Members Bio

  • Gergely Rona

    Group leader

    I received my degree in molecular biology from the Eotvos Lorand University Faculty of Science and my PhD in the structural biology doctorate program at the Eotvos Lorand University Faculty of Science. During my academic career I have been focusing on investigating the molecular mechanisms of DNA metabolism and repair. I did my graduate work, in the laboratory of Beata Vertessy, and then joined the laboratory of Michele Pagano for my postdoctoral years.

  • Marcell Cserhalmi

    Postdoctoral fellow

    I received my PhD in Immunology from Eötvös Loránd University and have international research experience, including a fellowship at the University Medical Center Utrecht and a research affiliation with the Karolinska Institute. I have held key research positions at Eötvös Loránd University, the National Institute of Oncology, and biotech companies specializing in molecular and cell biology techniques. In 2025, I joined the lab as a postdoctoral fellow to deepen my expertise and further advance the understanding of DNA repair mechanisms.

  • Alex Horanszky

    Postdoctoral fellow

    I recently completed my PhD in a collaborative program between Biotalentum Ltd and MATE University, under the supervision of Prof. Andras Dinnyes. My research focused on investigating the link between early-life environmental challenges and the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, utilizing hiPSC-derived neuronal cultures. Prior to this, I earned my MSc in Biomedical Sciences at Aston University, Birmingham, which included a one-year placement at the Vienna Biocenter. I have now joined the lab as a postdoctoral fellow, where I am expanding my knowledge and expertise to deepen our understanding of the role of faulty DNA repair in neurodegenerative diseases.

  • Roberta Borosta

    Ph.D. candidate

    I earned my Master's degree in Molecular Biology and my Bachelor's in Biology at the University of Szeged. During my studies, I worked under the mentorship of Dr. László Bodai, exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. Currently, I’m pursuing my PhD at Ronalab, where my research centers on oncologically relevant nucleases and their inhibition, with the aim of enhancing the efficacy of existing cancer therapies. I aim to further develop my expertise and contribute to advancing the field of molecular oncology.

  • Istvan Szepesi-Nagy

    Ph.D. candidate

    I received my undergraduate degree in Computer Science Engineering from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. My interests then shifted towards molecular biology and bioinformatics, leading me to earn a master's degree in Info-Bionics Engineering from Pázmány Péter Catholic University. During my graduate studies, I worked on bioinformatics research projects focused on microbial genome analysis, microRNA structure and sequence identification, and RNA-sequencing analysis techniques. My goal is to integrate wet-lab and "dry-lab" projects to better understand the molecular mechanisms of cells.

  • Anastasiia Lakhno

    Undergraduate student

    I'm in my second year of BSc Biology at the University of Debrecen, exploring cellular biology, genomics, and neuroscience. Prior to this, I gained valuable hands-on experience as a biomedical laboratory assistant at Kharkiv Medical University, complementing my theoretical knowledge with practical insights. With an unconventional background, I'm excited about the professional journey ahead fueled by my enthusiasm and determination.

  • Matyas Susits

    Volunteer

    I obtained my degree in mathematics from Budapest University of Technology and Economics. My professional work focuses on IT security, with a specialization in code obfuscation and deobfuscation, a special part of crypthography. In addition to my professional activities, I am interested in the mathematical modeling of complex, real-world systems and the development of computational solutions with practical impact. I joined the lab to deepen my knowlegde of biological systems and to explore the application of video analysis in biological research.

  • Gergely Attila Racz

    Volunteer

    I acquired my Ph.D. degree in molecular and cell biology under the guidance of Beata Vertessy at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, focusing on genome integrity and metabolism. Currently, I`m volunteering in the lab with the aim of expanding my knowledge of DNA repair mechanisms.

  • Jean Piaget Zserbo

    Lab mascot

    Zserbo’s primary aim is to bring joy and happiness to everyone. She was adopted by Gergely in 2020 august and has been a “good girl” ever since.