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 (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 
07743 Jena

shahrukh.abbas.siddiqui@uni-jena.de

 

 

 

My research interest focuses on the intricate interactions between bacterial communities and diatoms, with a particular focus on metabolomics. Diatoms are the key primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, engage in complex symbiotic and antagonistic relationships with bacteria, influencing nutrient cycling, carbon fixation, and ecosystem dynamics. My aim is to uncover the chemical mediators of these interactions, such as signalling molecules and secondary metabolites. Understanding how these compounds influence microbial behaviour, diatom growth, and nutrient exchange can reveal new insights into ecosystem health, biogeochemical cycles and environmental monitoring.

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 
07743 Jena

christian.zerfass@uni-jena.de

 

 

 

I analyse groundwater samples from the AquaDiva [https://www.aquadiva.uni-jena.de/] project to determine the long-term variation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) probed by LC-MS in the "critical zone" layer connecting above- and below-ground. We have joined regular sampling campaigns since late 2014, and use both profiling (MS1-based) and compound annotation (MS2) methods to trace features and annotated compounds in the groundwater through time.

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 3.03)
07743 Jena

muhaiminatul.azizah@uni-jena.de
+49 3641 9-48955

 

 

 

I am interested in developing the analytical method using ZIC-HILIC column coupled with LC-HRMS-orbitrap (MS and MS/MS) for investigating highly challenging Sulfur-and Nitrogen-containing zwitterionic metabolites responsible for encountering environmental stress in marine bacteria and phytoplankton. In addition, I am using cheminformatics tools such as GNPS, MZmine, SIRIUS, Mass Frontier, and Compound Discoverer to assist compound annotation and discover novel related metabolites from phyto-and bacterioplankton. I am also developing the analytical method using GC-HRMS-orbitrap to unravel the catabolism of dimethylsulfoxoniumpropionate (DMSOP), the recent additional S-containing zwitterionic metabolite, that has an unknown fate in nature using isotopically labeled study in phytoplankton. Moreover, I am investigating the chemical mediators of resistance, through the directed evolution of phytoplankton toward resistance against algicidal bacteria using untargeted metabolomics (not only focusing on zwitterionic metabolites but also expanding to possible bigger molecules).

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 2.05)
07743 Jena

justus.hardegen@uni-jena.de
+49 3641 9-48288

Website research group

 

 

I am investigating the effects of micropollutants on Ulva spp. and how the compounds interact with the alga and its associated microbiome. This allows a good assessment of the bioremediation and water treatment potential of Ulva. 

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.

felix.krickl@uni-jena.de

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following the stereoselective total synthesis of Thallusin and method development for MS quantification of this algal growth- and morphogenesis-promoting factor in the joint effort between IOMC and IAAC in Jena, the remaining goal of our project is to gain a deeper mechanistical understanding of the Thallusin-mediated iron uptake by Ulva mutabilis. Central for this investigation is the synthesis of suitable simplified model iron ligands deriving from the Thallusin molecule and the structural and molecular dynamical characterization of possible complexes. Ultimately, incubation experiments with the alga and the characterized complexes will widen the collected data about structure activity relationships, thereby elucidating molecular processes at play in this biological system.

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

tommy.melzer@uni-jena.de
+49 3641 9-48956

 

 

 

My project with the acronym „VANAPLA“ (variable analysis platform) aims to develop an automated, modular and scalable sample preparation platform. By the modular character of the platform, the sample preparation process can be individuell adapted to the respective analytical question. Automatization enables high-throughput of samples in a standardized manner, whereby the scatter of the obtained measurement results can be significantly reduced. The project is coordinated with Analytik Jena and part of the Cluster4Future innovation „ThWIC“ (Thüringer Wasser-Innovationscluster), financed by the BMBF.      

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 3.04)
07743 Jena

vera.nikitashina@uni-jena.de
+49 3641 9-48169

 

 

 

My research interests are interactions within marine plankton photosymbiotic systems. I investigate metabolic interconnection between microalgae and their hosts Radiolaria with application of analytical methods, such as liquid and gas chromatography - 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 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 2.18)
07743 Jena

otto.janine@uni-jena.de
+49 3641 9-48956

 

 

 

I´m interested in the analysis of DNA nucleobases and their modifications. Analytical methods based on mass spectrometry can detect methylated nucleobases from whole-genome DNA. Together with chemical hydrolysis of the DNA, which is independent of enzymatic activity that is probably influenced by certain DNA modifications, LC-HRMS enables a general survey of nucleic acid modifications in a short analysis time. I systematically optimized and validated an LC-HRMS-based method. This method now makes it possible to analyze the DNA methylome for many organisms (bacteria and eukaryotes) in complex communities.

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.