Lara Heckmann

I studied molecular biotechnology at the University of Heidelberg, which included research internships in the fields of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biophysics. After my master’s thesis on cell polarization and mechanosensing, I worked for one year in the group of computational pathology at the University Hospital of Frankfurt and gained insights in Python programming and machine-learning-based image analysis. In 2022, I joined Anne’s lab as a PhD student of the International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics, and Metabolism. My doctoral study focuses on cell affinity and mechanics of epithelial cells at somatic-germline interfaces. Outside the lab, you can find me either underwater with a snorkel and puck, dancing around, or at a crime dinner table with friends.

Anna Frey

I received my B.Sc. degree in Biology and completed my M.Sc. in Applied Biosciences at the University of Freiburg. During my bachelor’s, I had the chance to travel to Ecuador for an ecological internship. For my master’s thesis, I joined the Classen Lab and started to investigate the role of Toll receptors in intra-epithelial tumor suppression. Keen on furthering my project, I stayed in Anne’s lab, joined the Spemann Graduate School for Biology and Medicine, and am currently focusing on the functions of Toll receptors and NFκB signaling during intra-epithelial defenses against mis-specified cells. Besides working in the lab, I enjoy most things that involve colors and crafting, reading and music, or trying out new spices and ingredients in the kitchen.

Laurin Ernst

I received my B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Regensburg in 2020 and my M.Sc. in Genetics and Developmental Biology from the University of Freiburg in 2023. During my Master’s thesis, I had the opportunity to conduct research in Anne Classen’s lab and stayed in the lab as a research assistant, which laid the foundation for my current focus as a PhD student. In 2024, I joined the International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics, and Metabolism. My PhD research focuses on how tissues recognize and eliminate cells with an aberrant identity, with particular emphasis on the role of various surface molecules in this process. Outside of academia, I enjoy spending time hiking, camping, or just relaxing with a good movie/series or video game.

Aakriti Singh

I graduated with a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from Delhi University, India, in 2021. That same year, I moved to Heidelberg, Germany, to pursue a Master’s in Molecular Biosciences, specializing in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology at the University of Heidelberg. For my master’s thesis, I worked in Dr. Ingrid Lohmann’s lab, focusing on the role of the Hox gene Antp in adult flight muscle development, using the wing disc as a model. I joined the International Max Planck Research School for Immunology, Epigenetics, and Metabolism and Anne’s lab for a Ph.D. in 2024. I am currently studying the role of lipids in tissue regeneration using the Drosophila wing disc as the primary model. Outside the lab, I enjoy petting any cat I encounter, attending concerts, engaging in art, exploring new cafes with friends, and powerlifting.

Andjela Plavotic

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and completed my Master of Science degree in Applied Biosciences at the University of Freiburg. During my master’s thesis in Prof. Maja Köhn’s lab, I investigated the role of protein phosphatase 1-regulated phosphorylation sites on insulin signalling components.

I then joined the International Max Planck Research School for Epigenetics, Biophysics and Metabolism, as well as Anne’s lab, to begin my PhD in 2025. My research focuses on developing a toxicity assay and assessing the chemical toxicity of pesticides using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, swimming and travelling.

Isabelle Grass

Our lab fairy.

Dr Vanessa Weichselberger

Dr Janhvi Jaiswal

Dr Deepti Prasad

Dr Carlo Crucianelli

Dr Ramya Balaji

Dr Aynur Copur

Dr Christina Bielmeier

Dr Marco La Fortezza

Dr Addie Kolybaba

Dr Andrea Cosolo