People



Chair of Translational Immune Oncology
I obtained my PhD in Molecular Biology at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg and postdoc training in immuno-oncology at the University of Southern California. I was then an Assistant professor at the University of California Los Angeles and afterwards associate professor at the Hannover Medical School. In Cologne, our lab is applying immunotherapies to eradicate cancer and chronic infections. Our tools are novel gene modification technologies and mouse models that reflect human diseases. I want to enable the people in my lab to think and work jointly on exciting ways of scientific progress to our field. I also have several scientific activities inside and outside our university. On the personal side, I have two adult children and love to travel and learn about different cultures. (for full CV click on my name above ).

Scientific Lab Manager
I am the Scientific Manager/Postdoc at the Institute of Translational Immune-Oncology. As a trained Biomedical Engineer, I have a background on chemistry, biology, and engineering. During my PhD at the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging in University Hospital Aachen, I synthesized and characterized riboflavin targeted drug delivery systems against cancer in vitro and in vivo. Besides my management activities, I co-lead the development of humanized mice for immuno-oncology. During my free time, I like to practice Latin American dances.

Post Doc
As of January 2024 I work in the Institute for Translational Immune-Oncology lead by Prof. Dr. Renata Stripecke. As an immunologist, I have studied the function of our key defense mechanisms against pathogens and other common diseases. During my PhD at the Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology at the University Hospital Bonn, my research interest focused on the understanding how modern diet forms affect the immune system during melanoma growth in mice. Especially, a high-salt diet (HSD) leads to significantly less cancer formation and a longer survival. In the group of Renata Stripecke, I am working on the development of CAR-T cells and testing the potency and safety of immunotherapeutic in vivo. In my free time, I enjoy being in nature and going hiking with my dog.

Post Doc
I am a postdoc in Translational Immune Oncology. As a pharmacist I have a background in medicinal chemistry, pathophysiology, and pharmacotherapy. During my PhD at the Institute of Experimental Nephrology and Hypertension at the University Hospital Düsseldorf, I successfully established a humanized model with T cell from resistant hypertensive patient and demonstrated significant role of human T cells in the generation and development of experimental hypertension and hypertensive kidney damage. Currently, my working on the humanized mice is to merge the human immune system with oncology. In my free time, I like to play tennis and chess.

M.Sc. (ongoing PhD exam)
I am currently working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Translational Immune-Oncology. As a Viral Immunologist, I have focused on Immunotherapy and Virus-Host interactions. During my Doctoral studies at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research Braunschweig, my research focused on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Transgenic CD8-T cells and developed an assay for the rapid assessment of such antiviral CD8-T cells. In the group of Renata Stripecke, I am working on exploring CAR-T cells and Humanized in vivo models. I am enthusiastic about being a part of the lab and contributing to the enhancement of Immunotherapeutics for disease treatment. Beside science, I am a person who like to travel and explore new places and people. In my leisure time, I listen to music and also like to play Cricket and Badminton.

Technical Assistant
I am a Biological Technical Assistant (BTA) with a passion for laboratory work - a calling I discovered at an early age. My educational journey led me to specialize in molecular biology and genetic engineering during my scholastic training, and I found both fields particularly intri-guing and captivating. I joined the AG Stripecke team in March 2024, bringing my enthusiasm and skills to the group. In the lab my role is to play a vital part in supporting the team with various experiments, serv-ing as a crucial hub for collaboration, and coordination. Outside of the lab, I take pleasure in hiking and collecting mushrooms. This activity allows me to appreciate the serenity of the forest while immersing myself in the joy of mushroom hunt-ing. Additionally, I am an avid practitioner of Bullet Journaling, finding creative expression and organization in this unique form of journaling.

PhD Student
I am a PhD student and my focus within the lab is the improved generation of gene-edited CAR-T cells, specific for antigens expressed on certain hematological malignancies. I obtained my Bachelor of Science (Pharmaceutical Sciences) at the University of Freiburg in 2013 followed by my Master of Science (Pharmaceutical Sciences) at the same university in 2017. The immune system as a whole is a fascinating and complex machinery, enabling to fight of infectious diseases while still being tightly regulated to enable in most cases a fine-tuned, yet specific and not over boarding response. It is my strong belief that leveraging of this machinery is the next step in the combat against certain diseases, such as certain types of cancer. The questions that drive my work are for instance: how can we streamline and standardize the production of CAR-T cells so they can be produced in an efficient and robust manner? How can we develop CAR-T cells with not only the best short-term efficacy but also pushing them to long-term disease control? And what kind of CAR-T cell subsets (or combination thereof) can potentially lead to a meaningful response long-term? Our lab is focused and driven, with the eyes on the target. Hence, I am very grateful to be a part of the team, hoping to contribute a little part that may find its way in the end to the patient.

PhD Student
I am a PhD candidate at the Institute of Translational Immune-Oncology. I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Johannes Gutenberg-University in Mainz and my thesis was about the regulation of dendritic cells by regulatory T cells and tolerance-induction for prevention of autoimmune diseases. Later, I obtained a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Science at Philipps-University in Marburg, evaluating the effects of CRISPR-Cas9 mediated knock-outs of an oncogene. I am currently working on gene-edited CAR-T cells against Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-positive post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD).

Administrative Manager
I was born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark, and completed my Bachelor's Degree in Boston, MA, USA, and my Master's Degree in International Management & Marketing at Copenhagen Business School. I joined the Institute of Translational Immune-Oncology as an administrative manager in the spring of 2023. I support the laboratory and the team of researchers with all aspects of personnel management and organizational tasks as well as different management projects. Additional to my work, I invest my time in artwork such as ceramics, textile work, sculpture, drawing, and painting.

Administrative Research Assistant
I was born and raised in Cologne. After finishing school, I studied Biotechnology. During the pandemic in 2020, I quit my studies and started training as a biological-technical assistant. I have always been interested in science, particularly biology and chemistry. In my training, I loved organizing experiments. Further, I am an avid team player. In November 2023, I joined the Institute of Translational Immune-Oncology as an Administrative Research Assistant - an interface position between the researchers and the administrative side of the lab. Besides my work, I enjoy drawing, reading, and hiking.
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