Paula Kokko-Gonzales

Paula Kokko-Gonzales has worked in a variety of roles in the field of genomics and molecular biology since 2003. Paula began their career as a Trainee at the National Food Agency (NFA) in Finland, where they updated registers, collected data, and improved the national hygiene proficiency system. In 2003, they moved to a Research Assistant role at the University of Helsinki, where they worked on a project aiming towards finding ecologically more sustainable agriculture by using molecular methods. In 2005, they became a Research Assistant at the National Public Health Institute (KTL) in Helsinki, Finland, where they developed a multiplex PCR assay for identifying invasive E. coli strains and fingerprinted Shigella and E. In 2007, they joined Illumina as a Scientist/CL2 lab manager, where they worked on technically complex projects on associate scientist and scientist grades. In 2019, they became the Genomics Facility Manager at The Babraham Institute, where they were responsible for the day to day operations within the facility and communication with all stakeholders. In 2022, they will move to Cambridge Epigenetix as a Senior Scientist.

Paula Kokko-Gonzales graduated from the University of Eastern Finland in 2002 with a Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Science. Paula then attended the University of Helsinki, graduating in 2006 with a Master of Science (MSc) in Food Sciences (Microbiology).