Interview with Dr Maria Giustina Rotordam

Nanion Technologies GmbH, Senior Scientist
and Principal Investigator in the INNOVATION project

What first sparked your curiosity for science and research?

From a young age, I was fascinated by physiology and how the human body is so precisely designed for its functions. When I realised that this complex system can sometimes stop working as it should, leading to diseases, it made me want to help solve important scientific problems that have medical relevance. I became especially interested in rare diseases, cancer therapies, and discovering the molecular mechanisms behind these conditions.
A key moment came during my bachelor’s studies, when I worked on a project involving ion channels in cancer. That’s when I first encountered the patch clamp technique. Even though it was technically demanding, I was drawn to the challenge and became determined to master it. That experience confirmed that I wanted to follow a path in research.

How did you first hear about the MSCA Doctoral Network, and what made you decide to apply?

I found the MSCA opportunity by chance while looking for my next challenge after my master’s degree. I wasn’t entirely sure what direction to take, but I knew I wanted to continue researching rare diseases and keep working with the patch clamp technique. The RELEVANCE Initial Training Network (ITN) matched those interests perfectly.
What really stood out during the application process was the trust that was placed in me. Even though I didn’t have experience outside academia, I was recognised for my background and technical skills. Meeting the Principal Investigators (PIs) and other candidates at the kick-off meeting made everything feel real, I realised I was taking a big step toward fulfilling my dream. With determination and passion, I knew I could make it.

What was your experience like as an MSCA fellow at Nanion working on the RELEVANCE project?

Being a MSCA fellow at Nanion through the RELEVANCE project helped me grow both professionally and personally. Within the company, I felt truly welcomed and supported by open-minded colleagues who were always willing to share their expertise. That collaborative atmosphere made a lasting impact on me.
Outside the company, I became part of a wider scientific community focused on red blood cells, people who were committed to making real progress through openness, teamwork, and a shared passion for discovery.
A defining moment in my PhD journey was when my first-author paper on the characterisation of a novel gain of function mutation of Piezo1 in red blood cells was published. That achievement made everything feel real: I was finally contributing to our understanding of rare anaemias through my research. It was a proud and meaningful milestone.

From MSCA fellow to supervisor – that’s quite a journey!

During my time as an MSCA fellow, I developed tools to study ion channels in red blood cells using high-throughput automated patch clamp. At the time, this technique wasn’t widely used in the field, most studies relied on manual patch clamp, and automated methods were still largely unexplored. It took determination, self-motivation, and a lot of patience to figure out what worked, and to not get discouraged when things didn’t go as planned.

One of the most important lessons I learned was knowing when to pause, rethink, and take a creative approach to solving problems. That mindset, more than just technical skills, continues to guide me today.

By the end of my PhD, I had built a set of experiences that made me want to give something back. I wanted to help other young researchers find the same sense of purpose and achievement I had. As a curious and passionate scientist, I now try to lead with authenticity and enthusiasm in my role as PI in the INNOVATION project. It’s incredibly rewarding to support others while continuing to explore new ground in red blood cell research.

What role did the MSCA network or your fellow researchers play in your development?

The MSCA network played a key role in my growth, both as a scientist and as a person. Being part of an international and interdisciplinary community gave me the chance to broaden my perspective and learn from people working in different fields.
The shared experiences and challenges helped build strong connections, both professionally and personally. Collaborating with other fellows expanded my scientific thinking, and many of those collaborations turned into lasting friendships. Whenever I visited a partner lab, I was welcomed not just at work but also socially, and I tried to return the favour when colleagues visited Nanion.
That sense of community and mutual support made a big difference during the PhD journey. It’s something I still carry with me in the way I collaborate and support others today.

Research isn’t always easy – but it has its deeply rewarding moments.

Research can be tough, but that’s what makes it so interesting. What keeps me going is the moment when things start to make sense, when the puzzle pieces come together and I finally understand why something is happening. That spark of discovery is what I find most rewarding.
There are many meaningful moments I could mention. One that stands out is the first time I presented my research to a large audience of experts. It was nerve-wracking but also incredibly fulfilling to share my findings and get valuable feedback.
Earning my PhD was another big milestone. It represented years of hard work and growth. And being part of a publication in Blood that helped characterise a newly discovered blood group (Er) – a finding that got media attention – was especially exciting. It showed me that our research can reach beyond the lab and potentially make a real impact. These moments stay with me because they show what’s possible when you combine persistence, curiosity, and teamwork.

What advice would you give to someone considering a PhD or thinking about joining the MSCA Doctoral Network?

My advice is to approach the PhD journey with curiosity, patience, and an open mind. Research can be full of challenges, but that’s what makes the achievements so meaningful. Stay determined, but also flexible as being creative and adaptable is just as important as being knowledgeable.

Looking back, I wish I had known that the length of the PhD doesn’t matter as much as the experience itself. It’s the journey, the learning, growth, and connections, that really counts. Surround yourself with people who support you and make the most of every opportunity to explore new ideas.

Every challenge you face helps shape the researcher and person you become. So don’t rush the process. Let it shape you.