Early Stage Researcher

What is your project/research about? What would you like to find out?

My project will aim to characterize the surfaceome nanoscale organization and extracellular interaction networks of macrophages and the brain endothelium in health and disease. What sounds complicated in one sentence comes down to simple questions: how do macrophages interact with the blood brain barrier (and with which proteins)? How does that interaction change during inflammation? How does it influence the integrity of the blood brain barrier?

Why did you apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN and especially this project?

MSCA ITNs offer an extraordinary platform for the collaborative exchange of ideas and methods between various groups in academia and industry. I am convinced that these networks will surpass traditional isolated PhD programs, and that they will be able to make a greater contribution to our understanding of neuroinflammation. Coming from a background in fundamental neurosciences, I value highly that I am given the opportunity to specialize in the relevant niche of the combination of neuroscience and proteomics.

What is so fascinating for you on research in general?

I love that (preclinical) research does not only develop our understanding of diseases – and here of neuroinflammatory processes – but that these may advance the treatment of complex diseases down the road.

What do you do in your free time? Do you have special interests/hobbies?

These days, I mostly focus on going to the gym as a balance to my intellectual academic work. Besides that, I love singing, dancing, and hiking.

What are your plans for your future? Where/what you will be in 5 years?

I see myself as an independent researcher in the niche I am specializing in right now, either in an academic or an industrial position, in Middle or Northern Europe.