughout my academic journey.
Joining the reproductive biology research group felt like a natural step — I’ve always been intrigued by how the human body functions and how complex biological mechanisms influence our development and health. This field offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful and engaging research with a real impact on human well-being.
In my free time, I dance with the TalTech Cheerleaders, teach acrobatics classes for children, and actively participate in the JCI Toompea Leadership School project.
I chose to study gene technology at TalTech because I have always been fascinated by how life functions at the molecular level. The more deeply I have explored this field, the more strongly I have felt that I want to use my knowledge and work to contribute to advances in biomedicine and health sciences.
I decided to join the Reproductive biology research group, which investigates the molecular processes that influence human fertility and how disruptions in these processes can lead to infertility.
As a member of the reproductive biology research group, I completed and defended my bachelor’s thesis entitled “The effect of bisphenol A on senescence in KGN cells.”
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I continued with my master’s studies and joined the biomedicine research group to further deepen my knowledge and practical skills in this field.
During my high school biology classes, I discovered the captivating world of heredity. The emergence of new life and the mechanisms guiding it have always intrigued me, and studying gene technology has deepened my understanding of how the human body functions.
In the reproductive biology research group, I took part in a toxicology project where we examined how chemicals found in plastics affect cells and the processes within them. After completing my studies, I began working as a bioanalyst in the histopathology department at North Estonia Medical Centre (PERH), where I can apply my knowledge in daily laboratory work and continue developing my practical skills.
I pursued my industrial doctorate within the reproductive biology research group while also working as an embryologist at Nova Vita Clinic. Throughout my studies, I was especially engaged by topics related to fertility and infertility.
Within the reproductive biology research group, I completed my doctoral thesis, which focused on patients undergoing in vitro fertility treatments and investigated changes occurring in pre-ovulatory follicles. My research involved characterising the cell populations within follicles, RNA expression levels, and chemical composition to better understand how shifts in follicular cell types, molecular pathways, miRNA profiles, and environmental chemicals impact ovarian sensitivity and the oocyte’s developmental environment.
The dissertation is available in the digital repository.
Eva Katarina Tambets defended her bachelor's degree within the Reproductive Biology and Microfluidics research group. For her bachelor's thesis, Eva Katarina developed a user-friendly image analysis workflow for studying the granulosa cell line KGN.
"During my elementary school years, I developed a keen interest in natural sciences. Chemistry was my favorite subject at that time and my fascination with it continued until the end of high school. Alongside chemistry, I also found a passion for medicine, making gene technology appear to be the perfect blend of my interests. Choosing my field of study at Tallinn University of Technology, which encompassed both chemistry and gene technology, seemed like the only logical choice.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I have a background in music having graduated music school and been singing since the age of 3. Consequently, a significant portion of my free time is dedicated to music. Furthermore, I am an avid sports enthusiast, committed to maintaining an active lifestyle. I also contribute my time as a volunteer at the Tallinn Animal Shelter, helping homeless animals find warmth and care in loving homes."
I began studying gene technology because I see it as a credible tool in diminishing the harmful effects humans can have on nature. I feel biotechnologies are right now on the verge of truly rapid development. I would like to play some small role in the shaping of the positive outcomes of said tech.
In addition to my studies, I’m employed by the Estonian National Opera as an audio engineer. What little off time I get usually belongs to music, friends, nature.
In the spring of 2024, Mai-Ly Kristal defended her master's thesis titled "Development of a single-cell droplet culture system for studying the effect of bisphenol A on the human granulosa cell line KGN." The thesis was completed through the successful collaboration of the Reproductive Biology and Microfluidics research groups.
I am a biologist with an education in biophysics and cryobiology. I work in the field of cultivation and cryopreservation of monolayer (2D and 3D) and organ cultures of various origins. The area of scientific interests is the study of the properties of cell cultures, which include stem cells, and the development of new areas of cell therapy. I have experience in clinics of regenerative and reproductive medicine.
My scientific activity in the Reproductive Biology group was related to the isolation, cultivation, cryopreservation, morphological and immunofluorescence analysis of primary granulosa cells.
In my free time I enjoy hiking, jogging, travelling and archeological research.
I defended my PhD thesis titled „Intercellular Signalling in the Human Pre-ovulatory Follicle: microRNA Expression in Granulosa Cells and Detection in the Follicular Fluid” in the Reproductive Biology research group. The goal of my studies was to understand the importance of microRNa expression in the granulosa cells of the pre-ovulatory follicle and their importance in inter-cellular molecular signalling. I found novel information about the malfunctions of signalling pathways in the ovaries of PCOS patients that may lead to new avenues towards PCOS treatment.
After defending my thesis, I continued as postdoc at Dr Pauliina Damdimopoulou´s lab at Karolinska Institute in Sweden. My projects here are related to developing a cell atlas of human ovary from birth to menopause and to understand the genetic markers underlying the speed of ovarian aging in humans.
I work for the Estonian Health Board, in the department of Public Health as a senior inspector (officially Specialist of Health Protection). My main tasks include the analysis and inspection of detail plans – whether the developers have followed health regulations as stated by the law (this includes sufficient daylight, low noise levels, radon safe environment indoors etc.) and processing noise complaints according to administrative proceeding laws.
Lately due to the corona virus crises I’ve found much use dealing with infection statistics and mapping close contacts (becoming friends with Excel during my time at the University has helped a lot there).
I defended my master’s at the Research Group for Reproductive Biology. In my thesis I studied the various cell types found in the pre-ovulatory follicle of the human ovary and described their gene expression.
After my time at the university, I started work as an embryologist at the Centre of Infertility Treatment of the East Tallinn Central Hospital.
The job of an embryologist is rather multifaceted, involving the collecting of gametes and their preparation for in vitro fertilization. After the procedure we closely monitor the development of the growing embryos, conduct transplants and carry out the freezing and unfreezing of gametes and embryos.