Group Members

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
Room 3.041
07745 Jena

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

 

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena

anuj.chhalodia@uni-jena.de

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 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
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena

david.russo@uni-jena.de
Tel.: 03641/9-48176

 

 

 

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
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 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
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena

maia.henry@uni-jena.de

 

 

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
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena

hannah.knappe@uni-jena.de

For my doctoral studies, I work with phytoplankton — specifically diatoms — and investigate their chemical signaling systems.

Diatoms are microscopic, phototrophic organisms that inhabit all our oceans. Although they are single cells, they actively interact with each other and their environment. They do this through the release and detection of secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolites control many ecological interactions and include a wide range of different compound classes. My research focuses on grazer alarm cues, such as copepodamide and mating signals, such as sex-inducing pheromones (SIP). Copepodamide triggers inducible defense mechanisms in multiple phytoplankton species. SIP, on the other hand, plays a role in guiding Seminavis robusta cells of the opposite mating types towards each other for sexual reproduction. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of signal reception in diatoms remain unknown. Which receptors are involved, and what do the downstream signaling pathways look like? These are some of the key questions I address in my research.

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena

maximilian.knips@uni-jena.de

Website research group

Anthropogenic micropollutants such as pesticides, bisphenols, hormones, and PFAS are increasingly polluting aquatic ecosystems and pose a growing risk to the environment and human health. These substances enter water bodies via diffuse sources, where they have a negative impact on aquatic organisms and ecological balance. Due to bioaccumulation along the food chain, higher organisms are also at risk. Conventional wastewater treatment plants are unable to sufficiently remove anthropogenic pollutants. The fourth treatment stage aims to increase the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. Existing processes often require additional chemicals, have high energy demands, and are associated with significant costs. There is therefore an urgent need for sustainable, resource-efficient alternatives to reduce micropollutants in water bodies. A promising approach to environmentally friendly wastewater treatment is the use of macroalgae of the genus Ulva. These algae are characterized by high growth rates, adaptability, and the ability to accumulate and degrade pollutants. In addition, Ulva binds micronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate in its biomass, which can be used in a variety of ways in food and chemical production as well as energy generation. My research investigates the suitability of native freshwater Ulva species for the removal and degradation of micropollutants in wastewater.

 

The goal is to establish a sustainable, biological model system that complements existing purification technologies. Previous research findings show that Ulva can absorb a wide range of pollutants, but its degradation has rarely been studied. The combination of biological and chemical analyses enables a deep understanding of pollutant degradation processes.

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena

benedikt.kuehnel@uni-jena.de
Tel.: 03641/9-48175

Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Institute of Inorganic & Analytical Chemistry
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena

ruchicka.oniel@uni-jena.de

 

 

 

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
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 Jena
Germany

Post and visiting address:
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena
Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 5
07745 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.