People

The lab at TalTech does not accept new students.

If you are interested in a postdoc or technician positions in Pittsburgh, please email with inquiries!

If you would like to join our lab as a PhD student, please apply to Oncology Graduate Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center or Molecular Pharmacology Graduate Program at UPitt

Tatiana Moiseeva, principal investigator

As an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, my research interests include the investigation of the initiation in DNA replication in human cells, which is both an important basic science question and can help us fight cancer. ​I have started my independent research in the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, in August 2019, and moved to Pittsburgh in early 2024.

​Google Scholar ResearchGate LinkedIn ORCID

Gregory Zamalloa, postdoctoral associate

I bring a multidisciplinary sauce to the team: I did a PhD in Cancer Cell Biology at the Manning Lab, WPI; where I worked on a screen for synthetic lethal interactions between RB and Epigenetic modulators, specifically PARP; and I characterized it at the DNA replication level. I did a Postdoc at the same lab for the publication of my first-author paper. Then, I did my 2nd Postdoc in Biochemistry at the Arguello Lab, WPI; where I performed Membrane Protein Purification to characterize the kinetics and stoichiometry of copper binding to CuiT from Salmonella enterica. I started my 3rd Postdoc at the Moiseeva Lab, UPMC; aiming to identify and characterize novel contributors of the DNA Replication Initiation machinery, as well as to launch my independent career as a Scientist.

LinkedIn ORCID Google Scholar

Sameera Vipat, PhD student

I did a Master's in Microbiology, where I studied poxvirus-host interactions and developed a method for recombinant vaccinia virus generation. My PhD project will be focused on the roles that the protein Timeless plays in the initiation of DNA replication in human cells.

ResearchGate Email ​Google Scholar

Syed Shahid Musvi, PhD student

I have completed my MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Kashmir. My recent project was to develop a high-throughput screening technology to identify molecular inhibitors of fibroblast activation. Using this technology, we intended to discover molecules that specifically target the epicenter of fibroblast activation pathways, involved in the development of tissue fibrosis. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student working on the topic of identification of new players in replication initiation.

ResearchGate LinkedIn ​Google Scholar

Naga Raviteja Chavata, PhD student

I pursued my master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Oncology with a thesis on the role of miRNA in oral carcinogenesis. My most recent studies focused on delineating the role of a microcephaly linked gene in cancer. Understanding this could aid in identifying new germline associated cancer biomarkers, and the development of new drugs that target cancer cell division. In my current lab, I work on the cancer-associated variants of various replication proteins.

ResearchGate LinkedIn ORCID

Students

2023-...
Arthur Morgunov, Bachelor's student
2023-...
Evelina Koop, Bachelor's student
2023-2024
Karina Šapovalovaite, ERASMUS exchange MSc student from Vilnius, graduated in Jan 2024. Now at University of Helsinki
2023-2024
Olena Kachalova, visiting PhD student from Kyiv
2022 - 2023
Pille Leesmäe, BSc. Graduated in Jun 2023. Now a Master's student at TalTech
2022 - 2023
Marleen Mikk, Master's student (switched program)
2020 - 2022
Sigvard Vällo, BSc. Graduated in Jun 2022. Now a Master's student at Uppsala University and Karolinska Institute.
2019 - 2022
Hele Anderspuk, MSc. Graduated in Jan 2022. Now works at Pfeizer Estonia.