Major Cancer Biology Students 2023

and have a look at their profiles below:

University Education
10/2023 – present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
09/2016 – 07/2021: B.Sc. in Pharmacy, The German University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

Internships/Work Experience
08/2022 - 09/2023: R&D Scientist at Proteinea, Cairo, Egypt
06/2021 - 01/2022: Research Intern in the Tumor Biology Research Lab (Dr. Shahenda El-Naggar), Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt. Research focus: Examining the role of aggresomes in cancer pathogenesis in pediatric brain tumors, and the interplay between autophagy and the cellular protein quality control.
07/2019 - 08/2019: Intern in the Vaccines Department, MSD, Cairo, Egypt
06/2019 - 07/2019: Intern in the Molecular Biology Lab, Children's Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357, Cairo, Egypt

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
The intricate capabilities of our body's machinery in combating cancer and other disease threats captivate me. My scientific interests lie prominently within the realm of immuno-oncology, with focused interests in CAR-T cell therapy and epigenetic regulation of T cells. My interests extend to the integration of computational technology in the development of cancer therapeutics. Immersing myself in the dynamic research environment at DKFZ, where dedicated individuals invest time and effort in cancer research, is profoundly influential. As I navigate my academic journey, I aspire not only to comprehend the intricacies of cancer but also to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing efforts in the fight against cancer.

Contact: sama.almehallawi (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 – present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
09/2019 – 06/2023: B.Sc. in Applied Pharmacy, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Campus Pirmasens

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Applied Pharmacy
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Establishment of hCEA-expressing in vitro tumor models for functional evaluation of novel bispecific cancer immunotherapeutics

Internships/Work Experience
10/2023 – present: Research Assistant (HIWI) at the Uniklinkum Heidelberg, research group Cardio-Oncology, Prof. Dr. med. Lorenz Lehmann, Heidelberg, Germany
11/2022 – 06/2023: Research Internship and Bachelor's Thesis at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), research group Applied Tumor-immunity (D120, NCT), Prof. Dr. Dirk Jäger, Lab: AG Weyd, Heidelberg, Germany. Project: Functional evaluation of novel bispecific tumor immunotherapeutics (BiMAb and HisMAbI) in in vitro tumor mouse models, application of novel bispecific antibodies in in vitro T cell activation assays, Hypothesis based on: Investigation on the influence of TAA-size on activation status of CD8+ OT-I T cells, TAA of focus: human carcinoembryonic antigen (hCEA)
10/2021 – 02/2022: Research Assistant and Tutor (HIWI) for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Prof. Dr. Peter Groß, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Campus Pirmasens

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
Since human recollection, mankind fears the diagnosis of cancer because it is correlated with misery and death. When I studied Pharmacy, I recognized how limited our access to safe and effective cancer therapeutics are. To this day, the standard-of-care therapies include steel, chemistry and radiation which harm patients and lead to relapses. I became interested in discovering the potential of harnessing patient's immune system by immunotherapy. Therapies that include bispecific antibodies or CAR-T cells can bypass the immune escape mechanisms developed by tumor cells and prolong the overall survival of cancer patients. Can targeted immunotherapy replace chemotherapy in future? What are the safety concerns of immunotherapeutics? I am sure that during my time at the DKFZ I will enrich my knowledge on cancer research so I can contribute to the development and marketing authorisation of effective and safe cancer immunotherapies in future.

Contact: kerim.aslan (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 – Present: M.Sc. Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Germany
09/2020 – 06/2023: B.Sc. Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Strasbourg, France

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Bacterial Lectin-Based Glycosphingolipid Profiling in Fabry Disease-Affected Fibroblasts

Internships/Work Experience
11/2023 – Present: Student Aid (HiWi) in the Career Service & Alumni Relations team of the DKFZ
02/2023 – 06/2023: Research internship and Bachelor thesis in Prof. Dr. Winfried Römer's laboratory at the Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS), Freiburg, Germany
07/2022 – 08/2022: Research internship at the Functional Organisation of the Golgi Apparatus group of Prof. Sean Munro, at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) MRC, Cambridge, UK
06/2021 – 05/2022: Research internship at the Membrane Traffick and Lipidic Signalling group of Dr. Sylvie Friant, at the Molecular Genetics, Genomics and Microbiology (GMGM) institute in the University of Strasbourg, France

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
Understanding how the living world functions on a molecular level has been a long passion of mine. Throughout my undergraduate studies, my interest in understanding the roles of key mechanisms like gene expression, RNA, and protein control has continued to evolve. I'm captivated by how these processes intricately maintain and regulate life, both at the cellular level and within the broader context of an organism. My fascination lies in exploring these fundamental mechanisms and their potential dysregulation, with a particular focus on the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels.
As a participant in the Major Cancer Biology program, I am eager to explore diverse fields and hone in on a specific subject for future research. My goal is to delve into the dynamic intersection of genomics and cancer research, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques like single-cell analysis. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my aspiration to contribute to the vital work being done at DKFZ and to make a meaningful impact in the field of cancer research.

LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 - present: MSc. in Molecular Biosciences, Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls Universität Heidelberg & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
09/2018-07/2023: BSc. in Genetics and Bioengineering, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), Izmir, Turkey

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Bioengineering
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Characterization of HSAT5 Repetitive DNA Expression in Cellular Senescence

Internships/Work Experience
04/2021 - 07/2023: Research Assistant and Bachelor Thesis in the lab of Dr. Cihangir Yandım focusing on Genomics of Aging and Cancer at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), Izmir, Turkey
07/2022 - 09/2022: Research Intern exploring "The roles of cell signaling in the genome stability of stem cells" (Funded by ERASMUS+ Program) in the Cell Signaling Lab of Prof. Dr. Sergio P. Acebrón and under the co-supervision of Dr. Anchel de Jaime-Soguero at Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
11/2021 - 06/2023: Student Assistant in the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), Izmir, Turkey

Publications
Uyulgan, Sude; Köse, Sıla Naz; Kıpçak, Arda; Başkan, Yağmur; Dağlar, Gökçe; Karagonlar, Zeynep Fırtına; Yandım, Cihangir. Thyroid hormone T3 augments the cytotoxicity of sorafenib in Huh7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells by suppressing AKT expression. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics (2023). 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_2106_22

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
Complexity and diversity exist in all aspects of life, including cancer cells that exhibit molecular heterogeneity at the subcellular level. Delving into cancer research is a pathway to unravel this phenomenon, which might shed light on fundamental questions in biology. As a master's student at DKFZ, my ultimate goal is to be part of a collective effort to improve cancer patients' lives by harnessing the immune system's power to combat this devastating disease while engaging in an international working environment and gaining experience with cutting-edge technologies

Contact: yagmur.baskan (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2019 – 10/2023, B.Sc. in Biosciences, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

Highest Degree: B.Sc. in Biosciences
Title of the Bachelor's Thesis: „Analysis of phenotypic heterogeneity in clonal Chinese Hamster Ovary cell cultures"

Internships/Work Experience
September 2023 – Now: Research Assistant at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Epigenetics (Prof. Dr. Frank Lyko), Heidelberg, Germany
April 2023 – Oktober 2023: Research internship and Bachelor thesis at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Epigenetics (Professor Dr. Frank Lyko), Heidelberg, Germany
July 2022 – August 2022: Internship at the Evonik Asia Research Hub, Bioinformatics team, Singapore

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
The way life developed in over a billion years to turn simple chemical reactions into complex life are major drivers of my interest in molecular biology. The complexity of life with its myriad of systems and pathways works even under constant pressure from the internal and the external environment rather precisely. The efficiency of these mechanisms, permanently competing for resources, is fascinating to me. Biological systems are imperfect and one of the consequences could be cancer. I find this topic to be exciting, especially the development and differentiation of cells and organisms and in the case of cancer their mechanisms to reverse and abuse those systems. Therefore, I am eager to discover more about this in my future studies.

Contact: elias.boehl (at) dkfz.de

University Education
10/2023 – Present: M.Sc. Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Germany. Supported by the DKFZ MSc fellowship.
09/2019 – 06/2022: B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Jacobs University Bremen, Germany

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Investigation on primary cilia of Nthy-ori 3-1 cells upon cysteine cathepsin inhibition or TSH stimulation.

Internships/Work Experience
06/2022-08/2022 and 03/2023-09/2023: Research Affiliate at Jacobs University Bremen (Prof. Dr. Klaudia Brix). Project: Collaborating with a machine learning group to develop an analysis program that outperforms existing tools, including CellProfiler, in terms of accuracy and efficiency for cell segmentation and cilia detection.
09/2022-02/2023: Intern in Science Education and Public Engagement at EMBL Heidelberg (European Molecular Biology Laboratory). Project: Developing educational materials on Cell and Planetary Biology, preparing hands-on microscopy guides for young learners, planning and executing science workshops to connect with the wider public.
09/2021-05/2022: Undergraduate Research Volunteer at Jacobs University Bremen (Prof. Dr. Klaudia Brix). Project: Investigation on primary cilia of Nthy-ori 3-1 cells upon cysteine cathepsin inhibition or TSH stimulation.
09/2020-06/2022: Teaching Assistant at Jacobs University Bremen for General Biochemistry Lab (Fall Semester 2020, 2021) (Prof. Dr. Susanne Illenberger), General Cell Biology Lab (Spring Semester 2021, 2022) (Prof. Dr. Susanne Illenberger), Advanced Cell Biology Lab (Fall Semester 2021) (Prof. Dr. Klaudia Brix)
06/2021-08/2021: Intern in Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Quality Control Labs in Gen İlaç ve Sağlık Ürünleri San. ve Tic. A.Ş, Ankara, Turkey. Project: Implementing a comprehensive suite of microbiological tests on raw materials, in-process, and finished pharmaceutical products.

Publications
Doğru, A.G.; Rehders, M.; Brix, K. Investigations on Primary Cilia of Nthy-ori 3-1 Cells upon Cysteine Cathepsin Inhibition or Thyrotropin Stimulation. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 9292. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119292

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
Ever since I received a microscope set as a gift from my parents as a child, I have been interested in unraveling the mysteries of the molecular world within our bodies. This curiosity led me to explore the intricate connections within our cells, biological processes, and systems during my bachelor's studies. I found myself particularly drawn to understanding how our immune system works and how cancer cells can evade it, ultimately sparking my interest in neoantigen-targeted cancer vaccines. I am drawn to the potential of their personalized approach, potentially resulting in fewer adverse effects when compared to traditional therapies like chemotherapy. At DKFZ, I hope to focus on neoantigens and their role in immunotherapy. Apart from this, I aspire to immerse myself in diverse research topics, gain first-hand exposure to these topics, and develop a comprehensive understanding of translational research. Furthermore, I am eager to explore the dynamics within different research groups, observing how information is shared both within, between groups, and in the context of science communication with the general public.

Contact: alaragaye.dogru (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 - present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences-Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls Universität Heidelberg & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
09/2019-07/2023: B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Turkey

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science with High Honours in Molecular Biology and Genetics
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: In Vitro Analysis of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Profile in Pancreatic Cancer

Internships/Work Experience
03/2022 - 07/2023: Research Internship and Bachelor's Thesis at Pancreatic Cancer Research Center (PANKAM) focusing on the pain mechanism of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis as well as development of novel therapies, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Güralp Onur Ceyhan, Acibadem University, Istanbul/Turkey
09/2021 - 10/2021: Internship at Next Genetic Center (NGC) in the Cytogenetics Laboratory, Istanbul/Turkey
06/2021 - 09/2021: Research Internship at Epigenetiks Biotechnology focusing on personalized diagnosis and therapy in the fields of microbiome,metagenome, rare diseases, and cancer under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Osman Ugur Sezerman, Istanbul/Turkey
06/2021-08/2021: Research Internship at the research group of Prof. Dr. Emel Timucin in the project of SOD1 Protein Stability for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Acibadem University, Istanbul/Turkey

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
Throughout my undergraduate journey and professional experiences, I was fascinated by the complexities of the molecular world , about how they shape and maintain life at the most fundamental level. My passion for science, with a desire to make a positive impact in the world, has driven my decision to pursue a major in cancer biology at DKFZ. Cancer is a multifaceted disease that presents many challenges to the patients and medical community. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms driving its development and progression as well as designing more personalized therapies, has the utmost importance. I am especially interested in cancer immunology and have long been captivated by the idea of harnessing the immune system's power to design more effective treatments. I think this highly promising area of research has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and presents numerous open questions that need further exploration. I am really eager to delve deeper into this exciting area of research and widen my perspective. I strongly believe that my experience at DKFZ will be invaluable for my future aspirations.

Contact: yagmur.doelalan (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 – present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
09/2019 – 07/2023: B.Sc. in Biological Chemistry, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biological Chemistry
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Identification of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) Protein Regulators by a Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 Knockout Screen

Internships/Work Experience
08/2023 – present: Research Assistant at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), research group Immune Regulation in Cancer (Dr. Chong Sun), Heidelberg, Germany
11/2022 – 07/2023: Research Internship and Bachelor's Thesis at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), research group Immune Regulation in Cancer (Dr. Chong Sun), Heidelberg, Germany. Project: Design, optimization and implementation of a FACS-based, genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen for the identification of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 protein regulators. Co-author in the publication: CMTM6 shapes antitumor T cell response through modulating protein expression of CD58 and PD-L1
09/2021 – 02/2022: Research Internship at the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center (UHCC), research group Cell Signaling and Adhesion (Dr. Joe Ramos), Honolulu, Hawai'i, USA. Project: Investigation of the regulation of Leukaemia-associated RhoGEF (LARG) through RSK2-mediated phosphorylation at Ser1288 in Glioblastoma Multiforme
03/2021 – 08/2021: Teaching assistant in the mathematics course for Biotechnology and Biological Chemistry students, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany

Publications
Miao B, Hu Z, ... Fitz A, ... Schumacher TNM, Sun C. CMTM6 shapes antitumor T cell response through modulating protein expression of CD58 and PD-L1. Cancer Cell. 2023 Oct 9;41(10):1817-1828.e9. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.08.008

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
My interest in Molecular Biology developed during my undergraduate studies, where I was fascinated by the molecular processes of life, especially the dysregulated mechanisms leading to pathologies. The knowledge and practical experiences I gained during my Bachelor's program have deepened my passion for the cancer field as well as basic and translational research to find a cure for this highly complex disease. In particular, I am intrigued by the molecular mechanisms that regulate antitumor immunity and immunotherapy strategies such as checkpoint inhibitors or CAR-T cell therapies. Additionally, I am interested in the genetic determinants of cancer cell migration and metastasis. As a master student at DKFZ, I am eager to increase my knowledge and get hands-on experience in many exciting fields of cancer research to prepare for my doctoral studies and eventually make a significant contribution to the understanding of this fascinating disease and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Contact: annika.fitz (at) dkfz.de

University Education
10/2020 - 09/2023 - Bachelor of Science in Biology at University Würzburg, Germany

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Investigation into tumor tissue niche environment with endothelial and stroma cells on a synthetic matrix

Internships/Work Experience
03/2023 - 07/2023 Research internship and Bachelor thesis at the research group of Dr. Gudrun Dandekar at the Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg
01/2023 – 02/2023 Research internship at the research group of Dr. Gudrun Dandekar at the Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, investigation into the effects of a 0.1 µM Afatinib treatment on HCC827 and A549 cancer cells in a 3D tumor model based on a porcine scaffold
11/2022 – 12/2022 Research internship at the research group of Prof. Dr. Michael Sendtner at the Insitute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital Würzburg, investigation into the effects of a Nbea knockout mutation in mice on ATP1A3, ATP1A2, SOP102, RIM1/2, a5 and Cav2.2 in the cell body of lumbar neurons

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
I have always been fascinated by the intricate and precise interplay of life at a molecular level and how small changes can have drastic effects resulting in disease. During my Bachelor studies, I came in contact with the modeling of the tumor microenvironment and developed a deep interest in understanding how cancer cells are able to dysregulate their tissue niche and how interfering with the support from their environment could potentially be used for future oncotherapy methods. Being part of the Major Cancer Biology at DKFZ provides me with the opportunity to broaden my knowledge as well as hands-on skills and will prepare me for the next steps of my scientific career. I am excited to dive into different fields of cutting-edge cancer research and contribute to improving the lives of cancer patients.

Contact: simon.frank (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
Molecular Medicine at Ulm University, October 2019 – September 2022

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Sciences
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: "Cloning and Characterization of human EGFP- and FLAG-tagged SBDS"

Internships/Work Experience
July 2023 to present: Student aid (Hiwi) in the Pereira group at Centre for Organismal Studies and German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
April 2023 to June 2023: Research internship in the Pereira at Centre for Organismal Studies and German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
August 2021 to September 2021: Research internship in the Favre/Sorbet group at the Cancer Research Centre Toulouse, Toulouse, France

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
From the very beginning of my education, the intricacy of life at the cellular and molecular level captured my interest. I am continuously fascinated by how such a system processes information, adapts to changes in its environment and precisely regulates its reproduction, integrity and even its demise. The biology of cancer is highly intertwined with many of these processes, and cancer poses a conceptual problem to multicellular life. Hence, I believe that studying cancer can provide both novel solutions to one of the most prevalent diseases on the planet, as well as a deeper understanding of life on a cellular and molecular life.
In my scientific career, I wish to investigate the detailed molecular mechanism contributing to cancer, and how they differ to the physiological state of the cell. I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary fields of research, and hope to gain insights into a variety of new research areas during the Master program at the DKFZ. Topics that raised my interest during my education so far are cellular signalling, oncolytic viruses, nucleolar stress and acquired resistance to drugs, as well as new techniques in microscopy.

Contact: jakob.freudenberger (at) dkfz.de

University Education
10/2023-present: MSc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
10/2020-06/2023: BSc. in Experimental and Molecular Biology, specialization: Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Molecular Biology and Genetics
Title of Thesis: Molecular heterogeneity of proteins associated with the endoplasmic reticulum in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients

Internships/Work Experience
02/2023-09/2023: Research Assistant, Tissue Plasticity and Regeneration Research Team, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. Projects: Development of ex-vivo cellular models for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: markers and targets for precision medicine; Lung stress and regeneration
09/2022-05/2023: BSc. Thesis, Tissue Plasticity and Regeneration Research Team, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
09/2021-02/2022: Research Internship: Role of TUSC3 in modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress response, International Clinical Research Center (ICRC) & Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Publications
Masuri S, Moráň L, Vesselá T, Cadoni E, Cabiddu MG, Pečinka L, Gabrielová V, Meloni F, Havel J, Vaňhara P, Pivetta T. A novel heteroleptic Cu(II)-phenanthroline-UDCA complex as lipoxygenase inhibitor and ER-stress inducer in cancer cell lines. J Inorg Biochem. 2023 Sep;246:112301. doi: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112301. Epub 2023 Jun 22. PMID: 37392615.

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
I began my medical research journey in the team of Dr. Petr Vaňhara. My Bachelor thesis focused on the role of ER stress in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. I obtained experience in basic methods in molecular biology as well as handling patient-derived cells. Simultaneously, contributed to a project developing 3D study models of PDAC - a captivating field that can help us explore the diverse molecular landscape of various diseases including cancer in a more realistic manner. It is an honor and a responsibility to deepen my knowledge and connect it with practical experience in the one-of-a-kind Major Cancer Biology at the DKFZ in Heidelberg. While academia is currently my focus, I remain open to exploring paths like commercial research and/or development, seeking a meaningful and purposeful direction.

Contact: viktorie.gabrielova (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 – present Heidelberg, Germany: MSc. Molecular Biosciences, Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls Universität Heidelberg & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
01/2019 – 05/2023 Honolulu, USA: B.Sc. Biochemistry, B.A. Psychology, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Highest Degree: BSc. Biochemistry

Internships/Work Experience
01/2024 – present Heidelberg, Germany: Student Assistant in Pediatric Cardiology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
As of right now, I am particularly interested in stem cells and how they are involved in cancer development, as well as how they can be used in cancer treatments. Another interest of mine are premetastatic niches, how they develop, and in what ways they aid in the metastasis of the tumor. However, as I have just started my specialized education in cancer biology, I am also interested in learning about all other aspects of how cancer progresses and how it can possibly be treated.
After completing my masters, I hope to go on to obtaining my PhD in Cancer Biology. In the future, I would like to not only contribute to the vastly expanding knowledge about different aspects of cancer, but also help to develop new treatments to hopefully increase the prognosis for cancer patients.

Contact: ella.kuipers (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 - present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
10/2019 - 09/2023: B.Sc. in Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Bioanalysis
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Establishment and Validation of a Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Quantification of BCR::ABL1 Fusion Transcripts

Internships/Work Experience
02/2021 - 02/2023: Dual Study Program at Synlab Jena Oncoscreen, Department of Hematologic Oncology and Molecular Pathology, Jena, Germany
Project at the Department of Hematologic Oncology; Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Establishment and validation of a droplet digital PCR assay for quantification of BCR::ABL1 fusion transcripts
Project at the Department of Molecular Pathology; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: Testing different artificial intelligence-based applications to automatically assess the tumor proportion score of PD-L1 expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
My interest in cancer research deepened during my undergraduate studies and my practical work in a cancer diagnostics laboratory. The dynamic and heterogeneous nature of cancer, along with its complex interplay of genetic and microenvironmental factors, captivates my curiosity. I am eager to gain a better understanding of the intricacies of cancer biology by exploring the disease from various perspectives during the masters program at the DKFZ, with the goal to contribute to the advancement of cancer research and the development of new therapeutic approaches in the future.

Contact: jana.kunder (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10.2023: MSc in Molecular Biosciences - Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls-University and German Caner Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
09.2019: BSc in Biomedical Science, University of Surrey, England

Bachelor's Dissertation: Potential therapies for treatment of metastatic and advanced clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC)
Bachelor's Report: Optimising CEBPa mutation detection in a paediatric Acute Myeloid Leukaemia cohort using targeted RNA sequencing and Sanger Sequencing

Internships/Work Experience
10.2023: Student Internship (Hi-Wi) at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
07.2022-09.2022: Summer Research Internship at the University of Surrey with Dr. Olivier Cexus. Project: mRNA splice variants of key metabolic enzymes provide constitutive resistance to viral infection in human immune cells
06.2021-06.2022: Research Assistant at King's College London & Guy's Hospital with Dr. Richard Dillon and Dr. Nicola Potter. Project: Detection and identification of novel fusions and genetic alterations in paediatric AML patients for targeted screening and monitoring

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
Cancer biology research is a field that ignites curiosity and inspires hope, playing a critical role in the continuousbattle against one of the most devastating diseases known to humankind. Delving into the intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancerous growths, my passion for cancer research lies in understanding the intricate relationship between the immune system and cancer progression. I hope to explore how genetic mutations can shape the course of the disease, revealing its vulnerabilities and potential targets for treatment.
Within the DKFZ, my ambition is to focus on the bone marrow microenvironment and the molecular drivers of cancer, unravelling the complexities of their development and progression. I am particularly interested in studying the function of cancer stem cells and their impact on treatment resistance and disease recurrence. As I continue my academic journey, my aim and hope is to learn and continue to make advancements in this field, with the ultimate goal of positively impacting the lives of cancer patients.

University Education
10/2023 – present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
09/2017 – 08/2023: Specialist's Degree in Medical Biochemistry, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia

Highest Degree: Specialist's Degree in Medical Biochemistry
Title of Thesis: Molecular characterisation of primary cell cultures of human glioblastoma cells for evaluation of measles virus therapy

Work Experience
04/2021 – 09/2023: Research laboratory technician, Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera I. Mechnikov of The Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia. Projects: Transcriptome Analysis of Human Glioblastoma Cells Susceptible to Infection with the Leningrad-16 Vaccine Strain of Measles Virus; Development of an oncolytic measles vuris for treatment glioblastome multiforme
04/2022 – 08/2023: Research laboratory technician, N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Moscow, Russia. Projects: Glioblastoma patient-derived cell cultures as a model in brain tumor research; Assessment of heterogeneity of primary human glioblastoma cell cultures as an experimental tumor model
05/2018 – 12/2019: Research laboratory technician, Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, Russia. Project: Assessment of stability and activity of recombinant hEGF and hFGF proteins

Internships
29/08/2022 – 16/09/2022: International Summer School (ISS) On Gene Regulation, Epigenetics & Genome Stability. The Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz Germany
Educational Courses at University of Science and Technology "Sirius", Sochi, Russia
"Technologies for viral particle isolation" (22/11/2021 – 26/11/2021); "Immunobiotechnology" (30/08/2021 – 12/09/2021); "Genome editing tools" (21/06/2021 – 26/06/2021)

Publications
Ammour, Y.; Susova, O.; Krasnov, G.; Nikolaeva, E.; et al. Transcriptome Analysis of Human Glioblastoma Cells Susceptible to Infection with the Leningrad-16 Vaccine Strain of Measles Virus. Viruses 2022, 14, 2433. https://doi.org/10.3390/v14112433
Nikolaeva E.Yu., Shchetinina Yu.R., Shokhin I.E., Zverev V.V., Svitich O.A., Susova O.Yu., Mitrofanov A.A., Ammour Yu.I. Measles Virus as a Vector Platform for Glioblastoma Immunotherapy (Review). Drug development & registration. 2022;11(1):51-58. https://doi.org/10.33380/2305-2066-2022-11-1-51-58

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
Extensive training at the top medical university in Russia has led me to the clear conviction that I am not the kind of person who will stand at a patient's bedside; I am the one who will make it possible for the doctor to help. So cancer as one of mankind's most complex diseases has become my research challenge since my freshman year. Its fascinating yet terrifying heterogeneity which makes it difficult to come up with a one-size-fits-all solution for treatment inspires me the most and empowers me to keep researching.
So far, I am particularly curious about developing more efficient and targeted treatments such as an oncolytic virotherapy approach. I believe that the close collaboration with DKFZ will allow me to learn and inspire from internationally reputed researchers and will become a great opportunity to move to the "next level" in my personal and professional advancement.

Contact: evgeniya.nikolaeva (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 – Present: M.Sc. Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Germany. Supported by the DKFZ MSc fellowship.
09/2019 – 06/2023: B.Sc. in Biochemistry with German for Science, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with German for Science
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: High-resolution mapping of transcriptional activation domains in the transcription factor SOX2

Internships/Work Experience
03/2023 – 06/2023: Undergraduate research assistant in the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, under the supervision of Dr. Robert Weinzierl. Project: Employing a systematic protein engineering strategy to determine how many distinct transcriptional activation domains (ADs) there are in the transcription factor SOX2 and where they are located.
09/2021 – 09/2022: Undergraduate research assistant at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) working in the division of Cancer Epigenomics (Prof. Dr. Christoph Plass) as part of the Computational Cancer Epigenomics group led by Dr. Pavlo Lutsik, Heidelberg, Germany. Project: Utilising the 10x Single Cell Multiome ATAC + Gene Expression platform to map the cellular identity of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) stromal cells.
09/2020-09/2021 Peer-Assisted Study Skills Leader for undergraduate Biochemistry students, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
Motivated by a profound desire to contribute to the ongoing battle against one of the most complex and devastating diseases known to humanity, the intricate web of mechanisms governing cancer's development and progression has long captivated my scientific curiosity.
At present, my main interests lie in the fields of epigenetics and the role of stem cells in cancer progression, as I believe that these two areas hold much of the key to unravelling the complexities of cancer. I am intrigued by the epigenetic modifications that can drive normal cells towards malignancy and realise that understanding these intricate processes can lead to innovative therapeutic strategies. Concurrently, the role of stem cells in cancer has sparked my curiosity, as these elusive cells possess the remarkable potential to initiate and sustain tumour growth. Understanding how cancer hijacks the intrinsic properties of stem cells is a compelling puzzle that I'm eager to solve. Needless to say, during my Master's studies I am very keen to explore diverse subfields within cancer biology by working in different research groups, recognising that interdisciplinary insights can uncover novel solutions to the cancer conundrum.
After obtaining my Master's degree, I envision myself continuing my academic education in Germany by pursuing a Ph.D.

Contact: gaia.oldfield (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 – present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany
09/2020 – 06/2023: B.Sc. in Medical Genetics, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science with Honours in Medical Genetics
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Investigating the regulation and role of semaphorin 7a in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Internships/Work Experience
07/2022 – 07/2023: Research Internship and Bachelor's Thesis at Barts Cancer Institute, research group of Prof. Richard Grose, London, United Kingdom

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
I have a wide interest in medical research associated with both developing novel cancer therapeutic approaches and optimising those currently available. However, because the success of generating such advancements lies predominantly in the understanding of the disease, I am also very attracted to all studies investigating cancer at the molecular level. Especially, I am curious how genetics can contribute to disease occurrence, progression and treatment effectiveness. How do tumours evolve over time, what influences the temporal and spatial heterogeneity, what is the importance of epigenetic dysregulation in different tumour types and how altogether can this knowledge be integrated to eventually find new therapeutic targets and broaden treatment possibilities? Hopefully, during my time at the DKFZ I would be able to dig into these questions and discover things that would become subject to further clinical research and would allow for medical advancements. However, apart from this I am also looking forward to exploring other areas of cancer biology, that I am not so familiar with and getting hands on experience which would drive my future research career.

Contact: adrianna.podolak (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 – present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany
02/22 – 07/23 Exchange Semester - Program Medical Biology, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands
09/2019 – 03/2023: B. Sc. in Molecular and Technical Medicine, Hochschule Furtwangen University, Germany

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Technical Medicine
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Functional investigation of CDK4/6 interactors in glioma cells

Internships/Work Experience
05/23 – 09/23 Medical Assistant at the Gynecological Practice Dr. Roth, Bisingen, Germany
09/2022 – 03/2023: Bachelor Thesis at the Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Tübingen, Germany, research group of Prof. Dr. Dr. Ghazaleh Tabatabai
09/21 – 01/22 Internship at the Diagnostic Laboratory MVZ Laborärzte Singen, Germany
10/15 – 09/18 Vocational training as Dietician, School of Nutrition, Marienhospital Stuttgart, Germany

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
I have always been interested in understanding how the human body works. I find it fascinating how tightly everything is regulated and that already small alterations can lead to a devastating disease like cancer. Despite extensive research that allowed the development of novel therapeutic approaches, cancer remains to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide. One of the challenges may be the heterogeneity found even within a single tumor, which prevents a universal treatment approach. Therefore, I think it is even more important to look at the disease from different perspectives.
I am particularly interested in the intersection of cancer, neurobiology, and the link to stem cells. In my upcoming years at the DKFZ, I aim to gain in-depth knowledge in the field of oncology, so I can hopefully contribute to better diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients.

Contact: hanna.schuster (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn Profile

University Education
10/2023 – present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
09/2019 – 07/2023: Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology, Dr. D.Y. Patil University, Pune, India

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) in Biotechnology
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Characterisation of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity induced by oncoviruses and its influence on programmed death-ligand 1 reprogramming

Internships/Work Experience
09/2022 – 09/2023 Project associate at 'Cancer Systems Biology laboratory' BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Multiple projects: Characterizing the coupled axes of cancer cell plasticity and their association to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
01/2022 – 05/2022 Project intern and thesis student at 'Cancer Systems Biology laboratory' BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. Project: Partial EMT-associated changes in cellular plasticity in oncovirus-positive samples.
01/2020 – 03/2020 Project intern at Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics institute, Pune. Project: 'Identifying novel epigenetic markers for Parkinson's disease in Drosophila melanogaster'.

Publications
Sehgal M, Ramu S, Vaz JM, Ganapathy, YR, Muralidharan, S, Venkatraghavan, S, & Jolly, MK. Characterizing heterogeneity along EMT and metabolic axes in colorectal cancer reveals underlying consensus molecular subtype-specific trends. Translational Oncol. Published online November 28, 2023. doi:10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101845
Shyam S, Ramu S, Sehgal M, Jolly MK. A systems-level analysis of the mutually antagonistic roles of RKIP and BACH1 in dynamics of cancer cell plasticity. J R Soc Interface. 2023;20(208):20230389. doi:10.1098/rsif.2023.0389
Jindal R*, Nanda A*, Pillai M, Ware KE, Singh D, Sehgal M, Armstrong AJ, Somarelli JA, Jolly MK. Emergent dynamics of underlying regulatory network links EMT and androgen receptor-dependent resistance in prostate cancer. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal Volume 21, 2023, Pages 1498-1509. doi:10.1016/j.csbj.2023.01.031
Sehgal M*, Ray R*, Vaz JM, Kanikar S, Somarelli JA, Jolly MK. Partial EMT and associated changes in cellular plasticity in oncovirus-positive samples. Advances in Cancer Biology – Metastasis, Volume 7, July 2023, 100091. doi:10.1016/j.adcanc.2023.100091
Sehgal M*, Muralidharan S*, Soundharya R*, Mandal S, Majumdar SS, Yeshwanth M, Saha A, Jolly MK. PD-L1 activity is associated with partial EMT and metabolic reprogramming in Carcinomas. Curr Oncol. 2022;29(11):8285-8301. 2022 Oct 31. doi:10.3390/curroncol29110654
Sehgal M, Jakhete SM, Manekar AG, Sasikumar S. Specific epigenetic regulators serve as potential therapeutic targets in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Heliyon. 2022;8(8): e09773. 2022 Jun 30. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09773
*: Equal contribution

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
I have always been fascinated by the complex interactions that exist in biological systems and how even minute perturbations can cause anomalies that manifest as life-threatening disorders, like cancer. My current research is focused on delineating the patterns of tumour heterogeneity and cellular plasticity using transcriptomic analyses in different cancer types.
In future, I intend to investigate further the causes and effects of specific molecular and cellular perturbations that drive aggressive tumour growth. I hope to make meaningful contribution towards identification of more effective targets for cancer therapy using cutting-edge techniques (like single-cell multi-omics) that I aim to learn about at DKFZ.

Contact: manas.sehgal (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 – present: M. Sc. In Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Germany
09/2021-02/2022: Exchange Semester (Erasmus + Mobility Program) at the University of Saarland, Germany
09/2018-02/2023: B. Sc. In Biochemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Spain

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Microbiome role in developing congenital heart disease associated with 22q11 Syndrome. Relation with maternal levels of vitamin A

Internships/Work Experience
11/2022 –09/2023: Research scholarship in the research group IdISBa Cancer Epigenetics Lab of Dr. Diego Marzese, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
04/2022-09/2022: Research scholarship and Bachelor thesis in the group Genomics of Health of Dr. Damian Heine, IdISBa, Palma, Spain
10/2021-02/2022: Research internship in the research group of Dr. Bruce Morgan in the Institute of Biochemistry (ZHMB), University of Saarland, Germany
10/2020-06/2021: Internship in the research group Communitive Nutrition and Oxidative Stress of Dr. Josep Tur in the University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain

Publications
Ensenyat-Mendez M*, Solivellas-Pieras M*, Llinàs-Arias P, Íñiguez-Muñoz S, Baker JL, Marzese DM, et al. Epigenetic profiles of triple-negative breast cancers of African American and White females. JAMA Network Open. 2023;6(10). doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.35821

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
During my bachelor's education, I was fascinated by genomics and its applications, especially in the context of cancer biology. The complexity of genetics and epigenetics in carcinogenesis, along with the heterogeneity of cancer cell populations within a tumor, are my core interests.
As a student at DKFZ, I aim to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of cancer biology and to learn from state-of-the-art research. I am also interested in exploring new areas, such as studying the microenvironment and immunology applications. However, I also believe that scientific research is not only driven by innate curiosity but also by the need to address social problems, such as cancer. I am particularly impressed by the translational research conducted at the center, and I would be very grateful to contribute to these efforts.

Contact: maria.solivellaspieras (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

University Education
10/2023 – present: M. Sc. In Molecular Biosciences with Major in Cancer Biology, Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Germany
10/2019 – 07/2023: B. Sc. in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Bonn, Germany

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biomedicine
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Analyzing Inflammasome Activation in Primary Human Neutrophils

Internships/Work Experience
07/2023 – 11/2022 Bachelor's thesis in the anesthesia department of the University Clinic Bonn, research group of PD Dr. Stilla Frede
04/2022 – 06/2022 Lab rotation at the Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, research group of Prof. Sarah Walmsley
01/2022 – 03/2022 Lab rotation in the anesthesia department of the University Clinic Bonn, research group of PD Dr. Stilla Frede
09/2018 – 08/ 2019 Research Assistant/ Trainee at the Bernhard-Nocht-Institute, Hamburg, research group of PD Dr. Thomas Jacob

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
It's remarkable how even a minor misstep can trigger life-threatening consequences. Fascinated by cancer biology, my background in immunology has created a passion to delve into cancer immunology. During my master's at the DKFZ I am driven to understand the mechanisms of immune evasion during cancer progression while understanding the drivers behind the excessive responses in CAR T-cell therapy. My objective is to contribute to the highly promising field of immunotherapeutic approaches in cancer biology and one day to make a meaningful impact on patients, both by improving both disease treatment and alleviating severe adverse effects. After my master studies, I would like to pursue a PhD in the field of cancer immunology.

Contact: julia.tabel (at) dkfz.de

University Education
10/2023 - present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany
10/2019 - 09/2023: B.Sc. in Molecular Biomedicine, Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) and University of Bonn, Germany

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Molecular Biomedicine
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: Characterization of the Role of Ferroptosis-Suppressing Systems in ILC2s and TH2s in the Context of Airway Inflammation

Internships/Work Experience
21/11/2022 - 21/04/2023: Bachelor Thesis in the group of Prof. Dr. Wilhelm at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology (IKCKP) at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB); Bonn, Germany
22/03/2022 - 21/07/2022: Research internship in the group of Prof. Dr. Laplante at the "Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et pneumologie de Québec" (CRIUCPQ) affiliated with Laval University; Project: Characterization of ZNF768 degradation in response to genotoxic stress; Québec City, Canada
02/10/2021 - 18/01/2022: Research internship in the group of PD Dr. Beyer at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE); Project: Immunological studies in Rtkn2-knockout mice; Bonn, Germany
03/08/2020 - 31/08/2020 and 07/09/2020 - 02/10/2020: Research internships in the group of PD Dr. van Echten-Deckert at the Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) affiliated with the University of Bonn; Project: Studies on sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) lyase-deficient MEFs regarding autophagy signaling; Bonn, Germany
26/08/2019 - 20/09/2019: Research internship in the group of Prof. Dr. Bosch at the Zoological Institute of the University of Kiel; Quantitative analysis of alterations in the microbiome of Hydra and examination of consequent host apoptosis; Kiel, Germany
WS 2022/23: Student assistant (SHK) at the University of Bonn as tutor in immunology
WS 2020/21 and WS 2021/22: Student assistant (SHK) at the University of Bonn as tutor in organic chemistry

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
During my Bachelor studies, I found myself fascinated by the fine-tuned processes that lie at the very basis of life. A slight dysregulation of these processes can be sufficient to cause diseases, a prominent example being cancer. Fortunately, nature has come up with a plethora of tools to prevent cancerous malignancies. One of these tools is the immune system, which I am particularly interested in learning more about during my time at the DKFZ, while also deepening my knowledge on cancer formation and development.
Following my Master studies at the DKFZ, I am eager to pursue a PhD, preferably at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a better understanding of nature's safeguarding mechanisms in place to prevent cancer. It is my belief that refinement and improvement of such pre-made tools could be a key methodology to once overcome the burden that cancer poses onto modern society.

Contact: timon.utecht (at) dkfz.de

University Education
10/2023 - now: MSc. in Molecular Biosciences, Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls Universität Heidelberg & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
09/2023 – now: Additional training program «Bioinformatics for Biologists», Bioinformatics Institute, Saint-Petersburg, Russia (online)
09/2019-08/2023: BSc. In Applied and Physics and Mathematics, specialization in Biomedical Physics and Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science with honors
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: DNA ligase A is essential for integration of prespacers into Escherichia coli type I-E CRISPR arrays

Internships/Work Experience
06/2022-09/2023: Trainee researcher in the Laboratory of regulation of gene expression of prokaryotic mobile elements, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Moscow, Russia, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Konstantin Severinov. Revealing mechanisms of CRISPR adaptation in CRISPR-Cas type I-E system.
03/2021-11/2021: Trainee researcher in the Laboratory of regulation of cellular signaling, iGEM 2020, team MIPT_MSU. Developing an innovative drug delivery system for precise cancer treatment.

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
The profession I want to devote my life to must meet two requirements: it should allow me to satisfy curiosity, and benefit humanity. During my bachelor studies I delved into the fundamental molecular research of CRISPR-Cas systems. My everyday lab work brought me closer to understanding the principles of life. Now I want to proceed with fundamental molecular biology research but apply it to Cancer Biology. Combining these to things will enable me to deal with the challenges society faces today, particularly through the development of new therapies or diagnostics, and I feel that DKFZ is the best place to do that.

Contact: sofiya.vinogradova (at) dkfz.de

University Education
10/2023 - present: M.Sc. in Molecular Biosciences – Major Cancer Biology, Ruprecht-Karls University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
10/2019 – 08/2023: B.Sc. in Molecular Biotechnology, Ruprecht-Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany

Highest Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Molecular Biotechnology
Title of Bachelor's Thesis: A novel qPCR-based specific 5'isomiR detection in breast cancer

Internship/Work Experience
04/2023 – 08/2023: Bachelor's Thesis at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Molecular Genome Analysis (Prof. Dr. Stefan Wiemann), Heidelberg, Germany. Project: Design and optimization of a novel qPCR-based assay to both identify and quantify specific 5'isomiRs
12/2020 – 11/2021: International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, Team Heidelberg 2021, Ruprecht-Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany. Project: „How to train your microbiome", Research in the field of personalized treatment through transformation of the patient's gut microbiome

Scientific Interests & Future Plans
Science fascinated me early on in my school career. In particular, the questions of how human cells work and how they interact to make human life possible caught my interest. Consequently, I wanted to find out more about pathological changes in certain diseases at the cellular and molecular level. Cancer has captured my interest due to its complexity and high global prevalence. About 20 million people are getting diagnosed with cancer every year, and this is not just a number - behind every number there is a personal fate.
With this responsibility and motivation, I am pursuing my career in cancer research. One day I would like to contribute to the eradication of cancer by providing rational basis for innovative treatments and technologies. I am particularly interested in understanding the fundamental processes of cancer in the field of functional (epi-)genomics, malignant stem cells and signal transduction.

Contact: n.wehrwein (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile