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.

Topic:

Characterization of (Bio)nanoparticle Size By Taylor Dispersion Analysis

Started:

February to July 2023

Defense:

September 28, 2023, Joanneum Graz

Supervisor:

Astrid Dürauer

Co-Supervisor:

Tim Causon, Institute of Analytical Chemistry, BOKU University

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.

Topic:

Establishment of an Analytical Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) Method for Characterization and Quantification of Bionanoparticles

Started:

February – July 2023

Defense:

December 15th, 2023, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa, Portugal

Supervisor:

Ana Azvedo

Co-Supervisor:

Astrid Dürauer

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.

Topic:

Impact of cell disruption on rAAV recovery

Started:

July - December, 2024, ongoing

Supervisor:

Astrid Dürauer

Co-Supervisor:

Maral Rahimzadeh

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.

Topic:

Impact of Primary recovery on impurity depletion and AAV recovery

Started:

September 2024- August 2025, ongoing

Supervisor:

Astrid Dürauer

Co-Supervisor:

Maral Rahimzadeh

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.

Topic:

Assessing the phenotype and production performance of HEK293 cells

Started:

September 2024 – February 2025, ongoing

Supervisor:

Nicole Borth

Co-Supervisor:

Nikolaus Virgolini