PhD Student Council
Chair of Doctoral Students’ Council
Kalina Nec – I am a 2nd-year PhD student at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, working in the Laboratory of Spatial Memory. My research explores the neural processes behind spatial memory, specifically in the hippocampus and retrosplenial cortex, as well as spatial learning and decision-making. I have an engineering degree in biotechnology and a master’s degree in computational engineering, which allows me to apply mathematical modelling, data analysis, and programming to my research.
I have been a member of the Doctoral Students’ Council since October 2024 and currently serve as the Chair of the Doctoral Students’ Council. I am also a member of the Team for Cooperation with the Business Environment at the Polish National Association of Doctoral Candidates and a delegate representing the Nencki Institute in the Polish National Association of Doctoral Candidates.
Contact: k.nec@nencki.edu.pl
Vice-Chair of Doctoral Students’ Council
Wiktoria Laprus – I’m 1st year PhD student at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, currently working in Laboratory of Tumor Hypoxia and Epigenomics. My research is focused on new therapeutic targets in pediatric malignant diffuse midline gliomas, with a broader interest in cancer biology, molecular mechanisms of disease development, and novel therapeutic strategies. I graduated in Biotechnology and have experience in biomedical research. Since autumn 2025, I have been a member of the Doctoral Students’ Council of the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS, where I serve as Vice-Chair. I represent the Institute as a delegate in the Warsaw Doctoral Forum (WFD) and the Association of Doctoral Candidates of Polish Academy of Sciences Institutes (PDIPAN), and I am a member of the WFD Team for Projects and Promotion.
Contact: w.laprus@nencki.edu.pl
Nupur Ravindra Mahadeokar – I’m a second-year PhD student in the Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, BRAINCITY. My research focuses on the central amygdala and how its neural circuits respond to rewarding experiences and addictive substances in mice. In simpler terms, I spend a lot of time trying to understand why brains like certain things a little too much. As the Nencki Student Council Member, I initiated and coordinate the ‘Nencki Alumni Series’ and host the monthly ‘Movie Club’, where we watch films from around the world and explore surprising connections between different cultures and Polish culture. When I’m not doing science or organizing events, I enjoy reading, taking care of plants, and voluntarily torturing myself with 1,000-piece puzzles. Apparently, staring at tiny cardboard pieces for hours is my preferred way of relaxing 🙂
Contact: nr.mahadeokar@nencki.edu.pl
Magdalena Rutkowska – I am a 2nd-year PhD student in the Neurobiology Laboratory led by Prof. Leszek Kaczmarek. I work on the role of astrocytes in plasticity and depression. As a member of the Nencki Student Council, I focus mainly on equal opportunities by coordinating Polish language lessons and supporting students with disabilities. I am also responsible for promoting initiatives focused on science popularization. Personally, I enjoy watching movies, doing sports, and cooking.
Contact: m.rutkowska@nencki.edu.pl
Natalia Roszkowska – I am a second-year PhD student in the Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels. As a member of the PhD Students’ Council, I organise integration for PhD students at the Nencki Institute, with the aim of bringing together people from diverse cultural backgrounds and with a wide range of scientific interests. Outside of my scientific work, my passions include playing the piano, reading books, and dancing West Coast Swing. I also love spending time with my friends.
Contact: n.roszkowska@nencki.edu.pl
Karen Dalvand – I am a first-year PhD student in the Laboratory of Spatial Epigenetics. My research focuses on the role of the NONO protein in neurons of C. elegans. As a member of the Nencki Student Council, I run a weekly Chess Club that welcomes players of all skill levels.
Contact: k.dalvand@nencki.edu.pl
Officers and Delegates
Delegate to the National Representation of Doctoral Candidates (KRD)
Kalina Nec, MSc
Contact: k.nec@nencki.edu.pl
Delegate to the Warsaw Doctoral Forum (WFD)
Wiktoria Laprus, MSc
Contact: w.laprus@nencki.edu.pl
Delegate to the Association of Doctoral Candidates of Polish Academy of Sciences Institutes (PDIPAN)
Wiktoria Laprus, MSc
Contact: w.laprus@nencki.edu.pl
Promotion Officer
Wiktoria Laprus, MSc
Contact: w.laprus@nencki.edu.pl
Internationalization Officer
Nupur Ravindra Mahadeokar, MSc
Contact: nr.mahadeokar@nencki.edu.pl
Science Popularization Officer
Magdalena Rutkowska, MSc
Contact: m.rutkowska@nencki.edu.pl
Officer for Doctoral Clubs and Initiatives
Nupur Ravindra Mahadeokar, MSc
Contact: nr.mahadeokar@nencki.edu.pl
Disability Support Officer
Magdalena Rutkowska, MSc
Contact: m.rutkowska@nencki.edu.pl