Introduction: As part of our expanding international operations and research projects, we have organised an intensive eight weeks training and certification exam for Jia Guihua at our headquarters in Turku. We sat down with him to discuss his journey from Shanghai to Finland but also our joint future.
Tell us about yourself and how you ended up visiting Turku?
“My name is Guihua, and my life journey began in a small village, Dongjiazui, Lintao, Gansu province of Northwest China. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to life sciences, earning a Master’s in Medicinal Chemistry and working for leading organizations like WuXi Biologics. Currently, I am completing my PhD in Aging Biology, where my research focuses on finding reliable disease biomarkers and evaluating anti-aging effects of drugs—a challenge I’ve previously tackled using technologies like molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and mass spectrometry working with cells, nematodes, and mice.
Through the Biosaliva research collaboration between AQ Biotech CEO Timo and Professor Wei from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, I was invited to Turku to integrate our efforts and learn the fundamentals of developing phage-biosensors. I arrived in early December, and it has been a fantastic experience from day one.”
What were the primary goals of your visit?
“The mission was very focused: I came to master our proprietary phage-biosensor method. By learning the nuances of the platform here in Finland, I can lead the efforts back in China to identify biomarkers from our unique and extensive Lung Cancer and Tuberculosis patient cohorts, i,e. Biosaliva project. This training ensures that the technology developed here in Turku is effectively applied to the clinical samples and data we are managing in China.”
What did you learn professionally during your time in the lab?
“I learned a tremendous amount. My colleague Elizabeth (Ellu) has been a superb mentor, and I greatly appreciate the time CSO Janne dedicated to discussing complex scientific problems with me. Beyond the technology itself, I have truly enjoyed the working culture at AQ Biotech. The low hierarchy, trust and lack of micromanagement create a very productive environment. While I have mastered the technical workflows, I am looking forward to continuing our collaboration on data interpretation to truly unlock the potential of our biosensors.”
Outside of work, what have you enjoyed most about Finland? Any surprises?
“Living in Turku has been wonderful. I’ve embraced the Finnish lifestyle—I’ve tried the sauna at Järvelän uimaranta and love it, though I’m still working up the courage for the ice-cold dips! My wife joined me in December, and we enjoyed visiting Suomenlinna, Turunlinna, Turun satama, path of light Turku and shopping in the city center.
Surprisingly, my favorite thing in Finland is the maito (milk)—I drink it every day! I also found that salmon soup, karelian pie and vegetables to be fresh and excellent. While the lack of sunlight in winter was a change, I don’t mind the cold as it reminds me of my hometown. I love the quiet, uncrowded streets and being able to walk to work. I’ve taken many pictures to remember this trip, and my wife is already eager to return!”
When do you plan to come back?
“Hopefully very soon! There is so much potential in what we are building together, and I look forward to the next steps in our collaboration.”
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