Meet Xenia Ficht studying T-cell memory
The German national specialised in immunology in Bern, Switzerland before moving to Italy to work as a postdoctoral researcher on liver diseases at a hospital in Milano. Now a postdoc in the Systems Physiology lab of Andreas Moor, Xenia shares her knowhow from medical research and immunology with the group. She likes Basel’s international and vibrant atmosphere and enjoys to explore Switzerland for its history and culture.
What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what was your motivation to come to ETH Zurich?
I had a friend working at D-BSSE who informed me about an open position here – so I immediately took the opportunity and applied. I did my PhD in Immunology at the University of Bern, Switzerland, and then lived for three years in Italy and worked as a postdoc at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milano focusing on liver diseases. After that, I wanted to return to work for a research institution in Switzerland to be closer to family and friends, and am lucky to have found a position at the ETH Zurich!
What were your expectations, and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?
Since I already lived in Switzerland for my PhD I had a reasonable idea of what to expect and knew all the little particularities of everyday life like the recycling system in Switzerland, the different train passes, or the “20 minuten” newspaper. I’m originally from Konstanz in Germany, so compared to my experience in Milano, Basel feels like coming home. Moreover, I was positively surprised by Basel’s international and vibrant atmosphere.
What were your first impressions...?
I may have been a bit lucky but I was surprised by how quickly everything was set up for me at D-BSSE. Basically, I was ready to start working on my projects by noon of my first working day! I’m also happy to have already met so many friendly colleagues both in my own research group and the rest of the department.
Which research will you pursue at D-BSSE?
For now, I will be involved in multiple different ongoing research projects in the lab, mostly by providing support in project planning, experimental work and writing.
Which hobby do you hope to pursue in Switzerland?
I like to meet up with friends (both old and new) and explore the history and culture of the country and the city of Basel. In summer I also enjoy swimming in the Rhine or in the Aare in Bern. While I am not up for climbing or skiing, I do enjoy hiking and being surrounded by nature – and Switzerland has plenty of nature to offer.
Many thanks, Xenia, welcome to D-BSSE and all the very best to you!
Having studied molecular medicine at the University of Ulm, Germany, Xenia specialised in immunology during her PhD at the University of Bern, Switzerland. In her research she focused on T-cell immunology and in vivo imaging. Xenia then moved closer to the patient and did her first postdoc at the San Raffaele hospital in Milano, Italy, to work on liver disease(s). Aiming for a career change, in the Systems Physiology lab of Andreas Moor Xenia supports the group in planning experimental work and writing grant proposals. The driving motivation for her interest in medical research is to promote a positive impact on human health. A review paper on external pageimmune surveillance of the liver by T-cells summarises much of her own research.
Learn about the Systems Physiology lab of Andreas Moor.