Joanna Holowka, MSCA Fellow at BAM, is researching bacterial resistance mechanisms.
Source: BAM
From an early age, Joanna Holowka wanted to understand why some bacteria survive even though we do everything we can to stop them. This question has never left her – and has led her into the depths of bacterial cell biology. After completing her doctorate degree at the renowned Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute in Poland and several years of research at the University of Wrocław, she is now further expanding her expertise as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at BAM. In this interview, she talks about what drives her, why she chose BAM, and how scientific findings can contribute to human and environmental safety.
What motivated you to apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) Fellowship – and why did you choose BAM?
The MSCA Fellowship offers young scientists the opportunity to gain international experience, learn new research techniques, and expand their network for future collaborations. BAM particularly impressed me with its interdisciplinary research profile and state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
What is your current research project about and why is it socially or technologically important?
I am researching how certain disinfectants affect bacteria – more specifically, mycobacteria, which include the pathogen that causes tuberculosis. I am interested in why some bacteria are more resistant to disinfectants than others.
To do this, I use a special technique in which I use a fluorescent version of the disinfectant. This allows me to observe how it reacts with the bacteria under the microscope.
The results could help us understand why some bacteria survive and whether this even makes them resistant to drugs.
The use of disinfectants has increased significantly, especially since the coronavirus pandemic. That's why it's important to know how we can use them even more effectively and safely in the future.
What have been your biggest challenges so far – and how have you overcome them?
As a scientist, I have learned to solve complex problems creatively. Working with resistant bacteria is technically demanding and requires a high degree of precision. At the same time, you must never lose sight of the big picture – such as the social relevance of your own work.
These challenges have taught me to think in a structured way, to remain flexible, and to work in a solution-oriented manner even in difficult moments. These are skills that help me not only in the laboratory, but also in everyday life.
When Joanna Holowka talks about her work, it becomes clear that she is not only interested in microscopic processes, but also in contributing to a safer future. Researchers like Joanna Holowka shape BAM – curious, interdisciplinary, international. Anyone who is also enthusiastic about research at the interface of science, business, and politics will find an international environment, modern infrastructure, and diverse career paths at BAM. Find out more on our website under Jobs & Careers.