Martyna Kosno-Vega, Ph.D.

As an international student from Poland, I loved my time in graduate school! I trained in the lab of Michael Rosen, Ph.D., Professor and Chair iof Biophysics, in the Biological Chemistry Program.

While in Poland, I completed my master's degree in pharmacy. Toward the end of that degree, I came to UT Southwestern for a one-year research program. During that time, I fell in love with science and wanted to pursue my Ph.D. After applying to several programs in Europe and in the Inited States, I gravitated toward UTSW and knew it was the best choice.

Choosing UTSW allowed me to do very cool, cutting-edge science. In Dr. Rosen’s lab, we studied biomolecular condensates, which are collections of molecules in cells that are separated from the surrounding medium without a need for a membrane. My research focused on one type of condensate, which has only been observed to form in a deadly type of cancer, called NUT carcinoma. Research and graduate school can be challenging, but the obstacles have taught me valuable life skills.

Outside of the lab, I joined United to Serve and the Alliance of Women Scientists (AWS) to fulfill my passion for community and international outreach. My activities in this area have been noticed and earlier this year, I received the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship for Community Outreach. Additionally, I have developed a great passion for science communication. I was able to master these skills with the help of my mentors, resulting in my winning a runner-up award in the inaugural Three Minute Thesis competition at UTSW.

Graduate school has given me amazing opportunities and lifelong friends (including my husband!). After graduating, I will be moving back to Europe. Currently, I am applying for jobs where I can intertwine my pharmaceutical knowledge, research expertise, and love for science communication together for the betterment of human health.