Institute of Genetics

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Research

As a scientist in the Livestock as well as Companion animal genetics group, my research focuses on molecular genetic investigations into inherited diseases and hereditary traits across various domestic animal species. I am also interested in comprehensive population genetics analyses to explore the history and significance of genetic diversity within and between different animal populations.

At the Institute of Genetics, we employ cutting-edge techniques such as genome-wide association studies, whole-genome sequencing, and advanced bioinformatics analyses to identify genetic markers and variants associated with specific traits or diseases.

Our findings ultimately support the use of veterinary precision medicine, enabling early disease diagnosis and prevention strategies to improve welfare and contribute to the ethical treatment of animals. Furthermore, the availability of spontaneous animal models of specific rare diseases also benefits human medicine through a better understanding of the disease pathophysiology or development of potential therapeutic strategies.

Overall, my research endeavors in animal genetics strive to benefit both scientific knowledge and practical applications for animal breeding and welfare by translating fundamental genetic discoveries into informed selection decisions in breeding programs.

 

CV

After passing my Bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry, I went on to complete my Master's degree in Animal Biotechnology at Mendel University in Brno, the Czech Republic.

In 2021, I obtained my PhD in Computational Biology at the University of Bern, Switzerland, with a focus on inherited canine neurological diseases as models for corresponding human conditions. For one part of this canine research, I was awarded the Albert-Heim-Stiftung Recognition Prize 2019. Later that year, I received the Yoshi Suzuki Award from the International Society for Animal Genetics for a study of chromosomal aberrations in pigs.

During my postdoctoral research at the Institute Genetics & Development of Rennes (University of Rennes, France), as a member of the Dog Genetics team, I worked on a molecular genetics and bioinformatics project on the genetic and functional mechanisms of pain and sensory neuropathies in dogs.

In 2023, I returned to Switzerland to join the Institute of Genetics and became involved in various projects exploring the underlying genetics of different hereditary traits and disorders in many domestic animal species. I work with large genomic data using my skills and expertise in computational biology, molecular genetics, bioinformatics, data analysis, and several programming languages.