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- PhD, Molecular Biology, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia, (2014-2018)
- MSc, Applied mathematics and physics, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia, (2012-2014)
- BSc, Applied mathematics and physics, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia, (2008-2012)
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Elena Vasileva, PhD, began her scientific training at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, where she earned BSc and MSc degrees. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research at Saint Petersburg State University, the Institute of Experimental Medicine (St. Petersburg, Russia) and Aberystwyth University (Aberystwyth, UK), gaining early experience in molecular and cellular biology research.
She later joined the Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation at the Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences (St. Petersburg, Russia), where she pursued her PhD in molecular biology under the mentorship of Nickolay Barlev, PhD. Her doctoral work focused on RNA-binding proteins and post-translational regulation in colon cancer cells.
During her postdoctoral training under the mentorship of James Amatruda, MD, PhD, at UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, Texas) and later at Children's Hospital Los Angeles/USC (Los Angeles, California), Vasileva developed several zebrafish genetic models to study Ewing sarcoma and explored the developmental origins of the disease. Her research focused on understanding how oncogenic fusion proteins hijack developmental programs, rewire cell identity and drive tumor initiation in vivo.
Outside of the lab, Vasileva enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, visiting museums and art spaces and exploring cities and nature. Saint Petersburg, her hometown, continues to be a source of inspiration for her because of its beauty, history and culture. Recently, she has also developed a new hobby — exploring Washington, DC and its unique neighborhoods, museums and architecture.