Claire Manousoudaki

Claire is the lab manager in the Bazopoulou Lab. She holds a BSc and an MSc from the Hellenic Mediterranean University, with research experience spanning plant physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and host-pathogen interactions. Her background in molecular approaches to biological systems has shaped her interest in understanding how organisms respond to environmental challenges and how molecular processes mediate communication within and between organisms. Outside the lab, she will be found reading, doing calisthenics, petting cats and magically finding time for hiking and globe-trotting adventures.

Agapi Kavvadia

_{Agapi is currently a Research Assistant after completing her Master’s thesis in the lab. She is working on understanding the host-microbe redox interplay and its role in aging and neurodegeneration. When she is not performing experiments, she loves performing on stages, travelling around the world with her little backpack and spending time with her loved ones.}

Niki Astropekaki

Niki completed her Master’s Thesis in the lab and is now a PhD candidate. She is currently working on redox signaling in host-microbe interactions. In her spare time, she enjoys working out.

Kyriakos Mavridis

Kyriakos earned his B.S and M.Sc. from the University of Crete and joined the Bazopoulou group as a Ph.D. candidate in 2025. Passionate about stress adaptation, protein turnover and host-microbe interactions, his research explored how mild early-life interventions can drive significant differences in aging. Outside of the lab, he leads a community group and enjoys hiking.

Christina Karagianni

Christina joined the Bazopoulou lab in 2021, originally for her Bachelor’s thesis. Now deep into her PhD, she investigates how developmental experiences and redox signalling shape lifespan and stress resistance across generations. When she’s not stressing out C. elegans, you’ll probably find her you’ll probably find her at a music festival, plotting her next board game victory, or planning her next travel adventure.

Iro Efkarpidou

Iro is currently pursuing her Master’s degree, researching the host–microbe redox interplay and its role in neurodegeneration. When she’s not busy picking her C. elegans plates Iro loves dancing, exploring new places, going on adventures, and making memories with her loved ones. Whether she’s on the dance floor, travelling somewhere new, or spending time with the people closest to her, she enjoys embracing new experiences both inside and outside the lab.

Anna Koutelidaki

_{Anna is an undergraduate Biology student at the University of Crete, conducting her bachelor’s thesis. Her research focuses on host–microbe interactions using C.elegans as a model organism, investigating how different bacterial species influence host survival and physiology. Outside the lab, you’ll find her watching sports,planning her next trip , listening to music, or spending quality time with her loved ones.}

Ioanna Mitropoulou

_{Ioanna is an undergraduate Biology student currently working on her Bachelor’s thesis, investigating the tissue-specific effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. elegans and aiming to develop a transgenic worm to visualize oxidation in the gonad. When she’s not analyzing microscopy photos, she’s probably on a two-hour video call with her dog in Athens or lost somewhere after deciding to take a “relaxing” walk without using GPS.}