Here I would like to present some information about me and my work. This page summarizes the content of my homepage. A complete english version may be available in the future.
Scientist
As a molecular biologist, I conduct research on modern plant breeding methods. Poplars are my model organisms. I am interested in the molecular mechanisms of gene scissors such as CRISPR/Cas.
Speaker
I speak and discuss my research topics at a variety of events, such as conferences, fairs, and seminars – always in a passionate, comprehensible, and professional manner.
Scifluencer
I give information about my research, the background and general topics of plant science on science slam stages, on my Instagram channel, in podcasts or in YouTube videos.
My Research
Junior research group
Since March 2021, I am leading the junior research group „Genetic Technologies“ at the Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics in Großhansdorf. We use modern biotechnological methods to research trees for climate change adaptation.
The junior research group is financially supported by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture in the Bioeconomy funding program.
CRISPR/Cas in trees
Together with my team, I am researching genome editing with CRISPR/Cas and how these techniques work in trees. Poplars are our model organisms. In addition, we are working on transferring CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing to other tree species.
We are exploring conventional CRISPR/Cas approaches as well as DNA-free and novel CRISPR variants, for example, gene targeting, CRISPRi by dCas, or nickase editing.
Additionally, I am interested in transformation and tissue culture systems. As one of the few laboratories in Germany, we have three techniques at our disposal: Agrobacterium-mediated, ballistic and protoplast transformation. Besides different tree species, we can transform Arabidopsis and Nicotiana benthamiana as model organisms.
Trees in climate change
Trees cannot simply leave their habitats, but must be able to survive changing climatic conditions for several decades or centuries to come. I am interested in the molecular mechanisms of abiotic stressors and research drought and salt stress tolerance in poplars.
If you would like to learn more about me and my work, I look forward to hearing from you, preferably by email!