Master Students

Verena Buchacher

I studied biomedical science and previously worked in a hospital diagnostic lab, where I soon began my Master's degree. During my Master’s thesis on the 'Gene Therapy' project at the Christian Doppler Laboratory, I learned new analytical methods and gained valuable insights into the production of pharmaceutical products, encompassing the entire process from upstream to downstream and analytics. These experiences are now invaluable in my current role as a Clinical Research Associate, where I oversee and monitor clinical trials. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy outdoor activities and traveling in my free time.

Catarina Maia

I completed both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Biological Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, Portugal. After finishing the coursework for my Master’s, I discovered my interest for Downstream Processing. This led me to pursue my Master’s thesis at BOKU in Astrid Dürauer’s during an Erasmus exchange semester. I developed an asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) method for at-line analytics of small nanoparticles, as a preliminary study for future work on Adeno-associated virus (AAV), using VISION software. The efficiency of the AF4 method was validated through simultaneous Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) measurements. Beyond my professional interests, I enjoy running and activities connected with nature. I also value spending quality time with friends and family, especially over a good meal.

Valerie Regele

During my bachelor’s studies in Food Science and Biotechnology at BOKU University, I gained first insights into research while doing my bachelor internship at the Austrian Institute of Technology. I worked in a group focusing on biomarker discovery and gained experience in different protein microarray formats. During subsequent internships and as a technician in the same group, I trained my skills in protein analytics and qPCR. Now, at the end of my master studies in Biotechnology, I am conducting my thesis in the CD group, focusing on the disruption of HEK293 cells. In my leisure time, I play the trombone in various orchestras.

Aida Tleuova

I am from Astana, Kazakhstan. I completed my study in Philology in my hometown, where I started to learn German language for the first time. This experience inspired me to pursue further education in Vienna. I chose to specialize in food science and biotechnology for my bachelor's degree at BOKU University. Currently, I am doing my master's degree in Biotechnology at BOKU. Within the "Gene Therapy" project at Christian Doppler Laboratory I work as a part-time laboratory technician, primarily focusing on analytics and downstream processes. From September 2024 I will start my Master thesis on “Impact of Primary recovery on impurity depletion and AAV recovery” in the CD Laboratory. Outside of my academic and professional endeavors, I enjoy practicing yoga and dancing. Along with this I like watching football and reading books.

Alessandra Vernasca

I come from the north of Italy, Parma. I am currently studying in Parma, where I chose to specialize in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. In the meantime, I also work at the hospital, focusing on the analysis of biological samples. During my master’s degree, I decided to improve myself and enrolled for my master’s thesis at BOKU University in Vienna. In my free time, I like reading books and going to the gym. Moreover, I have been practicing dance for 14 years.

Isabel Maria Eppel

I completed my Bachelor’s in Food Science and Biotechnology and continued with my Master’s in Biotechnology. During this time, I worked as a student assistant in Regulatory Affairs at a pharmaceutical company, which gave me first insights into the pharmaceutical field. I 
joined this project to write my master’s thesis focusing on optimizing rAAV production through CRISPR-based cell engineering. This experience not only deepened my practical lab skills and theoretical knowledge but also gave me the opportunity to follow the development of viral vectors. 
Outside the lab, I enjoy creative crafts, gardening, and cooking.

Elizabeth Cloos

I studied biology with a specialization in anthropology because I have always been interested in the human body, its anatomy, evolution, and the genetics, that shape who we are. When I finished my Bachelor's degree, I wanted to go more into depth and explore everything on a
molecular level. This led me to start my master's in molecular biology, where I could focus on the genome, the cells and the countless molecular interactions that make living organisms so complex. For my master thesis, I joined the Gene Therapy project at the Christian Doppler
laboratory, which allowed me to learn new methods and gain skills in upstream processing. I am currently working on the evaluation of inducible expression systems for AAV production in mammalian cells.
Outside the lab, I enjoy reading books, painting, gardening or spending time with family and friends."

Ela Hasanbasic

I began my studies in Biology with a focus on Anthropology at the University of Vienna, inspired by a fascination with human biology and history. To gain a deeper understanding of biological processes, I pursued a master’s in molecular biology at the University of Vienna, specializing in Stem Cell and Developmental Biology. Motivated by my interest in clinical research and therapies, I joined the Christian Doppler laboratory on Knowledge-Based Production of Gene Therapy Vectors. Here, I work on my Master thesis comparing different cell lines for AAV production, gaining hands-on experience in upstream processing and exploring new methodologies. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, reading, practicing various sports, and expressing my creative side through writing, painting and photography.

Krisztina Herz

I completed my Bachelor degree in Microbiology and Genetics at the University of Vienna. During my Bachelors I had an opportunity to do an exchange semester at the University of Amsterdam. My Bachelor thesis focused on multidrug resistance of Candida species and its impact on healthcare institutions. After finishing my Bachelor I got a FemTech Position at AGES, where I worked on monitoring the spread of Mycobacterium caprae in cattle and deer in Austria with the help of NGS and bioinformatic tools. Currently I am pursuing my Masters in Molecular Biology and writing my Master thesis at the CD Lab which focuses on genetic engineering of HEK293 cells for improved production of recombinant adeno-associated viruses.
In my free time I like traveling, spending time with my friends and my dog, and reading.