People

Prof. Dr. Barbara Treutlein

Barbara Treutlein studied chemistry at the Universities of Tübingen and Mainz and at UC Berkeley in 2001-2007. From 2007-2012, she performed her doctoral research in single-molecule biophysics with Jens Michaelis at LMU Munich, Germany. During her Postdoc with Stephen Quake at Stanford University from 2012-2014, she pioneered the use of microfluidic-based single-cell transcriptomics to dissect the cellular composition of complex tissues, and to elucidate differentiation pathways during lung development and cell reprogramming. 2015-2018, she was a Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig and held a tenure-track assistant professorship at TU Munich. Since 2019, Barbara is Professor for Quantitative Developmental Biology at the ETH Zürich D-BSSE, Switzerland. Her group uses and develops single-cell genomics approaches in combination with stem cell based 2- and 3-dimensional culture systems to study human organogenesis. For her work, Barbara has received multiple awards including the Friedmund Neumann Prize of the Schering Foundation and the Dr. Susan Lim Award for Outstanding Young Investigator of the International Society of Stem Cell Research.

Dr. Zhisong He

I received my undergraduate degree in Bioinformatics in Zhejiang University, China, and Ph.D in Philipp Khaitovich’s lab in CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology in Shanghai, studying molecular evolution of primate brains. After joining the Treutlein lab in 2018, my research focuses on understanding cell fate specification and maturation during human brain development, by incorporating single-cell genomics, computational modeling and various model systems particularly human brain organoids. I am also a lecturer of "Systems Genomics" and "Single Cell Technologies", and the data manager in the lab. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, reading and staying with family, and I am a passionate video game player.

Dr. Jasper Janssens

I received my undergraduate degree in Bioscience Engineering and my Ph.D. in Molecular Neuroscience in the Stein Aerts lab at the VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research and KU Leuven in Belgium. I am eager to decipher the regulatory code of the genome to understand the diversity, evolution, and origins of human cell types. Beyond the lab, I can be found running, playing tennis or padel, or diving since recently getting my PADI certification. I am also constantly on the hunt for new additions to my ever-expanding homegrown jungle.

Dr. Marius Lange

I studied Physics and Applied Maths at the Universities of Freiburg, Imperial College London and Oxford and I completed my PhD in Computational Biology at Helmholtz Munich in the lab of Fabian Theis. In the Treutlein lab, I’m developing computational models to further our understanding of early human brain development using single-cell and spatial genomics data. Outside of the lab, I like cross-country skiing, windsurfing, sailing, and quite a few other sports, and I enjoy cooking and spending time with friends & family.

Dr. JiSoo Park

I studied biomedical engineering and obtained my Bachelor and Master of Engineering degrees at Korea University, where I worked on BioMEMS applications for biomedical research, including brain-on-a-chip, in the Intelligent BioMEMS Lab led by the late Professor Sang-Hoon Lee. I then completed my PhD in Biotechnology and Bioengineering at EPFL in the Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering led by Professor Matthias Lutolf, focusing on developing neural tube organoids and microfluidic devices for morphogen gradient formation. At the QuaDBio Lab, I am working on microfluidic device-based morphogen-driven spatial patterning studies on human brain organoids. I love interdisciplinary projects that contribute to innovative solutions in the organoid field. Outside the lab, I enjoy art, music, sports, and cultural exploration.

Dr. Edoardo Sozzi

I received my undergraduate degree and a dual Master from the University of Pisa and the Scuola Normale Superiore. I completed my Ph.D. in Malin Parmar’s lab at Lund University, investigating human midbrain dopaminergic neuron development using 3D organoids, in vivo transplantation, and single-cell RNA sequencing. At the QuaDBio lab, I am interested in uncovering the extrinsic mechanisms that shape human brain development and connectivity, with the ultimate goal of advancing cell replacement therapies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and Huntington’s disease. Outside the lab, I enjoy drawing, painting, and preparing homemade pasta.

Dr. Anna Uzonyi

I’m originally from Budapest, Hungary, and completed my BSc in Molecular Biotechnology at the Technical University of Munich. During my MSc and PhD, I studied RNA modifications in the Schwartz lab at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Driven by my long-standing fascination with dolphins and whales, I joined the Treutlein lab as a postdoctoral fellow, where I investigate skin evolution and wound healing in marine mammals using single-cell and organoid technologies. In my free time, I enjoy traveling the world, hiking, and reading (as well as occasionally writing) fantasy and science fiction.

Adnan Abouelela

I received my Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biotechnology from the University of Heidelberg and completed my Master's in Biotechnology at ETH Zurich. After an exchange year at Harvard, I returned to ETH Zurich to pursue a PhD. I am interested in the capacity of multicellular systems to self-organize and the diversity of species that results therefrom. During my PhD in the Treutlein lab, I am employing computational approaches to describe mechanisms involved in forming new neurons during development, homeostasis and regeneration of the axolotl brain. Beyond science, I enjoy sports, music, art, and meeting people from different cultures.

Nadezhda Azbukina

I received my Master’s degree in Bioengineering and Bioinformatics from Lomonosov Moscow State University. At the QuadBio lab, I’m excited to push forward how high-throughput human organoid screens can be designed and used to uncover the principles of tissue patterning and signal transduction. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing touch rugby and padel, and I’m currently learning German.

Aileen-Diane Bamford

I studied chemistry at the University of Vienna. After graduating I decided I was more interested in ‘living things’ and pursued a research internship with Bon-Kyoung Koo at IMBA Vienna where I studied stem cell quiescence in the stomach epithelium. In Barbara’s lab I am developing an imaging tool that allows the live tracking of single mRNAs in complex tissues such as neural organoids, which allows me to investigate the role of mRNA localisation and transport in neurodevelopment. Other than tending to my cells, I am a music nerd and love to go dancing and to concerts.

Benedikt Eisinger

I received my B.Sc. in Biosciences from University of Heidelberg – Ruperto Carola studying RNA-directed DNA methylation in plants. I went on to complete my M.Sc. in Biotechnology at ETH Zurich studying DNA methylation during brain organoid development. As a PhD student in the Treutlein Lab, I am interested in programming neuronal cell fates from pluripotency using transcription factor co-expression strategies. In my free time I enjoy spending time in nature and sports.

Gilles Gut

I completed my Master's in Systems Biology at ETH Zürich in 2021, specializing in machine learning and computational biology. At the Treutlein lab, I develop computer vision models and analyses for large-scale imaging data, studying how proteins and cell morphology change during early human brain development. I'm particularly interested in how tissue architecture and morphology are coupled to molecular information. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking, mushroom foraging, and diving.

Nicolas Luginbühl

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from University Zürich and my master’s degree in Biotechnology from ETH Zürich, in Basel. At the QuaDBio lab, I investigate how microglia influence brain development and disease using live imaging, and spatial techniques, with an emphasis on leveraging in-vitro organoid systems that capture human tissue complexity. Outside the lab, I’m usually found bouldering, hiking, skiing, or getting lost in a board game or pen-and-paper adventure with friends over a glass of good wine.

Juliane Rohland

I'm currently pursuing my PhD, focusing on brain regeneration in axolotls. After studying molecular biotechnology at Heidelberg, I wanted to understand why some species can regenerate far better than humans and what those differences look like at the transcriptomic level. Right now, I'm investigating how regenerative capacity varies across different brain regions in axolotls and identifying the genes involved in this process. To functionally test these targets, I'm working to establish 3D models of the axolotl brain. Outside the lab, I enjoy baking and bouldering, and spending time with family and friends.

Mateja Soretić

I received my undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences, specialising in Genetics, at the University of Cambridge, in the UK. Afterwards I received my master’s degree in Molecular Biosciences, majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology, at Heidelberg University, in Germany. In the Treutlein lab, I am eager to use single cell genomics technologies to advance our understanding of regenerative processes that occur in various animals. Outside the lab, I am an avid hiker.

Reto Tschannen

I received my undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology with a focus on computational- and microbiology from the Biozentrum at the University of Basel. At the Treutlein lab, I’m developing spatial CRISPR screens and applying them to further our understanding of how the extracellular matrix is shaping early brain development and how this influences developmental disorders. Outside the lab, [among other things] I enjoy travelling (usually in Europe by train but sometimes to Japan), bouldering, reading, and hiking.

Wuji (Tony) Cao

I received my undergraduate degree in Nanotechnology Engineering at the University of Waterloo, and completed my Masters in Bioengineering at UC Berkeley. Prior to my PhD I was a research assistant at the Wyss Institute in Boston working on organ-on-chips. In the Treutlein lab, I'm applying my engineering background to building complex organoid models, using microfluidics and cell fate engineering. Outside the lab, I enjoy playing tennis, cooking, and drinking good wine.

Sebastian Böhm

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and my Master’s degrees in Molecular Biology as well as Cognitive, Behavioural, and Neurobiology from the University of Vienna in Austria. At the Treutlein lab, I am eager to deepen our understanding of axolotl brain regeneration and to explore the interplay between regenerative processes and developmental programs. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking, climbing, and spending time with friends.

Helena Binkova

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Life Sciences Engineering with a specialization in Molecular Health at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences Engineering at EPFL in 2022. Motivated by the need for more accurate human-based research systems, I am particularly interested in improving organoid models to better recapitulate human biology. In the Quantitative Developmental Biology Lab, I aim to contribute to the development of spatially patterned brain organoids. Outside the lab, I enjoy arts and crafts, especially sewing and crochet.

Marina Grimmeisen

I am currently pursuing a Master's in Developmental Biology at the University of Basel. I completed my undergraduate degree at the same university in July 2024. I am passionate about neuroscience and human neurological disorders. Moreover, I am particularly interested in investigating fundamental principles of neuronal cell fate decisions during early development. At the Treutlein lab, I am keen to deepen my knowledge of how neuronal subtypes can be engineered via TF overexpression. Furthermore, I am working on establishing a gene expression system that allows temporal control of TF overexpression. Outside of the lab, I enjoy baking and playing Padel.

Seungyoon Lee

I am currently pursuing a Master's in Biotechnology at D-BSSE, ETH. I received my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, in South Korea. At the Quantitative Developmental Biology Lab, I am particularly eager to deepen my understanding of developing human brains in comparison to developing brains of model animals and brain organoids using single cell genomic technologies. Outside of the lab, I am mostly hanging out with my guitars and also open to talk about guitar stuff.

Yingyue Liang (Leslie)

I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Biotechnology at ETH. I received my bachelor’s in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, focusing on truncated Cas9 and inducible Cas9 under the CN Yang Scholar’s Programme. At QuaDBio lab, I am eager to explore tissue modelling and transcription-factor-driven reprogramming, with a focus on cell types of the blood-brain barrier. Apart from research, I enjoy reading, writing, playing the piano, drawing and crocheting. “Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing a flowery band to bind us to the earth, Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth of noble natures.”

Timosh Rueff

As part of my Biotechnology Master’s Program at ETH I am working in the Quantitative Developmental Biology Lab under the supervision of two post-docs. I study multi‑species primate brain organoids, integrating organoid culture with bioinformatic analysis, and I’m broadly interested in translational applications of alternative model systems and functional genomics. Outside of the lab I am currently focused on improving my bad handwriting.

Michel Tarnow

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics at ETH Zürich in Switzerland. I completed my undergraduate degree in Molecular Biotechnology at Heidelberg University in Germany. I am particularly interested in combining computational methods with large-scale biological datasets to advance biomedical research. In the QuaDBio lab, I aim to deepen my understanding of generative deep learning techniques and human brain development, with a focus on data integration. Outside of the lab, I enjoy various sports, including volleyball and bouldering, and I love to explore new places.

Nora Wang

I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree at ETH Zürich. Originally from mainland China, I completed my Bachelor’s degree at University of Hong Kong. With past experience in genetics and organoids, I am now interested in single-cell technologies to uncover hidden patterns in data. At QuadBio, I explore how snails regenerate their tentacles, aiming to decipher alternative mechanisms of sensory neuron regeneration. Outside of the lab, I rarely say no to movies and coffee-bondings. I am also actively exploring what sports have to offer. 

Dr. Malgorzata Santel

I am the lab manager responsible for organizing and maintaining our cell culture facilities. As the first point of contact for new and current cell culture members, I ensure smooth operations and provide guidance when needed. I work with induced pluripotent stem cells from primate species and generate brain organoids from different regions using various protocols. I also specialize in RNA workflows and library preparations, and I enjoy contributing to different projects across the lab. Outside of work, I like bouldering and exploring science fiction worlds.