Dr. Amanda Lappalainen

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Amanda Lappalainen is a doctoral student in Anna Överby's lab at Umeå University, where she focuses on tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). Her research investigates how TBEV overcomes host defenses and causes brain inflammation, with the aim of understanding the mechanisms fundamental to developing new therapies. Lappalainen completed her Bachelor's degree in molecular biology from Umeå University, followed by a Master's degree in molecular biology with distinction from Lund University. During her Master's, she spent two years studying the development of gut-resident T cells in William Agace's lab as part of her thesis project. This experience solidified her interest in immunology, neurology, and virology, which she is passionate about advancing within the academic field. She is determined to contribute to the understanding of TBEV's impact on neuroinflammation and hopes to explore new therapeutic strategies to prevent the virus from reaching the brain.

Research Interests

Requirements for Umeå University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.5
IELTS
Listening
Required:5.5
Reading
Required:5.5
Writing
Required:5.5
Speaking
Required:5.5
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Writing
Required:20
Total
Required:90
PTE
Overall
Required:62
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) in relevant field At least 90 ECTS in the main subject area
Application Checklist
  • Bachelor's degree certificate
  • Transcripts of records
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Copy of passport
  • Letter of Motivation (certain programs)
  • CV (certain programs)
Specialization Notes

Requirements are standard for Master's programs across Social Sciences and Humanities at Umeå. English 6 proficiency is the general rule.