Lab Members

Astrid received an MD degree from the University of Vienna (Austria) and a PhD from the University of Basel (Switzerland). As a graduate student in Dr. Witek Filipowicz’ group, Astrid studied microRNA(miRNA)-mediated gene silencing, and identified TRBP as a protein partner of human Dicer. As a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Greg Hannon at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), Astrid characterized Zucchini/PLD6 as a novel nuclease in the biogenesis of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Astrid joined the NIDDK/NIH-IRP as a Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigator in 2015. She continues exploring the universe of small RNA-based genome surveillance with a multidisciplinary team of enthusiastic young scientist.

• NIH Intramural Research Program: Principal Investigators in RNA Biology
• NIH Intramural Research Program: Principal Investigators in Developmental Biology
• NIH Catalyst: Trans-NIH Recruits, February 2017
• NIH Catalyst: Balancing a Scientific Career with Raising a Family

PhD – Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

As a graduate student in Dr. Alex Bortvin’s lab at the Carnegie Institute for Science, Pavol studied the function of the RNA binding protein Maelstrom (MAEL) in transposon restriction in the male germline of mice.  Combining his computational and molecular expertise, he focuses on the genome-wide characterization of piRNA-guided transposon restriction.  His current project aims to elucidate rules that govern the piRNA sequence space.

PhD - School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Qingcai’s graduate work focused on regulatory mechanisms that control floral organ development in rice. Her project focuses on mechanisms of nuclear RNA export in piRNA biology. Outside the lab, Qingcai likes to play and grow flowers.

Graduate student, NIH graduate partnership with the University of Patras, Greece

Academic Mentor: Prof. Dr. Constantinos Stathopoulos

Msc - University of Patras, Greece

Thenia studies the mechanisms of piRNA biogenesis and piRNA-mediated gene silencing in Drosophila ovaries. Outside the lab, she is a space enthusiast, fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. She also enjoys reading and outdoor activities with friends.

Celine is working to establish a genome-editing toolkit for Drosophila Ovarian somatic sheath cells (OSC) that enables rapid manipulation of endogenous genes for visualization and biochemical experiments. She will be starting medical school in fall. Outside of the lab Celine often goes to ride her horse or spends time hiking in the Patapsco Valley.

BSc – Stockton University, New Jersey

Dan investigates patterns of piRNA populations in flies and mice. In his free time, he enjoys running and being outdoors.