Group Members

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena

georg.pohnert@uni-jena.de
Tel.: +49 3641 9-48170

 

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Lessingstraße 8 
07743 Jena

anuj.chhalodia@uni-jena.de

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Lessingstraße 8 
07743 Jena

vera.nikitashina@uni-jena.de

My research focuses on metabolic interactions among microorganisms in marine planktonic environments, with particular emphasis on photosymbiotic systems. In my current project, I investigate the metabolic mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of radiolarian photosymbioses. To study this complex biological system, I apply a combination of analytical approaches, including bioassays, liquid and gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry, and mass spectrometry imaging. 

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Lessingstraße 8 (Room 2.18)
07743 Jena

david.russo@uni-jena.de
+49 3641 9-48956

 

 

 

I use a multi-omics approach to study the ecophysiology and molecular biology of phototrophic organisms with a focus on protein and small molecule secretion in cyanobacteria.

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Lessingstraße 8 (Room 2.18)
07743 Jena

marine.vallet@uni-jena.de
+49 3641 9-48956

 

 

 

My research interest is understanding how algae, plants, and their symbiotic microbes communicate and interact in ecosystems. I am using omics tools to identify chemical exchanges between hosts and microbes. My research group is studying the microbes that control toxic algal blooms in aquatic ecosystems. We aim to reveal their resilience to global changes and their impact on the food web. My group is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation): SFB 1127 ChemBioSys, Project number 239748522. 

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Lessingstraße 8 (Room 2.18)
07743 Jena

julia.faller@uni-jena.de

The bloom-and-bust patterns of marine diatoms are fundamental to global biogeochemical cycles. The decline of these blooms is often driven by nutrient limitation, leading to cellular senescence and the arrest of cell division. Rejuvenation of aged Coscinodiscus radiatus cells upon nutrient influx is mediated by the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which function as a molecular disposal mechanism to shuttle harmful metabolites, such as ROS and oxylipins, out of the cell. While it has been shown that bacteria can trigger this vesicle-mediated recovery, the underlying chemical signaling remains unidentified.
This project aims to decipher the bacterial mediators that drive rejuvenation and modulate aging physiology in C. radiatus. Through comparative exo-metabolomics of microalgal-bacterial co-cultures, we will identify candidate molecules associated with EV induction and cellular fitness. These effectors will be isolated via bioassay-guided fractionation and their structural composition will be characterized using high-resolution MS, proteomics and microscopy. Finally, the ecological impact of these interactions will be evaluated in large-scale mesocosm trials to understand aging dynamics within complex plankton communities. This research will provide mechanistic insights into the chemical language controlling microbial longevity and ecosystem stability.

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Lessingstraße 8 (Room 3.09)
07743 Jena

maia.henry@uni-jena.de
+49 3641 9-48954

 

 

My PhD research focuses on the analysis of metabolomic samples collected during the Tara Microbiomes expedition between 2021 and 2022. Im particularly interested in the Amazon River and it's plume, a unique area where the river's freshwater mixes with the Atlantic Ocean. I am investigating the impact of large environmental gradients (salinity, temperature, nutrients...) on the metabolome of the planktonic communities present. The Amazon River, by modulating not only the specific and genetic diversity of organisms, but also their functional diversity, is a perfect illustration of the complexity of microbial communities in the environment. Finally, my subject allows me to combine several aspects of research: fieldwork, laboratory and in silico analysis.

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Lessingstraße 8 (Room 3.02)
07743 Jena

ruchicka.oniel@uni-jena.de
+49 3641 9-48953

 

 

 

My research centers around studying Phytoplankton and the chemical cues that are exchanged within a phycosphere to better understand plankton community dynamics. During the course of my PhD I aim to identify chemical mediators involved in phytoplankton - parasite interactions. I also enjoy drinking tea, playing board games and have a special fondness for the wilderness.

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Lessingstraße 8
07743 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Lessingstraße 8 (Room 3.11)
07743 Jena

ruyi.yu@uni-jena.de

 

 

 

 

I specialize in using advanced Analytical Techniques and Biological Systems to explore defense mechanisms and metabolic exchanges in marine communities. My current focus is on studying Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) produced by diatoms when co-cultivated with various bacteria, including algicidal species.