1.
What inspired you towards neuroscience?
As my
background is technical science, my first contact with neuroscience was during
a numerous conversations with my PhD mentor of that time, professor Krzysztof
Cieślicki. Then I first heard about Circle of Willis and many interesting physical
phenomena. They were mainly connected with cerebral blood flow physics and
modeling, while the clinical issues were in the background. Then I met
professor Bogdan Ciszek from the Departments of Anatomy and Forensic Medicine
Warsaw Medical University. A number of potential unknowns and their importance
in clinical application were the main inducement to focus on neuroscience in my
subsequent research.
2. Why stroke?
Because it is
one of the most dramatic and unforeseen diseases; because it is unfortunately
real and can affect everybody, and because I have met people who want to do
something about it.
3. What have been the highs so far?
I would say
that working in the team of people who are the true Scientists, who are working
only because of curiosity and willingness to make a change. Especially working
with physician Leszek Lombarski who shares his enthusiasm with the whole team. Of
course, a palpable high is getting the high impact journal publication, which
is a clear sign for us, that our results
are important and could benefit many people.
4. What have been the lows?
Realizing
how far it is from the results of laboratory research to clinical application…
5. How do you balance work life with the needs of home life?
Probably I
do not, however every evening I try to find some time to spend with my wife.
Also, at least once a year, we go for a
long sport climbing trip.
6. Who are your most important mentors and how did you find them?
On the
technical part of our research it is my supervisor professor Krzysztof
Cieślicki. On the medical side it is professor Bogdan Ciszek. Their knowledge
is admirable and stimulating. My first mentor was and still is professor Janusz
Piechna – my father, he is always my guiding light.
7. What are your most important collaborations and how have you built them?
As we are
working on the borderline of two fields of knowledge, finding a common language
is the most important thing. My most important collaboration with Departments
of Anatomy and Forensic Medicine Warsaw Medical University was built with help
of my supervisor’s connections. Also I was heartily accepted as the group
member by the professor Bogdan Ciszek.
