Exploring Pediatric HIV Research: My Journey from Amsterdam UMC to Karolinska Institute

Hi there! I’m Julie van der Post, a medical doctor and PhD researcher at Amsterdam UMC. My work focuses on understanding the long-term health outcomes of children born with HIV, comparing them with their healthy peers. Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to deepen my research at Dr. Ujjwal Neogi’s lab at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. Here’s a glimpse into this unforgettable experience!

Studying the HIV Virus in Children

HIV attacks the body’s immune system and can be passed on from a mother to her baby. In children, untreated cases of HIV infection can cause slow growth and delay of development (for instance walking and talking), heart problems, and even pneumocystis pneumonia, a rare and serious lung infection caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii.

At Amsterdam UMC, my research zeroes in on the neurological, cardiovascular, and cognitive impacts of HIV. I aim to identify the long-term health risks in children with perinatally acquired HIV and to improve care strategies. My primary focus is on understanding how HIV and its treatments affect the brain, heart, and overall development in children and adolescents.

Collaboration with OrganoVIR Labs

My Principal Investigator, Prof. Dr. Dasja Pajkrt, is the coordinator of OrganoVIR Labs, a laboratory specializing in virology and host-virus interactions. Through this collaboration, I’ve been able to contribute to groundbreaking research while benefiting from OrganoVIR’s cutting-edge work on viral infections and immune responses.

Research at Karolinska Institute: A Transformative Experience

From September to November, I had the unique opportunity to work at Karolinska Institute in Sweden, collaborating with Dr. Ujjwal Neogi’s team at the ANA Futura laboratory. My research there focused on immune responses, biomarkers, and metabolic changes in youth with perinatal HIV, using a multi-omics approach (transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics).

This innovative approach allowed me to explore the molecular pathways driving disease progression and comorbidities in perinatally HIV-infected youth. Karolinska’s cutting-edge facilities and collaborative environment helped me gain invaluable insights into the complexities of HIV’s impact on the immune system.

Life Beyond the Lab: Discovering Stockholm

Working at Karolinska wasn’t just about research—it was also a chance to experience Sweden! Stockholm, with its blend of history and modernity, became my second home. I explored the serene Djurgården island, the lively Södermalm district, and cultural gems like the Vasa Museum. I even joined a half-marathon while I was there!

The Swedish tradition of “fika” (coffee breaks with pastries) became a delightful daily ritual, giving me a taste of the country’s warm, welcoming culture.

Life Beyond the Lab: Discovering Stockholm

My time at Karolinska was transformative—both professionally and personally. The experience not only enhanced my research capabilities but also broadened my perspective on global HIV research. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with such an inspiring team and to contribute to advancing treatments for pediatric HIV.

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