BUA Institution

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Description of Research

We use high-resolution imaging methods to investigate molecular processes in cells. We use an cryo-electron microscope and draw comparisons with light microscopic methods. We are interested in brain cells, where we study, for example, how they behave in brain injuries and degenerative processes.

Where in the world has your career been largely based until now?

Berlin, Bern (Switzerland), Cologne and Bonn

Why Berlin?

Home town, great science

What fascinates you about your research area?

That we can directly image the inner of cells and tissues without their manipulation and actually see the biology that is going on at that time point.

How did you become interested in your specific topic?

I was always fascinated about how things work (technical things but also organisms) and wanted to study this in the greatest detail possible. In our case these are molecules (their atoms and interactions).

What did you want to be when you grow up?

A fighter-jet pilot

If you could have a radical career change for a week, what would it be?

A professional tennis player

Rumour has it that nobody is perfect. Which skill or ability have you really had to work on in your career (or are you perhaps still working on)?

As a perfectionist, I had to learn to be patient with myself and other people.

Who is the most interesting or inspiring person you have ever worked with?

A collaborator in the US (no names ;) - a wonderful manager and very nice person!

What would be the greatest professional achievement you could ever aspire to?

If my basic resarch would lead to treatment of the studied diseases and would actually help affected patients.