Here are the lab members!
Emilia Peuhu, Principal investigator
I started my independent research work at the Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, in 2019 as an Academy of Finland Research Fellow (2019-2024), followed by an appointment as Sigrid Juselius Senior Researcher (2025-2029).
Post-doctoral training: Prof. Johanna Ivaska at University of Turku (Finland) and Prof. James Conley at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University (IL, US).
PhD: Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University (2010).
MSc: Animal Physiology, University of Turku (2006).
Lab super power: Cell sorting
Markus Peurla, Senior researcher/Technical manager
Postdoctoral training: Prof. Pekka Hänninen at University of Turku.
PhD: Physics, University of Turku (2007).
MSc: Physics, University of Turku (2003).
Lab super power: Light sheet imaging
Laura Lehtinen, Senior Researcher
Postdoctoral training: Prof. Olli Carpén at University of Helsinki and University of Turku.
PhD: Biomedical Sciences, University of Turku (2012).
MSc: Biomedicine, University of Turku (2010).
BSc: Engineering (Biotechnology), Turku University of Applied Sciences (2005).
Lab super power: Spatial transcriptomics
Jing Lu, Postdoctoral Researcher
I completed my PhD studies in China where I focused on diagnosing planarian neural networks with light sheet microscopy imaging, tissue clearing and image analysis. I joined Peuhu lab in 2025 and my research will focus on uncovering the 3D architecture and cellular heterogeneity of human breast carcinoma in situ using light sheet microscopy and tissue expansion. During my free time, I love travelling, biking and taking care of little animals.
PhD: Biology, Zhejiang University & Westlake University (2024)
BSc: Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University (2019)
Lab super power: Tissue expansion
Oona Paavolainen, Doctoral candidate
I utilise advanced imaging techniques to unveil the architecture of the human mammary gland, and how progenitor epithelial cells are regulated and spatially organised within the developing healthy tissue. To counteract heavy image analysis, I knit a lot of socks!
MSc: Biomedical Imaging, University of Turku (2021)
BSc: Biomedical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London (2017)
Lab super power: Tissue clearing
Defne Dinc, Doctoral candidate
My research focuses on the hormonal regulation of breast epithelial cells, and the interplay between tissue stiffness and gene expression in breast cancer. It’s always a good day when you have pretty things to look at under the microscope!
MSc: Biomedical Imaging, Åbo Akademi University (2020)
BSc: Bioengineering, Ege University (2018)
Lab super power: Traction force microscopy
Leena Koskinen, Doctoral candidate
In my research, I focus on developing new 3D cell culture methods (e.g. by utilizing 3D bioprinting) and investigating how the tissue shape and surrounding extracellular matrix affect the behavior of normal and malignant mammary epithelial cells. In addition to gaining good results from experiments, seeing mitoses in microscopy samples always brightens up my day!
MSc: Biomedicine (Drug Discovery and Development), University of Turku (2022)
BSc: Biomedicine, University of Turku (2019)
Lab super power: 3D bioprinting
Rebecca Wagner, Doctoral candidate
My research aims to uncover links between breast tissue regeneration and metabolism in healthy breast and breast cancer. In my free time, I either love doing a good Western blot or I enjoy playing any kind of sport.
MSc: Developmental, Neural, and Behavioural Biology, University of Göttingen (2024)
BSc: Biology, University of Göttingen (2022)
Emilia Huotari, Project researcher
I investigate the molecular features of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by utilizing state-of-the art molecular profiling technologies such as Imaging mass cytometry, laser capture microdissection and immunohistochemistry. Outside of work, I love cooking as well as exercising and enjoying beautiful Finnish nature.
MSc: Biomedicine (Drug Discovery and Development), University of Turku (2024)
BSc: Biomedicine, University of Turku (2022)
Lab super power: Laser capture microdissection (LCMD)
Emmi Hirvonen, MSc student
I am currently studying in the Master’s degree program for Physiology and Genetics. Here at PeuhuLab I am going to perform my Master’s thesis research about fibronectin and its role in regulating mammary gland epithelia and breast cancer. In my free time, I love listening to music and have my headphones on almost all the time.
BSc: Biology, University of Turku (2022)
Lab super power: CRISPaint gene tagging
Aino Huuskonen, MSc student
I am currently completing my Master’s Degree in Drug Discovery and Development and am doing my Master’s Thesis research project here at PeuhuLab! My thesis is focused on elucidating the immune landscape of breast cancer, with a special focus on macrophage subtypes. In my free time I crochet and dance!
BSc: Biomedicine, University of Turku (2024)
Lab super power: Visiopharm tissue analysis
Alumni
Rilla Ritakallio, laboratory intern
Jonna Pohjankukka, laboratory intern
Suvi-Riitta Sulander, MSc student
Ella Tammelin, MSc student
Pinja Thorén, MSc student
Saara Hämälistö, visiting postdoctoral researcher
Sonja Vahlman, MSc student
Nea Söderblom, laboratory intern
Ira Kouru, laboratory intern
Kerstin Thol, laboratory intern