Members Bio
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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.
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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.
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Balazs Szeky
Postdoctoral fellow
I earned my PhD at Peter Pazmany Catholic University in Budapest. Under the supervision of dr. Krisztian Nemeth, I studied the connective tissue stem cells of the human dermis in healthy and diseased skin. Besides my PhD studies, I worked for BioTalentum Ltd led by dr. Andras Dinnyes, exploring astrocyte functions in neurodegenerative disorders and ciliopathies. Since 2025, I’ve been working in the lab as a postdoctoral fellow to deepen my knowledge in DNA repair mechanism, and their implications in Huntington’s disease.
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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.
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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.
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Istvan Kato
Ph.D. candidate
I earned my Master’s degree in Molecular Biology and Bachelor’s in Biochemical Enginereeing at University of Szeged, and have since developed a strong commitment to research driven by a desire to understand how cellular-level mutations influence the development and function of complex biological systems, such as the nervous system. Previously, I investigated DNA repair mechanisms in the lab of Dr. Gyula Timinszky (HUN-REN BRC), and later joined the group of Dr. Balázs Gereben (HUN-REN KOKI), where I studied the molecular background of neuroendocrine regulation. I believe that my previous research experience, combined with our group’s current efforts to uncover the molecular regulation mechanisms of different DNA repair pathways, will significantly contribute to advancing personalized therapeutic strategies and precision medicine approaches.
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Klaudia Guld
MSc student
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Eötvös Loránd University. Following my undergraduate studies, I gained professional experience as a microbiologist at the biotechnology company GSD Budapest, working with pathogenic microorganisms and polyclonal antibodies. Collaboration with the research and development team inspired me to continue my studies in the Molecular, Immune- and Microbiology specialization at Eötvös Loránd University and further deepen my knowledge. I joined the Rona Laboratory for my Master’s thesis research in the field of immuno-oncology.
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Levente Vegh
BSc student
I study Biochemical Engineering at the Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME). My interest in DNA-related processes began after completing the Chemistry of DNA Replication and Repair course, which sparked my fascination with the molecular mechanisms underlying genome maintenance. During my studies, I gained practical experience through laboratory courses such as Microbiology Lab, Biochemistry Lab, and Chemistry of Biomolecules Lab. I joined the Róna Laboratory in 2025 to conduct my TDK research project, and to expand my skills in molecular biology and cell culture techniques.
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Virag Marosi
BSc student
I study Bioengineering at the Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), where I chose to pursue the Healthcare specialization driven by my deep interest in biochemistry. During my academic studies, I have gained practical experience through core laboratory courses, including Biochemistry Lab, Microbiology Lab, and the Chemistry of Biomolecules Lab. My fascination with bioinformatics was truly sparked during an exchange semester at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). There, I completed courses in bioinformatics, statistics, and research planning, which allowed me to actively analyze DNA using online computational tools. Currently, I am conducting my Bachelor's thesis research in the DNA repair laboratory, while continuously expanding my knowledge and skills in the field of bioinformatics.
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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.
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Bianka Horvath
Highschool student
I am a secondary year highschool student, learning in the laboratory. I aspire to attend Eötvös Lóránd University after I graduate, to earn a degree in biology. I’m particularly interested in genetic modifications and the research of neurodegenerative diseases. I attend biology courses at my school and learn about research methodology here in the lab.
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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.