I’m thrilled to share that I recently joined Northwestern University as a CLP Translational Proteomics Fellow, working alongside Neil Kelleher and his team to unravel the complexities of neurodegeneration. My research focuses on advancing top-down proteomics approaches to complement my expertise in single cell bottom-up analyses, with a particular emphasis on small molecule target identification and elucidating their mechanisms of action. As elected chair of the Single Cell Initiative at the Human Proteome Organization, I thrive to foster collaboration and set standards for reproducible and transparent research.

Previously, as a postdoctoral researcher at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Steve Carr’s proteomics group, I focused on advancing the sensitivity of current single cell and spatial proteomics workflows. Building on my doctoral work with Karl Mechtler and Sasha Mendjan at the Vienna Biocenter I developed techniques to streamline proteome and phosphoproteome sample preparation to profile small patient samples, such as tissue biopsies.

My scientific journey has been profoundly shaped by the diverse groups and inspiring mentors I’ve had the pleasure to work with. During my time at the University of Stockholm, Sweden, I developed an appreciation for the little things—studying a protein essential for Drosophila melanogaster (a small fruit fly) airway development. While pursuing my Master’s degree, I worked as a research technician and had my first encounter with a mass spectrometer. The excitement of exploring the proteome ignited my passion for mass spectrometry, which was further fueled with Uwe Rix and his team at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. Through the integration of chemical proteomics, global and phosphoproteomics we identified activity of an FDA-approved therapeutic agent for leukemia, in treating lung cancer. This work emphasized the importance of repurposing existing drugs to reduce the costs of new compound development while delving into their mechanisms of action in complex diseases.

My journey in brief
From studying early organ development in fruit flies, transitioning into chemical proteomics to find new targets in non-small cell lung cancer, to driving sensitivity of mass spectrometry-based workflows at single cell resolution and complementing spatial context to decode cell signaling pathways and deepen our understanding of tumor development and progression.

When I’m not working with mass spectrometers, I enjoy running and, in true Austrian tradition, exploring local breweries after a hike.

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