My main motivation to pursue a PhD in cell biology stems from my curiosity to unlock the secrets of life at the molecular scale. As an aspiring professional researcher, actively contributing to new scientific discoveries while making a positive impact on human health is very important to me. I think pathogens are fascinating biological systems – years of co-evolution with their hosts have tailored them as finely-tuned survival machines. In this regard, the Cell2Cell network focus on the role of chromatin dynamics in the cell adaptation to varying environmental cues, and its interdisciplinary approach to investigation, are a perfect match to my career goals. Being part of this ITN, together with fellow early-stage scientists, is an exciting opportunity to grow both personally and as an independent researcher. The training program promotes the development of a wide toolset of complementing biochemical and computational methods, that together with transferable skills, form an essential kit for a new generation of highly qualified researchers.

My host institute is located in the city of Basel, in the riverbanks of the Rhine. Considered the cultural heart of Switzerland, Basel has something to offer for all tastes. I quite like the fact that it is both a busy city at the interface of three countries while at the same time, a horizon of snowy alps is only a short train ride away.