Krejčí Jana, Mgr., PhD.

What was your research journey before your current position?

I did my Ph.D. in the laboratory of Prof. Petr Dvorak at Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic. I learned a wide range of stem cell differentiation techniques and with this expertise in my hands, we tested various superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to monitor stem cell migration in damaged neural tissues in mice. During my postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Dr. Eva Bartova at the Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, I studied how epigenetic factors influence the expression of developmentally important genes in pluripotent embryonic stem cells and their differentiation (Krejci et al, J Cell Physiol., 2008). In our latest studies, we identified new epigenetic features important for cardiomyocyte maturation and heart development (Arcidiacono OA et al, Int J Mol Sci., 2018, Arcidiacono OA et al, Int J Mol Sci., 2020).

What are you currently working on? Why do you find your project/work fascinating?

Since 2022 I am working as the laboratory manager for both Bartova and Sedlackova groups at the Department of Cell Biology and Epigenetics at IBP. Besides handling administrative and technical duties in the labs, I am part of many exciting research projects and work with many talented researchers and students. I especially enjoy introducing new techniques to the labs, brainstorming during our discussions in lab meetings and journal clubs, and finding the best possible solutions for research projects.

What do you do when you are not in the lab?

I spend my free time with my family. In summer, I love hiking trips in the Czech mountains, and in winter we often go skiing. I am also passionate a beekeeper. I make my own honey and wax, from which I made special Christmas candles.