Maria Dimaki (Greece)
| My name is Maria Dimaki and I come from Korinthos, Greece. After my undergraduate studies in Biology, I entered the MSc Programme in Basic Medical Sciences at Medical School of the University of Patras. Two years ago, I received my research master in molecular genetics and cytogenetics. Since then, I am studying towards my PhD thesis at the Laboratory of General Biology at the same place. |
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My first attempt to approach some current and interesting issues connected to human life and natural environment was during my teenage years, when as a student I participated in the writing team of our school magazine "Astrophyto". Later on, my continuous interest and curiosity about the principles and mysteries of various types of life led me to the decision to study the science that is focused on "Life".
My research is focused on the study of cell cycle regulatory molecules and their intracellular behaviour in human cells. In particular, I am interested in studying how genomic stability is achieved in higher eukaryotes, through the accurate regulation of DNA replication events and the mechanisms that underline this control. Recently, I had the opportunity to become familiar with a model organism, a small transparent fish, amenable to genetic and developmental analysis, in order to investigate the role of a novel gene identified in our lab. Combined work of biological data and computers tried to bring together the results of difficult mathematical algorithms analysis and biological data in a useful way.
Working on a biological scientific project in the lab is a unique experience; not only does this environment offer the opportunity to observe in a micro- or macroscopic way how organisms, or even smaller cellular compartments like molecules, behave upon various stimuli, but it also stimulates fantasy and problem solving processes thus encouraging new ideas to come in light. Laboratory experience is a window on the world of science, which allows young students to familiarise with the techniques, concepts, and emotions that go with real research.
My life outside the lab involves a lot of walking and bicycling, excursions in nature and of course talking and joking with good friends, which I have loved even since school time. Dancing, which I started as a student in high school, is another activity which still attracts my interest and reminds me of my lovely activities as a teenager.
Schools:
2nd High School of
Korinthos
High School of Vrachati