I joined the Princess Máxima Center as a basic researcher and pediatrician in training in June 2018. My primary research interest lies in understanding the molecular biology of pediatric soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and to use that knowledge to develop new treatment options for patients suffering from these tumors. To this end, I study establishment procedures for novel preclinical models of pediatrist STS (i.e., tumor organoid models) as well as bulk and single-cell genomics of these tumors. I am furthermore member of the molecular tumor board of the Dutch iTHER as well as the German INFORM pediatric precision medicine trial.
My hobbies include sports (running, bootcamp) and gaming (board games, tabletop role-playing games, video games). I am the proud father of a boy and a girl.

Giada Blandano
Erasmus traineeship intern
Hello! My name is Giada and I have joined the Drost lab with the Erasmus traineeship exchange program. I come from a small town of Northern Italy, and I completed my bachelor and master’s degree in Molecular biology and Genetics at the University of Pavia. During my master’s research internship, at IEO in Milan, I worked on a transcriptional lineage tracing project on triple negative breast cancer and now I’m excited to start this internship at the Prinses Máxima Center. During these months I will use CRISPR screen technique to investigate specific epigenetic driver events in Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumors (ATRTs).
Besides, outside research, I love exploring new places, cooking and having movie nights.