OUR RESEARCHERS
Induction Day (left to right: Li-Fang Yeo, Dattatray Mongad, Nitin Bayal, David Molnar, Sanaz Nazari Farsani, Suman Vimal, Mika Ogawa, Jiawei Yang)
Nitin Bayal
Senior Researcher, Data analytics
The mediating impact of gut microbiome on Executive Function: a multi-assay analysis
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
I worked at the National Centre for Cell Science and the National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research in India before coming to Turku, Finland. I am originally from New Delhi, India.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
My research topic is “The mediating impact of gut microbiome on Executive Function: a multi-assay analysis.” I am fascinated by the importance of cognition in the human brain, which lays the foundation for emotions, resilience, social behaviours, and skill acquisition. Executive function, as a key cognitive ability, enables control of attention, memory, and problem-solving, which are essential throughout life. I am particularly interested in exploring the connection between the gut microbiome and these functions using Finnish population cohort data and multi-omics tools.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
SYS-LIFE addresses critical issues in cardiometabolic and brain diseases, providing access to large-scale, longitudinal data that aligns perfectly with my research. Through this fellowship, I am in search of new frontiers in the area of brain health and microbiomics, developing a strong profile in microbiome research, and positioning myself as an expert in this field. I expect this fellowship to provide a clearer sense of direction in navigating the academic landscape, ensuring the impact of my contributions to the field.
Best thing in Turku?
I’ve enjoyed the Aura Riverfront (Aurajoki). Walking along the river in a peaceful atmosphere to the Turku port (Satama) has been a highlight for me. Turku’s rich cultural heritage, including its Cathedral, museums, and markets, adds to the charm.
Gut Microbiome: Computational microbiome research in
population cohort studies
Supervisor:
Leo Lahti
Jarkko Johansson
Senior researcher
Normative dopaminergic function and activation of cognitive control: neuroimaging studies across the lifespan
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
Before joining SYS-LIFE and Turku PET Centre I had completed a post-doc, and worked as a Staff Scientist at Umeå University, Sweden, for a number of years.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
I have a broad interest in cognitive and affective neuroscience, with a solid working and academic experience in the field of neuroimaging dating back to early 2000. Beyond curiosity, I’m driven by the possibilities to enhance people’s lives through our discoveries. The present project focuses on several aspects of normal and disordered brain function investigated using state-of-the-art PET (positron emission tomography). The main advantages of PET are its outstanding molecular sensitivity and specificity guaranteed by quantified pharmacokinetic analysis, which is a technical aspect that is developed in parallel to the biological investigations in the present project.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
SYS-LIFE offers a unique interdisciplinary environment that aligns perfectly with my future goals in science. I’m expecting that the fellowship brings along a great deal of new skills and personal contacts. Until now the intensity of SYS-LIFE organized training in several core researcher skills has impressed me, and I’m expecting this to continue throughout the fellowship!
Best thing in Turku?
Turku is my former home town hosting excellent science, so why not! Varför Paris, vi har ju Åbo, as the locals say.
Yaxing Meng
Senior researcher
Life course blood pressure and cardiovascular prevention
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
Before coming to Turku, I worked as a researcher at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne, Australia. My academic journey began in clinical medicine, but I gradually transitioned into cardiovascular epidemiology, where I’ve found a passion for understanding long-term disease risk through population-based data.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
My research focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention across the life course. Specifically, I study how early-life exposures—such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lifestyle factors—contribute to cardiovascular risk in adulthood. I’m particularly interested in how changes in these risk factors over time can alter disease trajectories. This field fascinates me because it blends clinical relevance with long-term public health impact, helping to give young people the best possible start in life and laying the foundation for healthier, longer lives.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
I joined SYS-LIFE because of its unique emphasis on systems medicine and life-course health. The fellowship provides an exciting platform to collaborate across disciplines, expand my methodological toolkit (including machine learning and multi-omics), and contribute to a deeper understanding of cardiovascular risk from childhood to adulthood. I hope to strengthen my skills in academic research and foster collaborations that bridge clinical, epidemiological, and molecular data.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship? Best thing in Turku?
Turku offers the perfect balance of peaceful nature and a supportive research environment. The cycling paths and riverside are ideal for clearing my mind, reflecting on ideas, and enjoying life beyond the lab. It’s not too big, not too small—just the right size for the way I live. And when winter arrives, the snow-covered forests evoke a Game of Thrones atmosphere, adding a touch of magic to everyday life.
Supervisor:
Katja Pahkala
David Molnar
Senior Researcher, Turku PET Centre
Morphological and functional characterization of the pericoronary epicardial adipose tissue in atherosclerosis and its incremental diagnostic value
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
I´ve been working as a consultant specialist in radiology since 2013, being the chief radiologist of the PET-section at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, while doing research in parallel, obtaining my PhD in January 2024.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
The epicardial adipose tissue, which directly surrounds the coronary arteries, and its role in cardiometabolic disease at the population level, specifically exploiting the large image databases available with the Swedish SCAPIS study, and the Turku Cardiac CTA Registry.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship? Best thing in Turku?
The University of Turku, and specifically the PET-Centre, offers cutting-edge knowledge in my field of research, and within the SYS-LIFE framework, a well-designed postdoctoral tenure can be carried out, enabling the participants to fully focus on research for three years – which is a rather rare thing for senior level clinicians like myself, at least in Sweden. I think it’s fair to say that Turku, in all aspects, is a city much greater than its actual size would make one expect!
Dattatray Mongad
Senior Reseacher
Multi-omic characterization of gut microbiome dysbiosis and resistome: Implications for cardiovascular risk
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
Before moving to Turku, I worked as a Lead Domain Engineer at Persistent Systems Limited in Pune, India. My role involved developing innovative biological data analysis solutions while contributing to the company’s business growth.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
My research focuses on the ”Multi-Omic Characterization of Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis and Resistome: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk”, utilizing data from the FINRISK and Young Finns Study cohorts. Over the past decade, the gut microbiome has been increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in human health, yet its complex role in cardiovascular disease remains unresolved. During my PhD, I worked on microbiome research, and recent findings highlight the potential of gut microbiome-based therapeutics. Understanding the intricate multi-omics relationships between the microbiome and cardiovascular disease could provide promising alternatives to conventional medication.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
SYS-LIFE offers a unique interdisciplinary research environment that aligns perfectly with my expertise and interests. The program’s focus on systems biology, multi-omics, and computational approaches to health research provides an excellent platform for advancing my work on gut microbiome dysbiosis and its implications for cardiovascular risk. The opportunity to collaborate with experts in different domains, access high-quality datasets, and leverage state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools makes this fellowship an ideal fit for me.
Through SYS-LIFE, I aim to deepen my expertise in multi-omics integration, expand my research network, and contribute meaningful insights into the role of the microbiome in disease prevention.
Best thing in Turku?
Turku offers a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment, making it an ideal place for research and personal growth. The strong academic culture, collaborative research ecosystem, and access to excellent facilities provide a great foundation for innovative work. The city’s welcoming atmosphere and diverse international community also make it an exciting place to live and work. The best part is that different departments, including collaborators, are within walking distance.
Gut Microbiome: Computational microbiome research in
population cohort studies
Supervisor:
Leo Lahti
Sanaz Nazari Farsani
Senior Researcher, Turku PET Centre
Identifying prior and novel undetected stroke lesions in suspected CAD patients through total-body PET/CT imaging and generative deep learning
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
Before joining the Turku PET Centre as a SYSLIFE fellow, I completed a three-year postdoctoral research fellowship at Stanford University’s Molecular Imaging Instrumentation Lab (MIIL) from 2021 to 2024
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
My research interests focus on the application of AI in medical image analysis and processing. My expertise lies in applying AI-based solutions to health technology challenges, with the goal of enhancing diagnosis and treatment, minimizing patient risk, and reducing clinicians’ workload. In particular, I work on lesion segmentation from brain scan, medical image translation and synthetic data generation, and medical image denoising and quality enhancement.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
SYS-LIFE’s focus on improving cardiometabolic and brain health aligns perfectly with my background in medical imaging. I’m drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, which integrates cardiometabolic health and neuroscience, allowing me to apply and expand my skills. Additionally, SYSLIFE offers a unique environment for collaboration with experts and exploration of innovations in the field of cardiometabolic and brain health, which will be invaluable for my career development.
Best thing in Turku?
The best things in Turku are its calm atmosphere, beautiful winter landscapes that feel like a winter wonderland, and the unique, sun-filled nights of summer. The city also offers an excellent work-life balance, making it an ideal place to live and work year-round.
Mika Ogawa
Senior Researcher, Institute of Dentistry
The relationship between oral health, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease: a dental anxiety perspective
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
Before coming to Turku, I worked as a university teacher in Japan, specializing in dental anxiety and oral health-related public health research. Prior to that, I was involved in both clinical and academic work, focusing on dental anesthesiology and behavioral management in dentistry.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
My research focuses on dental anxiety and its impact on oral and systemic health, particularly how it influences dental attendance, periodontal disease progression, and overall health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease. I am interested in this topic because dental anxiety is a major barrier to dental care access and has long-term consequences on health, yet it remains an underexplored area in public health and behavioral sciences. By investigating these mechanisms, I hope to contribute to better intervention strategies and patient care models.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
SYS-LIFE is an attractive opportunity because it connects postdoctoral researchers with interdisciplinary experts and peers. The program offers various educational initiatives, allowing participants to actively engage and enhance their research skills. Postdoctoral positions are often unstable, making it difficult to build lasting professional networks. However, SYS-LIFE provides a relatively long three-year period, enabling researchers to focus on their work while forming meaningful collaborations with colleagues.
Best thing in Turku?
Turku offers a great balance between academic life and a peaceful living environment. I especially enjoy the city’s strong sense of history, beautiful nature, and high-quality public services. The supportive research atmosphere at the university and the openness of colleagues have made my transition smooth and enjoyable. Also, I appreciate the accessibility to cultural activities, libraries, and the overall welcoming academic community.
Oral Health
Supervisor:
Satu Lahti
Oluwafemi Ojo
Senior Reseacher, Internal Medicine
Defining the role of HSD17B12 in body adiposity regulation and PCOS related metabolic dysfunction
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
I was working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Bowen University, Nigeria for two years and some months.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
My research focuses on ‘Understanding the role of HSD17B12 in body adiposity regulation and lipid homeostasis.’ I am deeply interested in defining the role of HSD17B12 in body adiposity regulation and lipid balance because it holds significant potential for advancing our understanding of lipid regulation and metabolic health. The enzyme HSD17B12 plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism, and its dysregulation could provide key insights into the mechanisms underlying obesity-driven conditions such as cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease – two prevalent and interconnected health issues. Exploring this research topic could pave the way for identifying and developing novel therapeutic strategies for obesity and lipid-related disorders. Additionally, unraveling the complexities of HSD17B12 may improve the quality of life for millions affected by metabolic diseases. This research will also advance our understanding of lipid regulation, aiding drug developers and clinicians in creating precision therapies. My passion for translational research drives me to investigate how these molecular insights can be applied to real-world treatments, ultimately contributing to healthier societies and reduced healthcare burdens.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
SYS-LIFE has a reputation for fostering innovative research in the field of cardiometabolic health and disease. The fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and access cutting-edge resources. Through this fellowship, I expect the program to provide a stimulating and supportive environment that encourages interdisciplinary approaches and novel insights. I look forward to the professional development opportunities, such as advanced training and mentorship that will enhance my research skills and career prospects after my fellowship ends. I believe the fellowship will be instrumental in helping me make significant contributions to the field and translate my findings into impactful therapeutic strategies.
Best thing in Turku?
I am hoping to have a great time at Turku as I am yet to arrive.
Supervisor:
Matti Poutanen
Suman Vimal
Senior Researcher, Internal Medicine
Proteomic evaluation of Stress Granules and Processing Bodies in pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
I was working as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in a leading pathology in India, before moving to Turku in September 2024. My stint there was very short as I got selected for SYS-LIFE postdoctoral program and decided to join UTU.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
My research topic is “Proteomic evaluation of Stress Granules and Processing Bodies in pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation” where I will be using the CAREBANK dataset to investigate the role of Stress granules and Processing Bodies in post-op atrial fibrillation episodes in subjects through proteomics. I took up this study because it aligns with my previous research done during my doctoral studies. I believe with my background in cardiovascular diseases, I would be able to justify the vision of SYS-LIFE of innovations in improving cardiometabolic health.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
I decide to join SYS-LIFE because it gives me ample opportunities to think, design and innovate my work ideas. It provides me the guidance whenever I need and also it is very instrumental in my career development by providing me mentors outside my work area to give me assistance in networking and designing my career path after my fellowship ends.
Best thing in Turku?
I have found Turku very welcoming and accepting. I never felt like I am from a different country and a totally different culture. I always received the assistance and help whenever I needed even from the people outside my work. I love the calm and easy-going vibe of this city.
Jiawei Yang
Senior Researcher, Health Technology
AI for heart monitoring using exercise aware wearables (Exercise4Heart)
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
I worked in China before coming to Turku.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
I have been working on modeling tabular data, time series data, image data, and trajectory data using artificial intelligence methods. Currently, I focus on digital health research because it is of vital importance to human society. With the development of wearable technology and artificial intelligence, more and more home solutions make healthy living more convenient and reduce the burden of public medical care. I believe AI4health will bring great value to our society and benefit each of us.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
SYS-LIFE provides an excellent platform to conduct research. It offers a rich training program that helps me develop the skills I need for my career. It also brings in colleagues from different fields so that we can tackle cross-cutting problems. It provides me with full support in solving challenging problems facing society.
Best thing in Turku?
I like the lifestyle close to nature, where I can pick mushrooms in the forest, swim in the sea, lie on the beach to sunbathe, watch the snow, and see the northern lights.
Digital Health Technology: AI driven diagnostics for early detection of cardiovascular diseases
Supervisor:
Matti Kaisti
Li-Fang Yeo
Senior Researcher, Internal Medicine
Gut micRobiome and Metabolome in modulating Blood Pressure (GRuMBP)
Where did you work before coming to Turku?
I was a postdoc at Cancer Research Malaysia, a non-profit research organisation based in Kuala Lumpur, for two years before coming to Turku.
What is your research topic? Why are you interested in this topic?
“I work on the gut microbiome in association with cardiometabolic diseases such as hypertension and obesity. I first got into microbiome research because I wanted to go on fieldtrips for sample collection and I thought it was cool to learn coding. Then over time, I learnt that microbiome could have therapeutic potential for diseases and that’s how I ended up continuing my work in microbiome.
Why SYS-LIFE? What are your expectations of the fellowship?
SYS-LIFE gave me the opportunity to work with some of the professors who are well-known in the microbiome field. I really like and appreciated that SYS-LIFE emphasised on my career development and limited other non-research duties. With secure funding throughout my fellowship, I only have to focus on my research with the added bonus of travel and training allowances. I expect (or hope) to be able to grow into a mature researcher and build my portfolio.
Best thing in Turku?
The people (and the city library). Turku is a big enough city to have everything you need, but also small enough that people are not in a hurry so they have time to address your needs, be it when you made a blunder and hold up the line at a busy supermarket, you need help getting off the right bus stop, or if you need someone to translate something for you.
Gut Microbiome: Gut microbiome and cardiometabolic health