Mika Hanssen earned his B.Sc. in Biosciences from Goethe University Frankfurt in 2023 and is currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Biochemistry at the University of Oulu in Finland. He conducted his bachelor’s thesis research at the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research in the lab of Dr. Stefan Offermanns, studying tumor cell-induced downregulation of endothelial-derived PEAR1, a dormancy-associated gene. Mika joined the Liu lab to complete his master’s thesis on reactivating CASK from the inactive X chromosome using targeted demethylation as a potential therapy for CASK disorder. Outside the lab, he enjoys going to the gym and exploring new spots around Manhattan.

Research experience:
2021–2023  Student Research Assistant and Bachelor’s Thesis Student, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
Research focus: Tumor cell-induced downregulation of endothelial-derived PEAR1, a putative dormancy marker.