Sabrina Leigheb

Originally from Napoli, I started working in the analytics field when I carried out my Bachelor thesis aimed to the detection of vitamins throughout LC-MS/MS. Subsequently, thanks to the Erasmus+ scholarship, I had the opportunity to develop my Master thesis at the ZHAW in Zurich focused on the development of innovative biotechnological processes for bacteriophage production and quantification. After I graduated in Industrial and Molecular Biotechnology at the Universitá degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, guided by strong interest in the viral applications, I joined the CD Lab as a PhD candidate working on the development of innovative analytical tools for AAV vectors. I have several interests that I like to cultivate such as crochet, singing and reading about Greek and Latin mythology.

Topic: Offline Analytics for characterisation of rAAVs
Started: January 2023
Supervisor: Astrid Dürauer
Co-Supervisor Tim Causon, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, BOKU University
External Advisor: Stefan Kochanek, Ulm University

Alexander Molin

I completed my Bachelor's degree in bioengineering and my Master's degree in bioinformatics at the FH Campus Wien. During my studies I became passionate about bioprocesses and later on, genetics and omics. After my Master-thesis these interests led me to the BOKU University where I was able to focus on the analysis of CRISPR/Cas knockout screen data. In July 2024 I started in the CD Lab as PhD candidate and will enrol in the BOKU DocSchool Bioprocess Engineering. My research will focus on the epigenetic analysis of HEK cells during the production of AAV. I'm excited to work in this dynamic and fascinating field of research and learn new things about epigenetics and bioprocess development.

Topic:

Transcriptomic Analysis of HEK cell lines used for AAV production

Started:

July 2024

Supervisor:

Nicole Borth

Co-Supervisor:

Astrid Dürauer

Georg Smesnik

Starting with a Bachelor's program in Biology, I explored Microbiology and Genetics at the University of Vienna. During my studies, I interned at Boehringer Ingelheim, during which I completed my bachelor’s thesis and gained insights into various fields of biopharmaceutical production. Later, in my Master's program in Molecular Microbiology and Immunobiology at the Max Perutz Labs Vienna, I researched interferon-induced transcriptional regulation for my thesis. Alongside my studies, I assisted in teaching, where I conducted practical courses for undergraduate students. Before I became a part of Boehringer Ingelheim Vienna, where I expanded my expertise as an analyst, focusing on quality control- and management. Currently, I am a PhD candidate at BOKU University and member of the doctoral school for bioprocess engineering. My research focuses on improving the production of rAAV by the comprehensive exploration of host cells through systematic investigations of both, the genome and epigenome.

Topic:

Genomic scale analysis of mammalian cell lines used for production of gene therapy vectors

Started:

January 2023

Supervisor:

Nicole Borth

Co-Supervisor:

Astrid Dürauer

External Advisor:

  

Francesc Gódia, Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, UAB Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

 

Maria Toth

My passion for molecular biology started in high school when I learnt about all the tiny structures that make up a cell. So, I studied biotechnology at BOKU and spent my summers discovering different aspects of biopharmaceutical production. It was always important to me to understand a process from beginning to end. Therefore, I worked in upstream bioprocessing and learnt how to ferment bacteria and yeast in 20 L scale. Afterwards, I interned in a downstream pilot plant which was very impressive. However, both my bachelor and master thesis were about molecular biology – my true passion. I investigated the impact of a sRNA on soluble protein production in E. coli and redesigned a modular vector with a similar focus. In my PhD, I still focus on molecular biology but in animal cells - working on inducible expression systems and stable cell lines to improve AAV production.

Topic:

Strategies for development of stable cell lines for AAV production

Started:

January 2023

Supervisor:

Astrid Dürauer

Co-Supervisor:

Nicole Borth, Reingard Grabherr

External Advisor:

  

Stefan Kochanek, Department of Gene Therapy, Ulm University

 

Martina Winter

I joined the project as doctoral student working on online monitoring and modelling in the downstream processing of AAVs. In my master studies at BOKU, I got drawn to bioprocess engineering after focusing on analytic and biochemistry throughout my bachelor studies. I started my upstream experiences with bacterial fermentation in industrial internships at Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, and extended my knowledge to mammalian and insect cell culture within acib. My master thesis with Peter Satzer allowed me to combine upstream processing and novel soft-sensor development as tool for online monitoring and sparked my interest on programming. I am excited to deepen my modelling techniques in downstream processing, which offer new challenges to tackle. In my spare time, I like to cook italian dishes and take care of my 80+ house plants jungle.

Topic:

Online Monitoring in Downstream Processing of AAVs

Started:

January 2023

Supervisor:

Astrid Dürauer

Co-Supervisor:

Theresa Scharl-Hirsch

External Advisor:

  

Francesc Gódia, Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, UAB Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona