I am a geneticist and chromatin biologist interested in how cells organize and control their genomes in space and time. My scientific path began at the University of Freiburg, studying signal transduction in plants, followed by a PhD with Stefan Jentsch at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry investigating ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation.
During my postdoctoral work with Hiten Madhani at UCSF, I moved into chromatin biology and epigenetics, using Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model system. I subsequently established my independent research group at LMU Munich, combining mechanistic chromatin biology with quantitative genetics and genome-wide approaches. In 2021, the lab moved to Justus Liebig University Giessen, where we study how chromatin organization controls genome function and epigenetic inheritance.
Beyond research, I enjoy mentoring young scientists and building collaborations. Outside the lab, I enjoy running, hiking, good food and wine—and occasionally trade the lab and office for a camera or guitar.
What the BraunLab says about Sigurd:
«Sigurd is the creator of the famous 'wine-tasting' EMAP. We are not sure if this means he turned his work into his hobby or his hobby into his work.» • «Was once in a band and had long hair. Photos of that time are surprisingly hard to find…» • «Sigurd is the ultimate GOAT. Both in the typical sense of word and in the workinG On A normalizaTion sense. » • « Sigurd is the most goated guy I know. With all his wisdom and expertise, I hope to become a smart-head like him one day! …but maybe with a little more hair. »
I am a PhD student in the Braun lab, where I study how cells reorganize their genome in response to environmental stress. I use Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model system and combine yeast genetics, gene expression analysis, and fluorescence microscopy to investigate the relationship between transcription and nuclear organization. I enjoy collaborative work and participating in interdisciplinary projects. I am also passionate about teaching students and discussing ideas. Outside the lab, I have a variety of hobbies, including listening to music, learning the violin, playing chess, cooking, and watching history videos.
What the BraunLab says about Vishnu:
« If you’ve heard Vishnu say the word ‘Alright’ you can be sure ‘I will leave for today’ will closely follow. » • « Vishnu has an uncanny ability to multitask. Agnis remains convinced he's disguising a few additional arms. » • « Whenever an experiment doesn’t work and you’re frustrated, Vishnu will hit you with his endless optimism and somehow convince you that it’s fiiiine and will definitely work next time. »
What the BraunLab says about Jonas:
« "Did you play Metazoa today? -Jonas (everyday) » • « Trained by Agnis, Jonas has inherited the art of ambitious experiments. If every flask has disappeared, he's probably running a time course with eight dozen samples. » • « When Jonas is gone for more than 30min, he is showering. »
I joined the lab in April 2025 to complete my Bachelor’s thesis, titled “Functional Analysis of the Lem2’s Winged-Helix Domain in Schizosaccharomyces pombe,” under Vishnu’s supervision. After submitting my thesis in September, I stayed on in the lab as a research assistant (HiWi). In October 2026, I will begin my Master’s thesis here.
Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends, hiking, and reading. I also really enjoy cooking.
What the BraunLab says about Luca:
« Luca was once in the top 10% of Sudoku players in Germany but is yet to add it to his CV » • « Luca can turn any teaching course into a one-man ensemble, seamlessly switching between participant, teaching assistant, and instructor. We're still not entirely sure who's mentoring whom. » • Luca is really funny, considering he can’t see a 67 without making a joke about it. »
I have been working as a research assistant (HiWi) in the lab since February 2025, supporting the lab with tasks such as media preparation, general lab work, and reorganizing the laboratory. During my Bachelor’s thesis this summer under Vishnu’s supervision, I investigated conserved residues in the winged-helix domain of Lem2 to understand how this domain discriminates between different interaction partners and contributes to Lem2’s diverse functions. For this project, I learned and applied CRISPR/Cas9 to introduce targeted mutations and used yeast two-hybrid assays to assess changes in protein-protein interactions. I will continue this project as a research assistant alongside my regular lab responsibilities.
Outside the lab, I enjoy dancing and spending time with family and friends. I am also active in the student council (Fachschaft), representing students and helping improve university life.
What the BraunLab says about Kathi:
« Our lab’s organizing wizard —tell her about something that needs to be stored, and moments later there's a documented 3D map showing exactly where to find it. » • « If you really want to ruin Kathi's day in the lab, just ask her to make YES+FOA plates. YES+KAN plates, on the other hand, are her speciality—she’s already made thousands of them! » • « Kathis is a professional K-Pop dancer (or at least in a dance course, ready to become one). »
I'm the technical assistant of the BraunLab, interested in molecular biology and microbiology, and I now support a range of projects across the lab. My work involves preparing cultures and samples, extracting DNA, RNA and proteins, and supporting experiments using approaches including SDS-PAGE, western blotting, PCR and RT-qPCR. I have also contributed to work investigating heterochromatin localisation during nitrogen starvation. I enjoy the variety of the role and the practical work that allows experiments to run smoothly from behind the scenes. Outside the lab, I enjoy writing fiction, game design and recently I've been getting into plant tissue culture and baking.
What the BraunLab says about Malcolm:
« Owns enough black Japanese clothing to look like he just returned from Tokyo. Prefers not to. »
I am a recent Bsc graduate from Constructor University Bremen. In the BraunLab, under the supervision of Agnisrota and Sigurd, I did my bachelor's thesis titled “Investigation of Subtelomeric Heterochromatin: Distinct Subdomains and Position Dependent Silencing”. Since graduating, I have kept working in the lab as a student assistant and will continue as I begin my master’s at JLU in Bioinformatics.
When I am not performing a RT-qPCR I like to fill my time with crocheting, sports, or spending time with my friends and family.
What the BraunLab says about Rosario:
« It's always hard to tell if Rosario has already gone home or is still stuck in a four-hour meeting with Sigurd. » • « Another Agnis disciple and master of RT assays. Responsible for an unusually high density of GOATs and ChIPmunks in the lab. »