Katarina Mišura
- Post by: fantom
- 16 July 2025
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Introduction
Hi, I’m Katarina Mišura! I’m from beautiful Croatia, where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Zagreb. I decided to study molecular biology because I have always been intrigued by the question “Why?” – why something happens, why one situation is different from another – and what we can learn from the answers to these questions. To really understand how diseases form, I realised I needed to study the human body in depth, at cellular and molecular level. I was very fortunate to enrol on a Master’s programme in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, where I was able to expand my knowledge and gain practical experience. My Master’s thesis at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) led me to my current scientific passion: studying cancer.
This has led me to my current position as a PhD student under supervision of Gerda Egger at the Medical University of Vienna. As a part of the FANTOM consortium, we are studying anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Specifically, we are investigating the mechanisms of drug resistance and how we could interfere with them using epigenetic drugs. Although the current used therapy is quite effective in fighting cancer, relapse occurs in around 30% of patients. Thus, our aim is to develop new treatment strategies for these patients. To improve our understanding of ALCL and bring it closer to patient status, we are developing an innovative 3D ALCL lymphomoid model.
Outside of science, I am passionate about psychology and spend much of my free time reading and listening to material on the subject. I also enjoy cooking and baking, reading a good book and travelling, especially to coastal destinations.