Members of the Kaessmann Lab

I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to explore the molecular and cellular origins and evolution of vertebrate organs together with all the wonderful and extremely talented members of our international team. Indeed, in our lab, we attach great importance to a highly collaborative and positive team spirit and value the diverse cultural backgrounds of our lab members, which contribute to a particularly enriching atmosphere. We have various “mini-teams” of dry and wet lab researchers within the lab, who enthusiastically drive projects forward in remarkable ways.

Outside the lab, I love being with my family and pursuing my hobbies, which include sports (especially running and biking) and music (listening to and producing).

Gene expression changes that occurred during evolution are likely responsible for most phenotypic differences observed between mammals. But how did these changes came to be and how are they encoded in the genomes of different species? These questions led me to study the non-coding part of mammalian genomes, with a particular focus on cis regulatory elements. To this end, I have been analysing large-scale transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets from different organs, cell types, developmental stages and species.

When not in front of my screen, I enjoy playing board games, hiking and bouldering.

I enjoy using molecular biology techniques and statistical modeling to answer questions in evolution, ecology and conservation. I have worked on projects with viruses, amphibians, reptiles, arachnids, mammals, birds, and fish. My current project in the Kaessmann lab focuses on the comparative evolution of brain cell types across distantly related vertebrate species.

I’m a long distance hiker and an avid backpacker. I like traveling and discovering new music and plunging into the coldest water I can find.

My research is focused on the development and evolution of the mammalian cerebellum. I am interested in identifying genes that underlie core ancestral gene expression programs of cell fate specification in the cerebellum as well as genes that contribute to phenotypic innovations of this brain structure during evolution.

I enjoy traveling, dancing, and spending rainy weekends curled up with a good book. To maintain balance in my life, I also find joy in mending my children’s clothes and getting my hands dirty in the garden.

I discovered my strong interest in evolutionary biology during my PhD, when I identified and functionally characterized deeply conserved cis- and trans-regulators in vertebrate heart development. Now I continue my pursuit in evolution by looking into quite the opposite side, the divergence and innovation during species radiation. Specifically, I am exploring this question within the mammalian liver, one of the most rapidly evolving organs which plays central roles in the adaptation of animals to the environment.

Outside the lab, I am enthusiastic about many outdoor activities, especially climbing. I also enjoy exploring the diversity of the world through books, movies, and traveling.

I am passionate about the development and evolution of the brain in all vertebrates, though especially in birds (they are the closest extant lineage to the T-rex after all 🦖). To investigate the brains of different species, I do experiments in the wet lab as well as bioinformatic analyses.

In my free time, I really enjoy a good coffee and cake, hiking in the alps and dancing.

My main interest is evolution, particularly the study of the molecular basis of diversity and innovation. Therefore, I have worked on evo-devo, phylogenetics, systematics and biogeography. Currently, I’m studying the evolution of the vertebrate brain, focusing on understanding how cells emerged and diversified; and how these processes coupled with tissue and organ evolution.

When I’m not talking about evolution, I like to address issues in conservation and inclusion in science. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, and activities related to movies, wine and football. Amphibians and reptiles occupy a special place in my heart.

I’m investigating the molecular evolution of the mammalian liver, one of the fastest evolving organs! My aim is to understand how this organ has adapted to different types of diets.

My hobbies are playing the guitar and playing tennis.

I am interested in the origin and evolution of the vertebrate brain, in particular on a cellular and molecular level. To this end, I am using single-nucleus transcriptomics data to add to a cross-vertebrate comparative effort.

When I'm not coding or sifting through the vast literature on comparative neuroanatomy, I like to read books, listen to music and play board games. I also really enjoy cooking.

I'm investigating the evolution and development of gonads, combining transcriptomics and epigenomics to better understand the cell types that make up these central reproductive organs. Additionally, I maintain the computing server infrastructure of the lab.

My hobbies include programming, making music and passing the pigs 🐖🐖.

The mammalian testis is a rapidly evolving organ. It is not only the place where spermatogenesis takes place, but can also be considered the birth place of new genes. Among others, these characteristics of the testis have captured my interest in the past years. To investigate this organ, I helped establish protocols in the wet-lab. Over the time I have learned one thing: There is always another interesting testis project waiting around the corner!

In my free time, I enjoy going up to Königstuhl and cursing at the Pfälzerwald, which on clear days is visible on the horizon. Other times I enjoy boardgames and cycling.

I am interested in deciphering and predicting the evolution of mammals using statistical modeling, machine learning, and simulations applied to large-scale data. Currently, I am investigating how changes in cis-regulatory elements (CREs) influence the evolution of gene expression in the mammalian cerebellum across development.

When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy reading books, running, bouldering, and watching F1 grand prix 🏎️. I’m also passionate about traveling, and my goal during my PhD is to visit every European country.

I’m one of the technicans or lets say one pair of the Hands 🙌 🧪. Since I don’t have a project of my own, I’m lucky enough to be involved in all wet-lab projects in the laboratory. Together with Julia we do our best to keep everything organized and spread a good mood in the lab.

Besides the lab I like to travel and try new things, like different sports or handcrafts.

Since some of my strongest skills are organization, communication and in general creative problem solving I try to manage most needs of our group’s wet lab part. I enjoy helping to set up new techniques and to be in contact with vendors of many different companies. On top, I really appreciate being technically involved in most of our group’s projects to afterwards fall asleep happily and get motivated for the next day.

To keep the balance in my life I love doing sports and being creative (doing handcrafts and drawing) as well as learning new things like languages and playing instruments.

I bang heads with academic bureaucracy each day, having a hard time to accept that it is here to stay.

Apart from keeping the Kaessmann lab members in line with their forms, trips, and other needs, I have resolved to braving eager soccer kids, grumpy teenagers, blue slopes and find comfort in books and far-away places.