Understanding the fundamental principles in molecular biology and encouraging the curiosity and enthusiasm of students are major goals of my teaching philosophy. I teach basic courses in molecular biology as well as advanced labs focusing on RNA biology and methods thereof. Bachelor seminars and bachelor thesis supervision complete my teaching portfolio.
Catalytic RNAs give us a look into an ancient RNA world from which modern biology might have evolved. These ribozymes must fold into a defined 3D-structure to perform their function. Temperature, divalent metal ions, proteins with RNA chaperone activity prevent folding intermediates to become trapped in inactive formations. Many proteins with RNA chaperone activity comprise intrinsically unstructured domains, which are proposed to play a role in phase separation. I try to identify and measure proteins with RNA chaperone activity in vivo and in vitro.
PhD from the University of Vienna, with Prof. Schroeder, (RNA chaperones, RNA folding). Post- doctoral researcher at Johns Hopkins University, USA, with Prof. Green (ribosome assembly); Hertha Firnberg fellow at the University of Vienna; post -doctoral researcher with Prof. Klein (cohesin function); Senior lecturer at the University of Vienna; Awards, Fellowships: Amersham Pharmacia Award from ÖBG (1999), short term HFSP fellowship (1999), Erwin Schroedinger fellowship (2000-2002), Hertha Firnberg fellowship (2005-2010); 17 publications in peer reviewed journals, 2 book chapters;