Postdoc Appreciation Week 2024 | Juha Torkko

What is your name?

Juha Torkko

Which research group are you in?

Solimena Lab

Where are you from?

I am from far north, from Finland.

What topic do you research? 

My research focus is on investigating a group of insulin secretory granule intrinsic proteins that are involved in the biogenesis and maintenance of the pancreatic beta cell granule stores. Characterization of these factors aims to unveil some key control mechanisms in the insulin biosynthesis and regulated secretion. Thus, the work provides insights to the beta cell failure, which is at the onset and eventually explains different types of diabetes.

Why/how did you become involved in this subject? 

This subject provided a chance to contribute in the research work with the focus on better understanding of some of the key factors and processes that are related specifically to type 1 diabetes.

What is your favorite part of working as a Postdoc at the PLID? 

Watching Westerns. Moreover, there's is a very nice and supportive team at and around in the campus to stop me in my thoughts...to ask me now and then, on how is it going.

What are some challenges you face day to day as a Postdoc? 

There's always something new to do.

What motivates you?

Curiosity to learn anew and to find new ways to take you to the goal.

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

Abenteur and discoveries in and around Dresden.

If you could visit yourself while you were still a student, what advice would you offer?

Plan for one day at the time. 'Finnish' one thing, one experiment at the time...