Position: Group leader ”Computational Virology” at Department for Molecular & Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
Research focus: RNA virus host interactions & RNA virus evolution
What do you love about viruses?
The fact that the living world as we know probably would not exist without viral gene transfer. They are the driver of evolution.
Who is your favorite scientist and why?
One of my favorite scientists is Charles Rice. I find it fascinating that he spent almost all of his scientific life with Hepatitis C virus. All the way from discovery to cell culture models and subsequently to Hepatitis C cure. I admire this dedication. And of course Marco Vignuzzi. We seem to share the same scientific interests and he is doing awesome research.
On what topic could you give a 30-minute presentation without any preparation?
Hepatitis E virus – What is known and what do we need to know?
What is your favorite way to spend a day off?
Everytime I make it home, I try to go hiking in the Alps. But also a sunny day in the beergarden can be very regenerative.
What are you currently learning?
How to analyze scRNAseq data
What is the most interesting question or challenge in science that is still unanswered?
Is there extraterristrial life?
What do people think about you that isn’t true?
That I know anything about network administration. Just because I have the word ”informatics” in my profession doesn’t make me an IT expert.
Is there anything else you would like to share with other EVBC members?
I am currently trying to establish a new virus bioinformatics group here in Bochum. Any advice, help, and collaboration request is very much appreciated 😉