What is the focus of your current research and what aspects are you interested in?
My research focuses on editing the epigenome to reprogram immune cells, especially for the advancement of allogeneic CAR T cell therapy. I am very intrigued by this work, because it combines the most cutting-edge aspects from cell therapy, as well as genetic engineering, in order to generate safer cell therapies with high efficacy.
Please finish the following sentence: SaxoCell is …
SaxoCell is giving young researchers the opportunity to conduct research with the potential for serious impact on the development and translation of gene and cell therapies in Saxony and beyond.
Outside of academics, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I am part of the university Dresden’s Handball team and generally enjoy doing sports and outdoor activities as a balance to the lab and office work.
What is one technology or innovation that you could not live without?
Digital, shareable & synchronizable calendars to organize my life.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
A photographic / super memory but with the option to forget unpleasant experiences.
Looking ahead ten years, what discovery, invention, or insight would you like to witness?
Considering the exponential advancements in genetic engineering since the first created recombinant DNA, roughly 50 years ago. I am super excited what humanity will be able to build with genes in the next 10-20 years, especially regarding species revival and synthetic life.
Where would you travel to if there was a time machine?
The Jurassic Period (except we created Dinosaur-like creatures before the time machine invention)
What if your lab had its own barista? Which coffee creation would you order regularly?
Italian Caffè Macchiato