Meet Jingjing Han designing biological sensors
The Chinese materials engineer worked on supramolecular nanozymes before she joined Martin Fussenegger’s biotechnology lab for a postdoctoral training. She loves Basel’s international flair and vibrant energy – and feels extremely lucky to be now working at D-BSSE.
What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what was your motivation to come to ETH Zurich?
I learned about D-BSSE research when searching the internet for relevant science groups world-wide. Martin Fussenegger’s lab is one of the world's most innovative biotechnology groups at the forefront of developing therapies for the treatment of human diseases. Research in Martin Fussenegger’s lab will open up new avenues for developing innovative cell-based therapeutic therapies. I eventually hope to translate our research on therapeutics to clinical studies. I am very lucky to have found such a position at ETH Zurich after my graduation!
What were your expectations, and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?
The ancient buildings, trams, trains, and pedestrians are all typical features of this city. We walk along the Rhine river banks or take trams to the central city. Every time, I am captivated by the scenarios at the Rhine: Basel feels like my hometown but is full of international flair and vibrant energy.
What were your first impressions?
Basel, a city you will love in two weeks because of its magical sunsets and clouds, is very quiet, safe, and warm. Everyone here is very kind and lovely. I was surprised by how quickly everything was set up for me at D-BSSE. The people here work happier and more efficiently than in other places. I love it!
Which research will you pursue at D-BSSE?
For now, I will be using synthetic biology-based approaches for sensing mental disorder, losing weight, and curing different kinds of diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
Which hobby do you hope to pursue in Switzerland?
I like to explore the beauty of nature and arts in Switzerland. I also like to go hiking, exercise, learn the German language, and make new friends here. I also enjoy taking photos or drawing pictures of Swiss lanscapes.
Many thanks, Jingjing, welcome to D-BSSE and all the very best to you!
Jingjing Han received her Master's degree at the Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. She then joined Professor Juyoung Yoon’s lab in the Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea, in 2019 for her PhD studies on supramolecular nanozyme, nanomaterials with enzyme-like characteristics. In 2022, Jingjing came to Basel for a postdoctoral training in Martin Fussenegger’s Biotechnology lab at the D-BSSE, ETH Zurich. Her research interests focus on the design and assembly of peptide-based functional materials, the design of activatable fluorescent probes in imaging and pro-diagnosis; the construction of biological sensors; supramolecular nano-agents in cancer catalytic therapy, and aggregation induced emission (AIE) agents for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Learn about research in the Biotechnology and Bioengineering lab led by Martin Fussenegger.