Group Leader
Henrik Kaessmann
Group LeaderI 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).

Phone | 5854 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | 107 |
h.kaessmann@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Postdocs
Ioannis Sarropoulos
PostdocGene 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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
i.sarropoulos@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Kerry Lynn Gendreau
PostdocI 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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
k.gendreau@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Mari Sepp
PostdocMy 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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
m.sepp@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Xuefei Yuan
PostdocI 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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
x.yuan@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
PhD Students
Bastienne Zaremba
PhD StudentI 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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
b.zaremba@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Francisca Hervas-Sotomayor
PhD StudentMy 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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
f.hervas@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Leticia Rodríguez Montes
PhD StudentI’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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
l.montes@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Matthias Janeschik
PhD StudentI 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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
m.janeschik@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Nils Trost
PhD StudentI'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 🐖🐖.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
n.trost@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Noe Mbengue
PhD StudentThe 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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
n.mbengue@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Tetsuya Yamada-Saito
PhD StudentI 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.

Phone | 5884 |
Building | INF 330 |
Room | Lesesaal |
t.yamada@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Technical Assistants
Céline Schneider
Technical AssistantI’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.

Phone | 6890 |
Building | INF 345 |
Room | 149 |
c.schneider@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Julia Schmidt
Technical AssistantSince 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.

Phone | 6890 |
Building | INF 345 |
Room | 149 |
j.schmidt@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Admin. Assistant
Kathrin Hall
Admin. AssistantI 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.

Phone | 6850 |
Building | INF 329 |
Room | 026 |
office-kaessmann@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de |
Alumni
Adem Bilican | PhD Student | Mobile Developer |
Alexandros Pantagias | Master Student | |
Amir Fallahshahroudi | Postdoc | IMBIM, Uppsala University |
Ana Marques | PhD Student | University of Lausanne |
Anamaria Necsulea | Postdoc | CNRS, Lyon |
Angélica Liechti | Technical Assistant | University of Lausanne |
Coralie Rummel | Technical Assistant | |
David Brawand | PhD Student | King's College Hospital |
Delphine Valloton | Technical Assistant | Photographer, Pully |
Diego Cortez | Postdoc | UNAM, Mexico |
Evgeny Leushkin | Postdoc | Senckenberg Zentrum für Humangenetik, Frankfurt |
Fabien Burki | PhD Student | Uppsala University |
Felipe Simao | Master Student | University of Geneva |
Florent Murat | Postdoc | INRAE, Rennes |
Francesco Carelli | PhD Student | University of Cambridge |
Francesco Lamanna | Postdoc | |
Franziska Gruhl | Postdoc | SIB, Lausanne |
Frédéric Lemoine | Postdoc | Pasteur Institute, Paris |
Iris Finci | PhD Student | Médecins Sans Frontières |
Isabelle Dupanloup Duperret | Postdoc | Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics |
Jean Halbert | Technical Assistant | University of Lausanne |
Jean-Vincent Chamary | Postdoc | Science Writer |
Joëlle Gervaix | Master Student | CURML, Lausanne |
Juan Diaz Miyar | Master Student | GenomSys, Switzerland |
Julien Meunier | Postdoc | |
Katerina Guschanski | Postdoc | Uppsala University |
Katharina Mößinger | Postdoc | Senckenberg Zentrum für Humangenetik, Frankfurt |
Kelly Ascencao | Technical Assistant | University of Lausanne |
Kevin Leiss | PhD Student | iOMEDICO AG, Freiburg |
Khrystyna Totska | Master Student | University of Cologne |
Laure Froidevaux | Technical Assistant | |
Lia Rosso | Postdoc | Science Journalist, Lausanne |
Lionel Maquelin | Master Student | Biologist, Lausanne |
Lukasz Potrzebowski | PhD Student | |
Magali Soumillon | PhD Student | R&D |
Manuela Weier | Technical Assistant | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne |
Margarida Cardoso Moreira | Postdoc | The Francis Crick Institute |
Margot Chazotte | Master Student | |
Maria Warnefors | Postdoc | Translator, Kopenhagen |
Marie Fablet | Postdoc | CNRS, Lyon |
Marta Sanchez Delgado | Postdoc | Hummingbird Diagnostics, Heidelberg |
Max Ingman | Postdoc | Thermo Fisher Scientific |
Nicolas Vinckenbosch | PhD Student | High School Teacher, Lausanne |
Oi Pui Hoang | Master Student | University of Vienna |
Philipp Schäfer | Master Student | |
Philippe Julien | Postdoc | Data Scientist |
Ray Marin-Florez | Postdoc | Sophia Genetics, St. Sulpice |
Robert Frömel | Master Student | CRG, Barcelona |
Sophie Nicod | Master Student | University of Sussex |
Tania Studer | PhD Student | UNIL, Lausanne |
Thoomke Brüning | Technical Assistant | University of Mainz |
Vivian Link | Master Student | University of Freiburg |
Zhongyi Wang | PhD Student | Novartis, Basel |
Adem Bilican | PhD Student |
Mobile Developer | |
Alexandros Pantagias | Master Student |
Amir Fallahshahroudi | Postdoc |
IMBIM, Uppsala University | |
Ana Marques | PhD Student |
University of Lausanne | |
Anamaria Necsulea | Postdoc |
CNRS, Lyon | |
Angélica Liechti | Technical Assistant |
University of Lausanne | |
Coralie Rummel | Technical Assistant |
David Brawand | PhD Student |
King's College Hospital | |
Delphine Valloton | Technical Assistant |
Photographer, Pully | |
Diego Cortez | Postdoc |
UNAM, Mexico | |
Evgeny Leushkin | Postdoc |
Senckenberg Zentrum für Humangenetik, Frankfurt | |
Fabien Burki | PhD Student |
Uppsala University | |
Felipe Simao | Master Student |
University of Geneva | |
Florent Murat | Postdoc |
INRAE, Rennes | |
Francesco Carelli | PhD Student |
University of Cambridge | |
Francesco Lamanna | Postdoc |
Franziska Gruhl | Postdoc |
SIB, Lausanne | |
Frédéric Lemoine | Postdoc |
Pasteur Institute, Paris | |
Iris Finci | PhD Student |
Médecins Sans Frontières | |
Isabelle Dupanloup Duperret | Postdoc |
Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics | |
Jean Halbert | Technical Assistant |
University of Lausanne | |
Jean-Vincent Chamary | Postdoc |
Science Writer | |
Joëlle Gervaix | Master Student |
CURML, Lausanne | |
Juan Diaz Miyar | Master Student |
GenomSys, Switzerland | |
Julien Meunier | Postdoc |
Katerina Guschanski | Postdoc |
Uppsala University | |
Katharina Mößinger | Postdoc |
Senckenberg Zentrum für Humangenetik, Frankfurt | |
Kelly Ascencao | Technical Assistant |
University of Lausanne | |
Kevin Leiss | PhD Student |
iOMEDICO AG, Freiburg | |
Khrystyna Totska | Master Student |
University of Cologne | |
Laure Froidevaux | Technical Assistant |
Lia Rosso | Postdoc |
Science Journalist, Lausanne | |
Lionel Maquelin | Master Student |
Biologist, Lausanne | |
Lukasz Potrzebowski | PhD Student |
Magali Soumillon | PhD Student |
R&D | |
Manuela Weier | Technical Assistant |
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne | |
Margarida Cardoso Moreira | Postdoc |
The Francis Crick Institute | |
Margot Chazotte | Master Student |
Maria Warnefors | Postdoc |
Translator, Kopenhagen | |
Marie Fablet | Postdoc |
CNRS, Lyon | |
Marta Sanchez Delgado | Postdoc |
Hummingbird Diagnostics, Heidelberg | |
Max Ingman | Postdoc |
Thermo Fisher Scientific | |
Nicolas Vinckenbosch | PhD Student |
High School Teacher, Lausanne | |
Oi Pui Hoang | Master Student |
University of Vienna | |
Philipp Schäfer | Master Student |
Philippe Julien | Postdoc |
Data Scientist | |
Ray Marin-Florez | Postdoc |
Sophia Genetics, St. Sulpice | |
Robert Frömel | Master Student |
CRG, Barcelona | |
Sophie Nicod | Master Student |
University of Sussex | |
Tania Studer | PhD Student |
UNIL, Lausanne | |
Thoomke Brüning | Technical Assistant |
University of Mainz | |
Vivian Link | Master Student |
University of Freiburg | |
Zhongyi Wang | PhD Student |
Novartis, Basel |