Research interests
Information processing in
organisms happens on various levels, from gene regulatory networks,
over the nervous system, to the holobiont formed by
animals and their symbiotic microbes. To relate these levels, I use a
theoretical approach combining data analysis, mathematical modelling and numerical
simulations. Symbiotic interactions across species borders shape all life,
and even who we are -- for example, emotions and mood seem to be influenced by
our gut bacteria. One of my prime
research questions is how the complex interplay between microbial
symbionts and animal host is orchestrated. My focus thereby lies on
interactions with a positive effect on the microbes, potentially
mediated by nerve cells.
During my studies in Paris, I became interested in the brain as complex system. After research internships in San Diego, Paris and Dresden, I completed my PhD in theoretical biology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 2017 with Susanne Schreiber, investigating how neuronal excitability and morphology influences information transmission in the brain. I have extended the project by experimental confirmation of our hypothesis and computational studies on neuronal networks.
The circadian clock oscillates as the rhythmic change of molecular and physiological characteristics with day and night since its development more than two billion years ago. I am currently affiliated with Angela Relógio, where we adapted a model of the cellular genetic network to experimentally observed oscillations in order to personalize medical interventions, and relate the experimental observations to clinically relevant parameters.
