Research project
I am intrigued by small RNAs which catalyze chemical reactions: ribozymes. Though highly abundant and well characterized in vitro, biological relevance has only been assigned to a few examples. After discovering small ribozymes that cleave tRNA trailers, I aim to solve their structure via cryo-EM employing nanostructure assembly and grafting approaches. I hope to elucidate the molecular details of the ribozyme self-scission mechanism and contribute to the fascinating field of RNA catalysis.
Behind the Lab Coat: My Inspirations and Passions
Year you joined the Sigel Lab: 2022
Favorite molecule: Adenosine Triphosphate
Scientist hero: Stephen Hawking
If I could visit anywhere, I would go to the Moon.
Teacher that changed my life: Middle school chemistry teacher
Outside of lab, I enjoy good food, playing the guitar, and going to the gym.
Education
| 01/2022 - now | Doctorate in Chemical and Molecular Sciences Supervisor: Prof. Roland K. O. Sigel, Susann Zelger-Paulus |
| 09/2012 - 05/2016 | Master of Science in Molecular Microbiology, Microbial Ecology and Immunobiology Thesis: “Characterization of RNAP Binding Aptamers that Activate Transcription in E. Coli” Department of Biochemistry, University of Vienna, Austria |
| 09/2010 - 11/2012 | Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biotechnology Department of Applied Life Sciences, FH Campus Wien, Austria |
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| 09/2016 - 10/2021 | Chemist in Research and Development Development of temperature label prototypes and upscaling to serial production Innorese AG, Switzerland |
| 05/2015 - 07/2015 | Research Exchange within the scope of master's thesis Department of Integrated Structural Biology, IGBMC, France |
| 09/2013 - 01/2014 | Erasmus Internship within the scope of master's degree studies Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark |
| 01/2012 - 07/2012 | Erasmus Internship as bachelor trainee Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Toxicology, Stockholm University, Sweden |