
As the spring semester comes to a close, we are taking a moment to reflect on the many milestones our group has celebrated. May has been a month of transformation at Herland Lab, and we are proud to celebrate the brilliant minds who have recently completed important chapters in their journeys with us! From defending a PhD to wrapping up MSc research projects that pushed boundaries across disciplines, here is our story.
PhD Defense: Bridging Scales in Biosensing and Cell Culture

On May 9th, our PhD student Saumey Jain successfully defended his thesis: “Bridging Scales – Nanofabrication and Microfluidics for Sensing and Cell Culture Platforms“. His research journey explored the intersection of physics, engineering, and biology; from the development of nanoscale biosensing platforms such as nanogaps and solid-state nanopores, to applying microfabrication techniques for improving iPSC-derived neuron differentiation.
He now brings that scientific depth into the innovation pipeline as he joins HØIBERG (European Patent Attorneys), helping other researchers bring their technologies to life. Good luck, Saumey, and thank you for being the backbone of our lab!
MSc Research Highlights: Bridging Disciplines
We also want to give a standing ovation to our MSc students, who just wrapped up their projects with impressive progress and dedication, both in the lab and during their final presentations! Each project reflects the interdisciplinary spirit we strive for. Here are just a few of the exciting directions they pursued:
Gabriel Gyllensting (Karolinska Institutet, Medical Program): Organ-on-Chip Model for BBB Invasion of E. coli in Bacterial Meningitis
Shaishav Shah (Stockholm University, MSc Neurochemistry with Molecular Neurobiology): Modeling the Choroid Plexus using 2D and 3D In Vitro Models
Jacqueline Clark (Stockholm University, MSc Analytical Chemistry): Real Time Continuous Monitoring of Neuromuscular Chips using Electrochemical Biosensors
Liisa Loel (KTH, MSc Molecular Techniques in Life Science): Evaluation of iPSC-derived Neuromuscular Cells in a Novel Neuroenergetics-on-chip (NEoC) Model
Danhong Song (Karolinska Institutet, MSc Translational Physiology and Pharmacology): 3D Printed Bioscaffolds for Macrophage Modulation and Preserved Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic Islet Transplantation
Nadja Widén (KTH, MSc Engineering Physics): Comprehensive Study of Drug-loaded Bioscaffolds
International Visits and Exchanges
This year, we have been lucky to both host and send out researchers across borders, reflecting our commitment to cross-cultural science, shared learning, and building bridges across research ecosystems.
Earlier this semester, we had the pleasure of hosting Thanawin Jantheang and Ludovica Montesi, two visiting PhD students who enriched our lab with their work on brain organoids and the NEoC model.
Meanwhile, one of our PhD students, Meike Bleeksma, is currently spending a year at the University of Tokyo with Prof. Shoji Takeuchi’s lab, diving into new collaborations and techniques. Another PhD student, Yunfan Lin, will also soon begin his one-year exchange at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) next semester.
Member Transitions: Farewells and New Faces
This spring also marked a bittersweet moment as we said goodbye to one of our postdocs, Sebastian Buchmann, who is now continuing his journey also at HØIBERG. At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome two new postdocs into the group, Ana Spencer and Eleni Mitoudi-Vagourdi, to strengthen our core research areas and spark new directions. We are also excited to celebrate Angela Ceballos, who has taken her first step into the PhD program at Karolinska Institutet; congratulations!
To everyone who has defended, transitioned, presented, traveled, or joined us this semester — thank you! Your energy, curiosity, and contributions make Herland Lab more than just a place of science; they make it a growing, thriving community. Here’s to the next chapter! 🎉