Major Cancer Biology Students

• 06/2025 – 08/2025: Internship at Fresenius SE - Corporate Development – Research Office, Biomedical Project Management
• 10/2024 – 04/2025: Bachelor Thesis at University of Bonn - Department for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Frede Lab
• 10/2024 – 02/2024: Tutoring Immunology at University of Bonn
• 04/2024 – 07/2024: Internship at University of Oxford – Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Rehwinkel lab; STING Packaging into Extracellular Vesicles

The complexity of cancer is what motivates me to study it in depth. To get the whole picture, research areas such as immunology, physiology and genetics must be combined. I see my time at the DKFZ as the ideal opportunity to look deeper into these connected research areas while focussing on cancer biology. Working on CAR-T cell therapy during my internship at Fresenius SE allowed me to see how scientific findings translate into clinical application. I now aim to focus on cancer treatment mechanisms, the influence of environmental factors, and translational approaches that bridge laboratory research and clinical application. My ultimate goal is to bring scientific knowledge closer to patients. 

katharina.fleischer (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 07/2024 – 12/2024: Research internship at Genetic and Genomic Sequencing Lab, Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi, India, under the guidance of Dr Sunil Kumar Polipalli. 

• 06/2023 – 07/2023: Summer internship at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, India, under the guidance of Dr Ajay Thakur. 

My interest in cancer biology began during my undergraduate studies, where I was captivated by the complexity of tumor development and its multifaceted causes. Through lectures, discussions, and research papers, I came to understand that cancer is more than just uncontrolled cell growth— it is a complex disease driven by intricate genetic and molecular alterations, which derived my desire to delve deeper into understanding these mechanisms and their impact on human health.  Moreover, I am curious to explore how telomerase inhibitors can be used as therapeutic strategies to target tumor cells, as telomerase gets reactivated in nearly 90% of cancer cases. My long-term goal is to improve patient outcomes in cancer therapy. As a Cancer Biology student at DKFZ, I aspire to contribute to the vision of a life without cancer.

navpreet.kaur (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 01.03. to 31.08.2025   Voluntary internship at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG in Biberach, Department of “Viral Therapy Center”, Department: “Development Core Technologies”, analysis of oncolytic viruses, development and validation of assays for titer and particle quantification

• 01.03. to 30.11.2024   Internship semester and bachelor thesis at Stockholm University, MBW, Samakovlis Group

My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD to deepen my knowledge in cancer research, with a strong focus on personalized and advanced therapies. I am especially interested in contributing to the development of innovative treatment approaches in the fields of virotherapy and gene therapy. By expanding my understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer development, as well as the role of virology and the immune system, I aim to create new therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the development of new and more precise treatments for patients with cancer, genetic disorders, or other complex diseases where conventional small-molecule therapies are no longer sufficient. In the future, I hope to work in a research environment where I can combine different fields like molecular biology, immunology, and biotechnology to help bring new discoveries from the lab into real medical use.

antonia.kelm (at) dkfz. de

• 09/2025 – present: Microscopy assistant, supervised by Dr. Charlotte Kaplan, CellNetworks Core Technology Platform, BioQuant, Heidelberg (Germany)

• 03/2025 – 07/2025: Bachelor’s Thesis at German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg (Germany), group of Dr. Stefan Pusch – “Characterisation of post-translational modifications of EMP3 in a glioblastoma cell line”

• 09/2024 – 01/2025: Research Internship at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (Sweden), group of Prof. Dr. Malin Wickström – “Metabolic effects of the ROCK2 inhibitor KD025 in neuroblastoma”

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join the Master’s program at the DKFZ and become part of this inspiring community, which shares the goal of improving the lives of cancer patients. Facing the challenges of this diverse and complex disease, I am impressed by the collaboration between patients and scientists in developing explanations and solutions through the translation of reliable diagnoses, prognoses, and innovative treatments. My internship in neuroblastoma research sparked my interest in drug development and pediatric cancer. During my Bachelor's thesis, I gained insight into the field of neuropathology, which aroused my interest in brain tumor research. I am encouraged to contribute positively to the development of targeted therapy, translational research, and precision medicine and to further expand my knowledge of various methods and experimental models. 

vanessa.klimek (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 10/2024 – 08/2025: Laboratory Associate, Wax-it Histology Services Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada
• 05/2022 – 08/2022: Laboratory Assistant, NovoBind Livestock Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, Canada
• 05/2021 – 12/2021: Laboratory Assistant, SignalChem Biotech Inc., Richmond, BC, Canada

Optimizing variant-specific therapeutic SARS-CoV-2 decoys using deep-learning-guided molecular dynamics simulations

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-27636-x

My interest in cancer biology, sparked during my undergraduate courses, was solidified through my work in the biotech industry. These experiences gave me insights into the importance of research in advancing cancer diagnostics and treatments. I am fascinated by cancer's molecular complexities, with a particular interest in immuno-oncology, cancer proteomics, and metastasis, especially as they apply to hereditary and pediatric cancers. Through this Master’s program, I hope to expand my knowledge and develop the skills necessary to contribute to innovative research. Looking ahead, I aim to continue my professional journey through a PhD or a research role in industry, where I can help translate scientific insights into effective therapies for patients.

leon.lin (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 05/02/2025 – 30/06/2025: Bachelor’s Thesis research in the Chromatin and Gene Regulation group at Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain. Under supervision of Dr. Guillermo P. Vicent.
• 01/10/2023 – 21/12/2023: Research intern in the Biomedical Research in Melanoma group at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain. Under supervision of Dr. Juan Ángel Recio.
• 09/2020: Final year research project on tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) through the Catalunya-La Pedrera Foundation’s program “BATX2LAB”.

The first time I heard about cancer, it shocked me to my core that our own cells could turn against us, like a ticking bomb waiting to cause massive destruction. From then on, my commitment to developing innovative therapies that are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, was consolidated.
My main long-term goal is to become an impactful cancer researcher with a translational focus. I am particularly interested in the genetic and epigenetic regulation of cancer cells and the complexity of cell interactions and roles in the tumor microenvironment. Through this master’s program, I intend to gain invaluable knowledge in current cancer therapeutic approaches and state of research, and also participate in crucial academia-industry collaborative initiatives to help transfer benchside innovations to bedside applications. I hope to embed myself in the rich research environment localized in Heidelberg, all while collaborating through this program with the DKFZ.

juliana.messegueandres (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 2/2025-8/2025: Research internship and Bachelor thesis at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Research group Prof. Dr. Alexander Brehm, Philipps University Marburg, Germany
• 5/2025-6/2025: Student Assistant for the internship “Biochemistry/Molecular Biology for students of Human Medicine and Dentistry”, Philipps University Marburg, Germany
• 1/2020: Internship at Merck KGaA-Life Science about novel medical devices, Darmstadt, Germany

An early fascination with the complexity of the human body and how it responds to diseases inspired my current direction of study. Majoring in tumour biology during my undergraduate studies has solidified my interest in cancer research. I am particularly interested in the epigenetic mechanisms that influence cancer development by altering specific cellular or immunological processes.

Throughout this Master’s programme, I hope to broaden my knowledge on organoid models, bioinformatics and get an insight in varying aspects of cancer prevention in different research groups. By learning about the complexity of cancer, my wish is to play a part in improving cancer patient outcomes and their overall quality of life.

antonia.meyer (at) dkfz. de

• 20.10.2022 – 01.10.2025: Working student at the Department of Medical Diagnostics and Central Laboratories, Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Germany

• 12.05.2025 – 04.08.2025: Mitacs GRI Research Intern at the Mulligan Lab, Sinclair Cancer Research Institute at Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada – “Targeting the RET kinase as a therapeutic target in human cancer”

• 17.06.2024 – 02.08.2024: Research Intern at the Micro, Nano and Molecular Systems Group, IMSEAM and MPI for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany – “Exploring antibubble-cell interactions and antibubble payload release modulated by acoustic holograms”

• 19.02.2024 – 05.04.2024: Research Intern at the Duarte Campos Lab, ZMBH Universität Heidelberg, Germany – “Optimizing EL222-SNAP expression in E.coli TOP10 cells for optogenetic hydrogel preparation”

• 14.08.2023 – 15.10.2023: Summer Intern at the Centre for Genetic Disorders, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India – “Validating the expression of miRNA biomarkers in blood serum to develop an algorithmic model for early diagnosis of prostate cancer”

I developed my interest in molecular disease mechanisms through multiple research internships during my Bachelor studies. I am particularly fascinated by cancer heterogeneity, which requires understanding both pathological dysregulation and homeostatic states, knowledge I hope to deepen through this Master's program. Specifically, I am intrigued by the interplay between immune responses and the tumour microenvironment, as well as proteomics, which hold translational potential beyond oncology.
Through this program, I aim to strengthen my expertise in in vivo models, high-throughput methods and bioinformatics. Skills which I find are becoming increasingly vital in biomedical sciences. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue a research career in translational science, converting fundamental insights into novel therapeutic strategies for patients.

elisaveta.platonova (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 01/2025 - 06/2025: Internship at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre- Detection of Cancer mutations using ARMS-PCR and Next Generation Sequencing. 

• 07/2024 – 09/2024: Internship at I&B Seeds Pvt. Ltd.- Purity analysis and pathogen detection in plant samples for farmers, Seed health testing and Double Haploid Production.

Book chapter in Nanotechnology in Wound Healing Innovations, Applications, and Future Perspectives
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003605966

• Chapter 11- Polymeric Nanomaterials in Wound Healing and Tissue Remodeling

Science has always been a significant part of my life; however, it was my recent internship experience that truly solidified my interest in the field of Molecular Biology and Cancer Biology in particular. Cancer is an extremely diverse disease and its severity is one of the main reasons for my passion to help improve patient conditions. My keen interests lie in understanding how small genetic alterations can result in the development of Cancer. Looking ahead, I would like to continue my journey in this field through a PhD, and would like to focus on studying genetic mutations and uncovering potential targets for therapy that can contribute to alternative methods of treatment for patients.

parinikaajoy.raj (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 06/2024 – 06/2025: Chancellor’s Summer Research Fellowship on “Deciphering ECM stiffness: An investigation into the influence of Notch and Fibronectin in Osteosarcoma cell (MG63) survival - An in vitro study”, at the Department of Clinical Research and Department of Biomedical Sciences, SRIHER (DU).
• 08/2025 – 09/2025: Research Intern for an SERB Sponsored Project titled "Bio-fabrication of bionic nanofibrous cell sheet and 3D printed scaffold combination for superior periosteum and bone remodelling” at the Faculty of Clinical Research, Biomaterial Laboratory, SIRHER (DU).
• 15/05/2023 – 24/05/2023: Internship at Centre for Ocean and Research, Col. Dr. Jeppiaar Research Park, Sathyabama Institute on the In-vitro propagation of marine faunal cell lines.

As a master’s student at the DKFZ, I am passionate about uncovering the molecular mechanisms of tumor immune evasion and advancing next-generation cancer immunotherapies. My interest in immunotherapy began with my proposal for the 19th Fujio Cup Quiz, where I explored the potential of CAR-T cell engineering to treat autoimmune disorders. This experience sparked a lasting fascination with immune modulation and its therapeutic applications in cancer. Through my previous research in molecular oncology, I have examined how tumor microenvironmental cues shape cellular behaviour and resistance, further reinforcing my drive to pursue immunological approaches to cancer treatment. At DKFZ, I aim to integrate experimental and computational methods to better understand immune-tumor interactions and identify molecular targets for precision therapies. In the long term, I aspire to contribute to the development of personalized immunotherapies that translate fundamental discoveries into tangible clinical benefits.

zainab.rasheedshabbir (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 09/2025 – present: Working student at the CCU Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology (Prof. Platten), Team: Immunogenomics, DKFZ, Germany
• 03/2025 – 06/2025: Voluntary research internship at the CCU Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology (Prof. Platten), Team: Immunogenomics, DKFZ, Germany – “Characterization and functional analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte-derived tumor-reactive T cell receptors from a brain metastasis patient”
• 12/2024 – 02/2025: Laboratory assistant at Labor Dr. Froreich, Hamburg, Germany
• 04/2024 – 09/2024: Bachelor’s thesis at the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (Prof. Müller), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
• 02/2024 – 03/2024: Marketing intern at Biomol GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
• 03/2023 – 06/2023: Working student at Labor Dr. Fenner und Kollegen, Hamburg, Germany

My strong interest in cancer research stems from both academic curiosity and personal experience. After witnessing the impact of cancer on close relatives, I became highly motivated to pursue a career in cancer biology. Early, I was fascinated by the complex interaction between cancer and the immune system. During my Bachelor’s thesis I explored T cell-based immunotherapy, which strengthened my interest and led me to do a voluntary internship at the DKFZ, where I analyzed the cytotoxic effects of reactive T cells on brain metastasis cells. I am particularly interested in understanding how immune cell function is shaped by the tumor microenvironment to identify mechanisms that can be translated into more effective therapeutic strategies. I am confident that the rigorous training in the Master’s program at the DKFZ will enable me to further develop the skills and expertise necessary to make meaningful contributions to biomedical research.

sara.santo (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 03/2025 – 07/2025: Bachelor’s Thesis at Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Homburg (Germany), lab of Prof. Dr. Leticia Prates Roma; Project: Role of uremic toxins and inflammatory cytokines on cell function of vascular smooth muscle cells
• 09/2024: Research internship at Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, Homburg (Germany), lab of Prof. Dr. Leticia Prates Roma; Project: Quantifying movement of subcellular H2O2 between compartments
• 06/2024 – 08/2024: Research internship at Leipzig University (Germany), lab of Prof. Dr. Mario Mörl; Project: in vivo enzymatic activity of nucleotidyltransferase
• 01/2024: Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) at the University of Barcelona (Spain), lab of Prof. Dr. Marc Valls; Project: CRISPR-Cas9

I developed my interest in molecular processes within cells through multiple internships across Europe, and during my thesis, I began exploring key cellular functions in the context of disease. I now aim to continue on this biomedical path with a focus on cancer, examining how stress factors influence redox biology and metabolism. To broaden my expertise, I plan to work with in vivo models while also strengthening my bioinformatics skills, an area I consider increasingly essential in modern biology. Ultimately, I want my research to contribute to better treatment opportunities for patients, to improve their survival rates and quality of life. 

antoine.schuessler (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 04/2025 – 08/2025: R&D Intern, Roche Holding AG, Institute of Human Biology, Applied Organoid Technologies, Basel, Switzerland – „Development of advanced lung cancer organoid models to evaluate novel immunotherapy approaches“
• 08/2024 – 04/2025: Laboratory Research Assistant, DKTK Freiburg im Breisgau, Group of Prof. Dr. Dr. Börries’ Group, Germany – „High-throughput drug testing in patient-derived cancer organoids“
• 05/2023 – 01/2024: Laboratory Research Assistant, DKTK Freiburg im Breisgau, Group of Prof. Dr. Dr. Börries’ Group, Germany – „Establishment of an organoid biobank comprising over 70 patient-derived organoids“
• 03/2023 – 04/2023: Research Intern, University Hospital Freiburg, Group of Dr. Ruess – „Investigating the metabolic implications of targeted SHP2 and MEK inhibition in pancreatic cancer“

My scientific interests lie at the intersection of oncology and translational medicine. During my undergraduate studies in Molecular Medicine, I became fascinated by how molecular mechanisms drive disease progression and how this knowledge can be translated into novel therapeutic strategies.
During my Bachelor’s thesis, I focused on high-throughput drug testing using patient-derived organoids, gaining insights into how complex biological models can bridge the gap between fundamental research and clinical application. To build on this foundation, I pursued an internship in R&D at Roche in Basel, working on advanced co-culture organoid models for immunotherapeutic applications using bispecific antibodies. This experience deepened my interest in the interplay between the immune system and cancer and reinforced my aspiration to continue working at the interface of molecular biology, immuno-oncology, and translational research. My goal is to contribute to research that transforms molecular discoveries into effective, patient-centered treatments. 

tamara.sloboda (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow: National Center for Advancing Translational Science at the National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD USA, June 2024- Jul 2025
• Research fellow, Wenjing Wang Lab, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI USA, Sep 2023- July 2024
• Research fellow Anna Mapp Lab University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI USA, Sep 2024 - July 2024
• Internship: Merck Sterile and Liquids Pilot Plant, Lansdale, PA USA, May 2022 - Aug 2022

SAR Studies around the SULT1A1-Activated Alkylator YC-1 as Cytotoxic Agents against Biliary Tract Cancer Cells

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5c00489

I am interested in translational science and turning academic knowledge into treatments for patients. I am interested in working as a scientist in an early-stage drug discovery role, ideally in the biotechnology industry or a large research institute. I am interested in oncology and rare disease projects, the majority of my current research experience centers on biochemistry, assay development, and high throughput screening. After my master's I plan to pursue a PhD in chemical biology.

marius-dan.vava (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 11.2024—02.2025  Research intern at Harvard SEAS, hosted by Prof. David Weitz
• 07.2024—08.2025  Research intern at Stanford Mechanical Engineering , hosted by the Microfluidics Laboratory and Prof. Juan Santiago

Jiang Q, Zang X, Wang Y, Avaro AS, Huyke DA, Santiago JG. A three-dimensional microfluidic device embedded within a thermal cycler tube for electrokinetic DNA extraction. Lab Chip. 2025 Aug 5;25(16):3962-3970. doi: 10.1039/d4lc01062k.

I am interested in molecular therapeutics, especially protein-based approaches. I value rigorous, open work that others can build upon and ultimately serves patients. During my BSc in biomedical engineering, I specialized in microfluidics and developed high-throughput platforms. At DKFZ, I hope to enhance my capability as a molecular biologist with quantitative perspective, and contribute to meaningful projects that advance both scientific discovery and clinical application. I also aim to identify the specific research area where I can happily build my future career.

yilu.wang (at) dkfz. de

01/2024 – 06/2024: Research internship at AR Lab, Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India. I explored the role of the AMPK-HIF-1α loop in regulation of survival and metabolism of matrix-deprived triple-negative breast cancer cells.
06/2023 – 07/2023: Summer internship at Zumutor Biologics, Bangalore, India. I learnt and performed molecular biology, cellular biology, and protein purification techniques.
07/2022 – Summer internship at DIA Lab, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Bangalore, India. I worked on the purification of a recombinant protein from a bacterial expression system.

During my undergraduate studies I was introduced to the concept of translating science into medicine through courses like molecular biology, cancer biology, and immunology. Cancer, as a group of diseases, has always piqued my interest owing to its complexity. My interest in cancer biology further solidified during my internship at IISc. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit self-renewal properties along with chemoresistance and are responsible for the relapse of cancer. Targeting CSCs is thus considered to be a promising therapeutic target. Having worked on the metabolic regulation of TNBCs, I am curious to learn about CSCs and the mechanisms that control cancer progression. I am also interested in exploring the opportunities within immuno-oncology. As a major cancer biology student at DKFZ, I look forward to making a valuable impact in the fight against cancer.

apoorva.bhat (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

08/2022 & 02/2023 – 07/2023: Research internship and bachelor thesis at the research group of Dr. Rolf Müller at the Center of Tumor Biology and Immunology (ZTI) in Marburg
04/2022 – 07/2023: Student Assistant at Philipps-University Marburg; Supervision of biochemical and molecular biological laboratory practicals for medical & biomedical students
07/2019 – 08/2019 & 01/2020 – 02/2020: Internship at BioNTech SE at the research group of Dr. Christiane Stadler; Project: Development of cancer target directed, T-Cell engaging bispecific antibodies

My interest in science began early in school, but it was my apprenticeship at BioNTech SE that truly strengthened my passion for cancer research. I was particularly inspired by the company's innovative approach to linking tumor control with the patient's own immune system. I am looking forward to deepening my understanding of the interactions between cancer formation, progression, and the immune system at the DKFZ. My bachelor thesis then shifted my focus specifically to cancers that primarily affect women, such as breast and ovarian cancer, highlighting the need for more research targeting females, as it has fallen short for many decades. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the research at DKFZ, working towards the goal of "a life without cancer." I believe that the Molecular Biosciences Master's program will be a crucial milestone in my journey, guiding me toward a PhD and enabling me to make meaningful advancements in this vital field of cancer research.

lillimarie.boehling (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

21/2025 – present: Research Assistant at the Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM GmbH, Dr. Marieke Essers), DKFZ Heidelberg, Germany
02/2024 – 09/2024: Research internship and Bachelor thesis at the Centre of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Institute of Molecular Oncology (Prof. Dr. Thorsten Stiewe), Marburg, Germany
04/2023 – 08/2023 and 10/2023 – 02/2024: Student Assistant at internship "Biochemistry/Molecular Biology for students of Human Medicine and Dentistry"
10/2022 – 03/2023 and 10/2023 – 02/2024: Leader of a tutorial "Mathematics for students of Human Biology"

Motivated by the desire to contribute to the continuous fight against cancer, I am eager to understand how genetic mutations can drive the development of cancer. The impact that small alterations in specific genes can have on cellular processes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation is impressive. Looking ahead, I want to delve deeper into genomic research to uncover potential targets for therapeutic intervention and more personalized cancer treatments. Furthermore, I am interested in the tumor microenvironment and its potential for influencing therapeutic outcomes. By exploring the interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding tissue, I aim to contribute to the development of innovative treatments that target not just the tumor itself, but its supportive environment.

julia.cremer (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

10/2024 – present: Research assistant at center for clinical studies, Thoraxklinik, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany
06/2024 – 08/2024 Internship at Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Research group Prof. Weekes (HCMV and MPXV), Cambridge, UK
08/2023 – 01/2024 & 03/2024 – 05/2024 Bachelor's thesis and research assistant at the Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, Research group Prof. Marschall (HCMV and antiviral compounds), University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
11/2022 – 01/2024 Student assistant at the HLA/Immunogenetics Laboratory (Organ donation diagnostics for Eurotransplant and DSO), University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
08/2020 – 10/2020 Student assistant at Bavarian Nordic GmbH (Regulatory Affairs Department), Martinsried, Germany

Tillmanns J*, Kicuntod J*, Ehring A*, Elbasani E, Borst EM, Obergfäll D, Müller R, Hahn F, Marschall M. Establishment of a Luciferase-Based Reporter System to Study Aspects of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection, Replication Characteristics, and Antiviral Drug Efficacy. Pathogens. 2024 Jul 31;13(8):645. doi: 10.3390/pathogens13080645. PMID: 39204245; PMCID: PMC11356942. *equal contribution

The complexity of molecular biological processes has always fascinated me and was my main reason for pursuing medical research as a career. I'm especially interested in how changes in essential cellular mechanisms can lead to formation of cancer with its unique characteristics. My goal is to contribute to research in this area that may lead to the development of innovative therapies or diagnostics. So far, I have done a lot of work with viruses, and I plan to apply this knowledge when working on tumor-associated viruses or oncolytic viruses. However, I want to gain insight into as many aspects of cancer research as possible during my Master's studies and I'm always open to other interesting or exciting aspects of cancer biology.

antonia.ehring (at) dkfz.de

(2023.05-2023.11) The University of Edinburgh, Member of iGEM 2023 team: Genetically engineering cyanobacteria (Synechocystis spp) for increased extracellular electron transfer and nutrient production with potential application in biophotovoltaic pollinator-friendly solar panels. In a team of 12 students, I led the biosafety sub-project which involved building a nuclease-based genetic kill switch in cyanobacteria to control the spread of GMOs in the environment.
(05.2022-07.2022) The University of Edinburgh, Research Intern at Philip Research Group: Working on the intracellular cyclic nucleotide signalling important during transmission stages of Plasmodium parasite. I successfully cloned and expressed predicted cyclic nucleotide-binding domains of the EPAC protein in E. coli. These proteins were later used for further functional analyses to determine their affinity to cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP.
(06.2018-07.2018) Intern at Northway Biotechpharma, Vilnius, Lithuania: While still in high school, I did an internship in a biotechnological company, where I was introduced to biotechnological processes, including harvesting, protein purification at different scales using various chromatography techniques, and refolding process development. I got acquainted with cloning and sequencing of targeted genes and genetic engineering methods for development of expression systems in various cell cultures.

During my BSc degree in Biological Sciences (Immunology) at the University of Edinburgh, I became increasingly fascinated by the complexity of the immune system and its crucial role in a variety of diseases, including cancer. My particular interests lie at the interplay of the immune response and cancer development and treatment. Specifically, I am interested how tumours avoid/suppress immune responses and how current immunotherapies (e.g., CAR-T cells, checkpoint inhibitors) can be improved and novel immunotherapies developed for better cancer treatment. My other interests include infection biology, especially malaria parasite trasmission and adhesion to human cells. I am motivated to pursue a career in research with a focus on cancer immunology and contribute towards tackling some of the outstanding challenges. This aligns well with my general academic goal of contributing towards improving people's health and reducing suffering.

edvardas.eigminas (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

03/2024 – 09/2024: Research Internship and Bachelor's Thesis (Saur Lab), Rechts der Isar Hospital of the Technical University of Munich at TranslaTUM's Institute of Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Germany
07/2022 – 03/2024: Academic Tutor, LMU Munich, Germany
04/2022 – 07/2023: Student Research Assistant (Osman Lab), LMU Munich, Germany
11/2019 – 03/2022: Junior Software Engineer, Telespazio Germany GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany

I am a former computer science graduate who found his true passion in biology and graduated from LMU with a Bachelor's degree in biology as the top performing student. I did my Bachelor's thesis at TranslaTUM emplyoying the Perturb-seq method to unveil transcriptional networks controlling the immunosuppressive secretome of pancreatic cancer subtypes. Personally, I find it very interesting to understand chemotherapy-resistant and immune-evading cancer cells and to find new methods to attack and destroy them.
Ironically, I recently have been diagnosed with cancer myself (Hodgkin's lymphoma) and am now fighting this terrible but fascinating disease as both a researcher and a patient, hoping to win on both fronts.

nima.esmaeelpour (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

08/2023 - 09/2024: Student Aid (HiWi) and Bachelor's Thesis at the University Hospital Essen, Research Group Cell Plasticity and Metastasis, Prof. Dr. Barbara Grüner, Essen, Germany

During my Bachelor's Thesis, I developed a strong passion for cancer research, with a particular focus on metastasis - the leading cause of cancer-related death. My experience working in a lab specialized in cell plasticity and metastasis allowed me to delve into the underlying mechanisms driving this process, further deepening my fascination with how cancer cells spread, adapt, and resist treatment.
As a Cancer Biology student at the DKFZ, I am eager to not only expand my knowledge of metastasis, but also to broaden my knowledge of cancer biology in all its facets. I am particularly driven to explore novel therapeutic strategies for advanced-stage cancers, where treatment options are limited, and patient outcomes remain poor. My ultimate goal is to contribute to innovative, targeted approaches that effectively target metastatic disease, to improve both survival rates and the quality of life for patients with advanced cancers.

paula.feldt (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

07/2024 - 09/2024: CICERONE program participant at the Spanish National Cardiovascular Research Centre (CNIC). Hematovascular Pathophysiology Group, PI Dr. José Javier Fuster. Conducted research on the interplay between clonal hematopoiesis and the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
04/2024 - 06/2024: Research internship and bachelor's thesis at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO). Gene Expression and Cancer Group, PI Dr.Prof. Joan Seoane.
09/2023: Internship at the Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (CSIC). Neurobiology Group, PI Dr. Ramon Trullàs. Conducted research on uncovering the role of mitochondrial DNA quality control in neurodegeneration.
04/2023 - 07/2023: Internship at the University of Helsinki. Metabolism and Signaling Group, PI Dr. Jaakko Mattila. Conducted research on the role of Nuclear Transcription Factor Y Subunit Alpha (NF-YA) in tissue size regulation and cell apoptosis in Drosophila melanogaster.
10/2022 - 03/2023: Student assistant at Pompeu Fabra University. Supported the preparation of laboratory practicals for biomedical bachelor students as a lab technician.

At sixteen, I came across the number of 1 in 10 to the 2,685,000 power, that is believed to represent the odds of you existing today. Then, throughout my bachelor's, I realized how incredibly intertwined the molecular mechanisms that sustain life are and how even minor dysregulations can lead to diseases like cancer, one of the most complex, prevalent, and intellectually challenging diseases of our modern society. So I can't help but wonder: What are the odds of being both alive and healthy like I am? This thought inspired me to pursue a career in cancer research for the improvement of scientific knowledge and, most importantly, people's lives. Now, as a master's student at DKFZ, my goals are to deepen my understanding of translational cancer research and explore some personal interests like intratumoral and tumor microenvironment heterogeneity, a key factor in drug resistance, and the use of the immune system in emerging immunotherapies.

paula.garciapacheco (at) dkfz.de

LinkedIn profile

01/06/2024 - 30/06/2024: Research training at the Cancer Biology lab in the School of Medical Science & Technology (SMST) of Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT KGP), under the guidance of Prof. Mahitosh Mandal, to observe and learn techniques used in Cancer research
19/06/2023 - 28/07/2023: Summer research intern at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), USA, under the guidance of Prof. Vivek A. Kumar, to assist with the biomedical imaging and data analysis section of a then-ongoing project on "Evaluation of hydrogel scaffolds for myocardial regeneration"
01/2023 - 12/2023: Participated in a project under the guidance of Prof. Nandan Kumar Jana (Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata, India) on In silico drug designing against Breast Cancer
13/11/2021 - 04/07/2022: Undergraduate research trainee at Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre & Research Institute (SGCCRI), Thakurpukur, Kolkata, India, under the guidance of Prof. Somsubhra Nath, to learn basic Cancer research laboratory techniques and assist with a project on "Exploring the correlation between CDC20 and UBCH10 in primary oral malignancies"

A. Gupta, S. Patel, A. Roy and V. Kumar, "Evaluation of Hydrogel Scaffolds for Myocardial Regeneration." Book of Abstracts, 2023 URI Summer Research and Innovation Symposium, pp. 17, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA, July 26-27, 2023.

Even though I am yet to learn more about research on Cancer, just because it is an ever-evolving and continuously updating field of research, I know I want to discover more about the role of the environment (the tumour microenvironment or TME) in which the cancerous tumours exist, in assisting the growth, proliferation and thriving of these tumours. Not only the characteristics or changes in nature of the tumour cells are of importance, but also the environment which also plays a critical role, often adapting under the influence of cancer cells to support further development. It's fascinating how the TME can be 'reprogrammed' to allow this disease to thrive. I would like to learn more about these TMEs and hope to discover new and efficient ways to control it, so that it could resist the growth of tumours.

anushri.gupta (at) dkfz.de

EDC: Extrachromosomal DNA in Cancer with Dr. Büşra Yağabasan and Dr. Alexandros Drainas.
06/2022-08/2022: Alkermes, Waltham MA. Protein therapeutics group in the Drug Discovery department.
03/2021 – 06/2022: Imaizumi lab, University of Washington Biology Department: Exploring seasonal flowering mechanisms at the molecular level.

Growing up I have always gravitated towards science because of its definitive answers. My curiosity drives me towards understanding life at the molecular level, where so much is still unknown. Modern cancer research requires the most cutting-edge techniques to understand the complex biology behind it. Doing cancer research, therefore, offers a deep dive into many molecular mechanisms in life while simultaneously being applicable to the big picture of improving human health. This is why I am excited and grateful to be here at DFKZ, and to be able to take part in cancer research in the future. I aim to help gain insights on the genomic alterations that occur as cancer progresses and evolves, and to leverage these insights to help combat treatment resistance in patients.

oskar.haeberlein (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

11/2024 – present: Student assistant (HiWi) at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM GmbH), Department of Experimental Haematology (Dr. Michael Milsom).
08/2023 & 02/2024 – 08/2024: Research internship and Bachelor thesis at the research group of Prof. Dr. Uta-Maria Bauer at the Institute of Microbiology and Tumor Research at the Philipps-University Marburg.
11/2023 & 04/2024 – 06/2024: Student assistant at the Philipps University of Marburg; supervision and guidance of lessons and laboratory practicals in the subjects of histology, epigenetics and biochemistry for medical and biomedical students.

My interest in human biology, and particularly the development of diseases driven by molecular dysregulated mechanisms in our cells, started already in school. During my undergraduate studies, this interest deepened further, especially in the field of cancer research. I want to broaden my knowledge of how genetic and epigenetic alterations contribute to cancer development, maintenance, and resistance to therapies. In addition, I am interested in the communication network with the surrounding cell types as well as the immune system, driven by the microenvironment. By enrolling in the DKFZ Master's program, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from scientists from all over the world, to gain inside into current methods for investigating these questions, and to contribute to the development of new strategies to limit or even cure cancer in the future.

victoria.honekamp (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

02/2024 - 04/2024 Laboratory Technician at "Grupo DIAGNOSTI-K" Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories, Puerto Vallarta, México. In charge of operation of hematology and immunology equipment and handling of patient samples for testing (clotting times, blood group, RH factor, erythrocyte sedimentation, febrile reactions, HIV, rapid plasma reagin).
03/2023 - 06/2023 Research Intern at "Centro del Agua para América Latina y el Caribe" ITESM, Monterrey, México, under direct supervision of Dr. Reyna Berenice González González and Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Nasir Iqbal. Literature review and writing about Biomass-derived carbon dots as sustainable nanomaterials for advanced biomedical applications.

If you want to live an interesting life you need to challenge yourself. When I decided to pursue a career that focuses on deciphering Cancer I knew it would be a heavy load but felt thrilled about engaging in it, and contributing to the scientific community that perseveres in the battle against this perplexing disease. During my time in DKFZ I plan to deepen my knowledge in the convergence of Stem Cell (SC) technology and Cancer, specifically how SC signaling mechanisms for maintenance and differentiation can be reflected in tumorigenesis, and how these models can be applied to design new therapeutic targets. Also would like to embark on the development of treatments that use SCs like a donor source for transplantation, as has been done to restore immune-surveillance and rescue the hematopoietic system in patients with Leukemia.

laurapaola.joyaharrison (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

01/2024-04/2024: Bachelor's thesis at the Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, India. Investigated the effect of the uptake of synthetic particles on the migratory capacities of cells of a murine macrophage cell line.
08/2023-12/2023: School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Worked on characterizing the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative role of N-WASP in squamous cell carcinoma.
06/2023-07/2023: Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, India. Worked on investigating phenotypic plasticity in helper T-cells using transcriptomic analysis techniques.
11/2022-04/2023: Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, India. Worked on understanding the changes in functional capacities of innate immune cells upon interaction with non-stimulatory particles using RT-PCR
08/2022-10/2022: iGEM IISc, India. Member of the biology group of the undergraduate iGEM team of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). Attempted to genetically engineer Pseudomonas putida to degrade halocarbons using different cloning strategies.
05/2022-07/2022: Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, India. Worked on the biochemical characterization of a homolog of a yeast inositol pyrophosphatase from an early land plant species and performed its phylogenetic reconstruction with a focus on the plant kingdom.

I am fascinated by the molecular networks and signalling pathways involved in the maintenance of normal cellular physiology. I am further excited by the fact that these processes are affected by influences from the microenvironment of a cell and in turn influence its microenvironment. I find cancer an exciting model system to understand the molecular mechanisms governing physiological processes since these processes go awry in cancer. Since cancer cells interact with other cells of the human body and influence the physiology of these cells, I find it an exciting model system to understand what intercellular interactions are essential for homeostasis. Thus, I aspire to understand homeostatic processes in humans using cancer as a model system.

soham.karandikar (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

none relevant to my field of studies

I am passionately interested in tumour immunology research, with a strong fascination for learning more about (viral) immunotherapy and gene therapy systems. The potential of this field to revolutionise cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes drives my commitment to learning and contributing. My goal is to deepen my laboratory work expertise, build a solid foundation in techniques essential for cutting-edge research, and strengthen my bioinformatics skills. By combining practical lab experience with computational knowledge, I wish to explore new avenues for cancer diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue doctoral research on enhancing medical diagnostics and therapies, contributing to new developments in personalised and precision medicine. I am eager to collaborate and engage in research that expands our understanding of the field, focusing on advancing oncology in ways that directly benefit patient care and treatment.

sofia.kasapidou (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

07/2024 - 9/2024: Research internship in the laboratory of Prof. Morimoto at Northwestern University, supported by the DAAD "RISE weltweit program". Worked on developing a new C. elegans strain using CRISPR to identify protein-chaperone interactions in vivo in the context of proteostasis and aging, Chicago Area, USA
12/2023 – 05/2024: Bachelor's thesis work in the tumor immunology laboratory (LTI) of the LIFE Center of the LMU clinic, Munich, Germany
08/2022 – 12/2023: Intern and working student at Merck Sharp & Dohme GmbH (MSD) Germany in the global clinical trial operations (GCTO) department. Supported local study teams in conducting phase II and III clinical trials, Munich, Germany

My interest in cancer biology developed during my bachelor's program, where I was fascinated by its complexity, its importance in global health, and its interdisciplinary connections. I am particularly interested in personalized medicine, immunotherapy, and the role of genomics and proteomics in understanding cancer mechanisms. As a cancer biology student, I hope to expand my understanding of these areas as well as other relevant disciplines. I also look forward to gaining extensive training in research design and methodology, ultimately preparing me for a future career in science. Most importantly, I am very excited to join the DKFZ community and learn from leading experts in the field of cancer research.

lena.katzenstein (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

05/2024 – 08/2024: Bachelor's Thesis in the Research Group of Prof. Dr. Sven Diederichs at the Center for Translational Cell Research (ZTZ), Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
03/2023 – 05/2023: Internship in the Research Group of Prof. Dr. Sven Diederichs at the Center for Translational Cell Research (ZTZ), Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Project: "Validation of targets from high throughput screen of nonstop extension mutations"

Ghosh, A., Riester, M., Pal, J., Lainde, K.-A., Tangermann, C., Wanninger, A., Dueren, U. K., Dhamija, S., & Diederichs, S. (2024). Suppressive cancer nonstop extension mutations increase C-terminal hydrophobicity and disrupt evolutionarily conserved amino acid patterns. Nature Communications, 15(1), 9209. doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52779-4

Cancer biology sparked my interest during my bachelor's studies, as I learned about the remarkable complexity and versatility that tumours exhibit. I am fascinated by the mechanisms through which the body's own cells can transform into something that is capable of bringing down the whole organism and more importantly, how to leverage this information to develop strategies for fighting tumours. Therefore, my interest is directed towards precision medicine and translational research, where I hope to work on innovative treatments and assist in bringing them closer to the clinic. It is with great enthusiasm that I join the DKFZ community, where I can work alongside students and researchers that share my passion and enthusiasm for cancer research and acquire the knowledge and skill set needed to contribute to this intriguing field.

kadri-ann.lainde (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

02/2023 – 09/2024: Student worker in blood bank, Municipal Clinic Karlsruhe, Germany
01/2021 – 09/2022: Internship at Institute for Chemical Process Fundamentals CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
11/2018 – 02/2019: Internship at Chemical Institute of Charles University, Research group of Prof. Jan Kotek, Prague, Czech Republic

Mizerová, E., Kos, M., Jakubec, M., Pavlica, M., Církva, V., Žádný, J., Storch, J. and Beránek, T. (2024), Introduction of Phosphinine Ring into Aromatic Systems via Alkyne Cyclization. Adv. Synth. Catal., doi: 10.1002/adsc.202401203

Although my first scientific interest was in the field of chemistry, my subsequent studies of chemical biology and the final thesis on targeted treatment of cancer made me fall in love with the research on tumor biology. When I saw the enormous diversity of this field and understood why there is no universal "cure for cancer" even after decades of research, I became certain this is the area I want to dedicate myself to. As a student of this major, I hope to learn from the very best and then use this experience and knowledge to advance the battlefront in the fight against cancer. And get an M.Sc. and PhD in the meantime.

marek.pavlica (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

02/2024 – 09/2024: Research internship and Bachelor thesis in Dr. Gómez-Serrano's laboratory at the Centre for Tumor Biology and Immunology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg
04/2024 – 06/2024: Student Assistant at the Philipps University in Marburg; Supervision of biochemical and molecular biological laboratory practicals for biomedical science students
03/2023 – 06/2023: Student Assistant at the Philipps University in Marburg; Supervision of biochemical and molecular biological laboratory practicals for medical students
08/2022 – 09/2022: Research internship at the medical care centre for pathology and molecular diagnostics in Trier (MVZ Trier)

My interest in science was a prominent part of my childhood and led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in biomedical science with a focus on tumor biology. During this time I was able to gain first insights into the molecular and inter-cellular mechanisms involved in oncogenesis and metastasis, causing thousands of deaths each year. My thesis on ovarian carcinoma sparked my interest for gynaecological cancers, which I would like to pursue during my time at the DKFZ. I look forward to learning new topics and methods, as well as gaining knowledge on research design. I am happy to be a part of the DKFZ community and partake in cutting edge research alongside leading experts in the tumor biology field.

lea.reichel (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

08/2023 - 10/2023: Research Internship at the Research Group of Dr. Madhuri Salker, Universitäts-Frauenklinik, Tübingen, Germany
02/2024 - 09/2024: Bachelor's Thesis at the Clinical Immunotherapy Research Group of Prof. Dr. med. Peter Lang, Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Tübingen, Germany

I am currently interested in translational research in immuno-oncology, particularly how therapeutic approaches such as CAR T-cell therapies, checkpoint inhibitors, and personalized peptide vaccines can enhance the immune system's capacity to target and eliminate cancer cells. I am eager to utilize my time at DKFZ to deepen my understanding of immuno-oncology, gain insights into the current advancements in the field, and engage in discussions about the next steps needed to drive future progress. Additionally, I have a strong interest in pediatric oncology. In the future I would like to be part of research teams focused on developing innovative therapies for children. As I embark on my Master's in Cancer Biology, I am also looking forward to broadening my knowledge of other critical areas in cancer research, such as the roles of cancer stem cells and the role of tumor microenvironment in cancer progression and treatment resistance.

sofiamartina.salamancatorres (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile 

03/2024 – present: Student assistant (HiWi) in Prof. Dr. Michael Knop's laboratory, Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH), Heidelberg, Germany
04/2024 – 06/2024: Bachelor's Thesis in Prof. Dr. Michael Knop's laboratory, Center for Molecular Biology (ZMBH) & Dr. Dao Thi's laboratory, Center of Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), Heidelberg, Germany

The evolution of life from simple molecules to complex organisms is a process that spans billions of years. Over time, basic chemical reactions have evolved into increasingly complex systems where the smallest disruption can lead to diseases such as cancer. I find it fascinating how small molecular changes can affect health and would like to understand this better in the future. My Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry has strengthened my interest in cancer research and provided me with a solid foundation. As part of the Major Cancer Biology program at the DKFZ, I would like to gain deeper insights into different areas of research and aquire practical experience. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of innovative cancer therapies.

lunakristina.schoerken (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

March 2023 – December 2023: Research Internship and Bachelor Thesis at the Centre for Integrative Infectious Disease Research Heidelberg (CIID), for Prof. Dr. Friedrich Frischknecht
March 2021 – April 2021, and October 2021: Student Assistant at Centre for Organismal Studies Heidelberg (COS), Molecular Evolution and Genomics, for Prof. Suat Özbek

The biochemical reactions that govern our day-to-day life inspired me to study Biosciences and continue to drive my interest in molecular biology and lead me to develop a strong interest in the development and differentiation of cells. The steps and signal cascades of developmental programs and differentiation, as well as the underlying mechanisms that govern those systems, are fascinating to me. However, biological systems are not perfect and allow for mistakes that could lead to cancer. Cancer is especially interesting to me in the way it takes over and abuses developmental systems and can revert cell differentiation for its own gain while avoiding immune responses. I am eager to discover more about this in different research groups, as well as widen my perspective on different research topics and therapeutic strategies and get hands-on experience during my time at DKFZ.

kieran.schulenberg (at) dkfz.de

10/2023 – 05/2024: Research Assistant in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Elke Nevoigt, aiming to genetically engineer S. cerevisiae strains in order to produce succinic acid by channelling C1 substrates (methanol) into the central carbon metabolism.
09/2022 – 05/2024: Teaching Assistant at Jacobs University Bremen for the General and Inorganic Chemistry course (Fall Semester 2022, 2023), Introduction to Biotechnology: Microbiology and Genetics course and lab (Spring Semester 2023, 2024), Advanced Biotechnology lab (January 2024) and Immunology course (Spring Semester 2024).
08/2023 – 09/2023: Intern in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Aarhus University, Denmark. Part of the research group of Prof. Lotte Bjergbæk, focusing on utilizing the Flp-Nick system to study topoisomerase-mediated DNA damage and the function of various gene products on the DNA repair pathways of different S. cerevisiae strains.

In the future, I intend to focus on advancing the field of immunology, particularly in leveraging the body's natural defence mechanisms to combat diseases such as cancer. My goal is to contribute to the development of innovative immunotherapies that harness the immune system's ability to selectively target and eliminate cancer cells. Additionally, I am highly interested in personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored based on an individual's genetic and immunological profile. By integrating these approaches, I aim to contribute to the development of more precise and effective therapeutic strategies that improve patient outcomes and advance the field of precision oncology.

rebeka.sharko (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

June 2022 – June 2024: Research assistant at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), India. project 1: Dynamics of the innate immune system under multiple inflammatory conditions in mouse models. project 2: Effect of phagocytosis on migration and development in Dictyostelium
January 2022 – December 2022: Undergraduate Researcher at People's Education Society University (PESU), India. In-vitro and in-silico studies on anticancer activities of plant extracts.
September 2021 – November 2021: Industrial Research Trainee at International Stemcell Services Limited (iCREST), India. Animal cell culture and in-vitro drug cytotoxicity testing.
July 2021: Research Intern at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), India. Diagnosis of trinucleotide repeat neurodegenerative disorders.
August 2021 - March 2022: Biology tutor at Refining Skills Academy, India.

Publications
Valakatte, M. R., Viswanath, V., Aithal, M., Karunakar, P., & Narayanappa, S. K. (2024). In-vitro and in-silico evaluation of anticancer potential of Oxalis corniculata. Advances in Traditional Medicine, 1-11. doi.org/10.1007/s13596-024-00777-8
Valakatte, M. R., & Kavitha, R. V. (2022). Antibacterial mechanisms of plant essential oils and conditions influencing their variability. Acta Microbiologica Bulgaria, 38(3), 163-179.

Patent Application
Diagnostic arrangement for sanitary napkin to detect and analyze analytes in menstrual blood (October 2023) - Application Number: 18/401,744 (USA), 202341074277 (India)

I am interested in the regulation of cancer by neuronal and immune processes. My background in immunology has led me to wonder if the nervous and the immune systems coordinate their responses to disease, particularly cancer - which I consider to be a "rebellion" of cells against the multicellular system. During my time at DKFZ, I would like to collect various perspectives on how cancer works, and what would be the best way to treat it. I am passionate about strategizing and executing big-picture ideas, and I am excited to use my experience at DKFZ to make significant contributions to the global fight against cancer.

meghna.valakatte (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

04-09.2023: Internship in the Biomolecular interaction analysis team at Roche Diagnostics (Penzberg, Bavaria), characterizing binding interactions between antibodies and targeted antigens using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) methods.

Having gained experience in both knowledge-focused research at university and patient-focused research in the pharmaceutical industry, I wish to combine these focuses by studying cancer biology at the DKFZ. Cancer is an indisputably relevant disease that is deeply intertwined with some of the most fundamental processes of multicellular life. Cancer research therefore unites two motivations that drive me in pursuing a career as a research scientist: understanding how life works in the most fundamental ways and using this knowledge to help people to live longer and better lives. As a student in the major Cancer Biology at the DKFZ I strive to explore the diverse field of cancer research and to find a focus to dive into, both during the research internships and in my master thesis.

nathalie.zehetner (at) dkfz.de
LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

sama.almehallawi (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

kerim.aslan (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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

• 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

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

yagmur.baskan (at) dkfz.de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

elias.boehl (at) dkfz. de

• 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.

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. doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119292

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.

alaragaye.dogru (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

yagmur.doelalan (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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

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.

annika.fitz (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

simon.frank (at) dkfz.de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

jakob.freudenberger (at) dkfz. de

• 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

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.

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.

viktorie.gabrielova (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

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

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.

ella.kuipers (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

jana.kunder (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

carlotta.mantelpestana (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

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)

1. 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
2. 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. doi.org/10.33380/2305-2066-2022-11-1-51-58

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.

evgeniya.nikolaeva  (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

gaia.oldfield (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

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

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.

adrianna.podolak (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

hanna.schuster (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn Profile

• 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'.

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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

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.

manas.sehgal (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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

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.

maria.solivellaspieras (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

julia.tabel (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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.

timon.utecht  (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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.

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.

sofiya.vinogradova (at) dkfz. de

LinkedIn profile

• 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

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