Prof. Dr. Florence Bareyre, Principal Investigator

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Almir Aljović, post-doctoral fellow

I am born in Serbia, but most of my life I lived in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have a broad interest in science, that’s why I studied Psychology at the University of Sarajevo and Genetics and bioengineering at International Burch University. I did my master’s degree at the University of Strasbourg, obtaining a degree in Neuroscience. Studying neuroscience allowed me to fuse my interest in understanding behavior with my interest in molecular genetics. I started my Ph.D. in the Bareyre lab in October 2018, where I have a chance to study adaptation mechanisms of neurons following traumatic injuries of the nervous system. Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with my friends, reading, and watching good movies. Sometimes I just stare at the ceiling for hours and do nothing (help) #JK.

Fritz Kagerer, PhD student

Being born in Regensburg I made my way to yet another Bavarian city Erlangen, where I did my bachelor's degree in Integrated Life Sciences (Biophysics and Biomathematics). During that, I realized that life sciences and the scientific thinking behind them are what I love and want to pursue.Neurosciences as a specific topic became apparent to me in several courses I took in my Erasmus semester in Stockholm. The interdisciplinary nature of this subject makes it incredibly interesting and exciting for me. Because of that I started my Master's degree at TUM in „Biomedical Neurosciences“ and found the Bareyre Lab for a lab rotation. Since I liked both work and the environment, it looks like they are stuck with me now and I’m not gonna leave any time soon… My project involves the interaction of immune cells and neurons in the autoimmune disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS). When I’m not at the lab bench doing western blots, I'm usually with friends or smashing Almir and Michele in table tennis :^)

Adna Smajkan, PhD student

Both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees were earned at the International University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, in the field of Genetics and Bioengineering. I got the opportunity to work on my Master's thesis project at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research. In the course of my research, I examined novel tools for genome editing and regulation using a modified CRISPR-Cas9 system, designed primarily to circumvent the limited packaging capacity of rAAV vectors, the gold-standard delivery tools utilized in gene therapy. In October 2022 I started an internship in the Bareyre lab, where I focused on investigating the role of glial cells in circuit remodeling in aging mice following incomplete spinal cord injury. As a way to keep my brain functioning while doing research, I do a lot of sports in my free time. The outdoors is my favorite place to be, whether I'm running, hiking, or just enjoying nature :)

Hannah Peedle, PhD student

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews in my home country of Scotland. During my degree I became particularly interested in the biomedical aspect of neuroscience, specifically neurodegeneration and the role of neuroimmune interactions in health and disease. I knew that I wanted to continue my studies in the vast and exciting field of neuroscience and so I was delighted when I was accepted onto the GSN master’s program at the LMU, and I am now in my second year. I began an internship in the Bareyre lab in November 2023, which involved investigating the role of microglia and complement 3 in spinal cord injury and I enjoyed the working environment and research so much that I will now stay for my master’s thesis. When I’m not in the lab I’m likely playing sports such as tennis, football or volleyball, and I also love hiking in the mountains!

Nina Heinrichs, Master student

I am a Master’s student in Human Biology with a background in Pharmaceutical Sciences. My academic journey has taken me through various subfields of biomedical sciences, including epigenetics, cancer research, and cardiovascular health. These experiences have given me a broad overview of science, but I found my passion in neuroscience. Joining the Bareyre lab provided the perfect environment to delve deeper into this fascinating field.

For my thesis, I am collaborating with Fritz to explore the activity-dependent microglial engulfment of the corticospinal tract following spinal cord injury. I have a strong affinity for bioimaging and data analysis, and I enjoy interpreting results from multiple perspectives.

Beyond my scientific pursuits, I am deeply committed to the destigmatization of mental illnesses and advocating for queer rights. I also find joy in expressing myself through arts and crafts and am always eager to explore new hobbies.

After completing my Master’s, I aspire to pursue an academic career in neuroscience.

Stefani Dzhuleva, HIWI student

I was born in Bulgaria and have lived there my whole life. After high school, I decided to follow a Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences at VU Amsterdam. The university has a particular focus on Natural Sciences and the program itself offers variety of courses and allows for exploration of many different subfields. My favourite one was undoubtedly Neuroscience and after following this course I was determined that this is the field I want to pursue in the future. I have always been fascinated by the brain and have always wanted to broaden my knowledge regarding all mechanisms influencing human behaviour. At a later stage, I wanted to explore the technical side of my program as well. For this reason I decided to apply for an exchange semester at ETH Zurich, where I spent 5 months and studied Health Sciences and Technology with a particular focus on Analytics and Imaging. Throughout my stay in Switzerland I applied for an internship at PD. Dr. Bareyre's lab due to my interest in brain pathology, treatment and recovery, which fully matched the project she is currently working on. In my free time I am usually with my friends, have a small road trip to a nearby city that I am eager to visit, go for a hike to admire nature or just stay home and enjoy a nice movie afternoon.

Elizabeth Naranjo Cinto, Master student

I was born and raised in Mexico, where I completed my Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine. During this time, I became fascinated by the nervous system, which led me to pursue further education in the Biomedical Neuroscience master's program at the Technische Universität München.

In 2024, my interest in neuroimmunology prompted me to join Prof. Dr. Bareyre's group for a short laboratory rotation. During this time, I learned about glial responses following traumatic brain injury. Both the research topic and the amazing environment that Prof. Dr. Bareyre promotes in her lab motivated me to stay for my master's thesis, which will enquire on the damage to the blood brain barrier after repetitive mild traumatic brain injury.

In my free time, I enjoy reading novels, spending time with friends, and both listening to and making music.

Emily Russell, Master student

Being half Irish and half German, I was fortunate to be born in Munich—the perfect place for neuroscience research. My passion for biology and medicine led me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Biology at LMU Munich, where I soon discovered that neuroscience fascinated me the most. Through the GSN Master’s program in Neuroscience, I have had the opportunity to further explore my interest while delving into various biomedical fields. As part of my studies, I joined the Bareyre lab for a research internship, where I focused on the role of Netrin in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in the context of Multiple Sclerosis, as part of Fritz project. During this experience, I expanded my skills in working with animals and became more independent in my research. The welcoming and supportive atmosphere of the lab convinced me to stay. I am now doing my Master’s Thesis on Age-dependent Signals in Microglia-Mediated Synapse Engulfment post Spinal Cord Injury, as part of Adna’s project.

Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and I’m always up for exciting activities. Animals hold a special place in my heart (especially dogs). I find joy in networking, organizing events, and supporting others while advocating for inclusion in all its forms.

Mariana Oliveira De Castro Vieira, Master student

Born and raised in Portugal, this is where my scientific journey began. My initial interest in developing therapeutics and diagnostic approaches led me to Porto, where I completed my Bachelor's degree in Medicinal Biotechnology.

During my studies, my curiosity about neuroimmunology was sparked and continued to grow throughout my Master's in Human Biology at LMU. This interest prompted me to join the Bareyre lab, where I am exploring how neuronal activity and rehabilitation influence functional recovery after spinal cord injury.

My free time is spent in a variety of ways, but it normally includes books, music, games, and spending time with friends—preferably surrounded by nature.

Tomal Matt, Technical Assistant

Born in Munich, I decided to do an apprenticeship as a Biology Laboratory Technician at the TUM Institute of Pathology in the field of Neuropathology, which introduced me to the field of Neuroscience. Wanting to stay in the field after finishing my apprenticeship, I applied for a Technical Assistant position at PD Dr. Bareyre's lab. Outside of the lab, I love to spend time with friends, explore new places, and travel whenever possible. I enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time in nature, whether it's at nearby parks or on longer trips to the mountains or lakes. I also enjoy trying out new restaurants and cuisines, cooking at home with friends, reading books, and watching movies.

Srijan Raj Bhattarai , MD student

I am Srijan from Nepal and I am currently studying medicine at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) in Munich. I joined the Bareyre lab in March 2024 for my MD Doctoral Thesis. Since my first days at university, I have always been passionate about neuroscience, and that is the reason why I came to the lab for my thesis, to immerse myself in the world of neuroimmunology. The atmosphere here is excellent and you can learn a lot from Florence and other experienced students. Besides my time in the lab and at the university, I would like to go hiking and explore new places. 

Aina Redondo, Bachelor student

I was born in Barcelona, where I am in the final stages of completing my Biomedical Sciences degree this year. Throughout my studies, I have developed a deep interest in neuroimmunology, which has led me to the Bareyre Lab, where I am currently interning as part of my Bachelor’s Thesis. I’m excited to be here, as I believe this experience will help me gain valuable knowledge and practical skills in biomedical research.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking in nature or simply relaxing in a park. Traveling is another passion of mine, and I always look forward to discovering new places, learning about different cultures, and gaining fresh perspectives.

Maddi Oyhagaray Urmeneta, Bachelor student

Born in the Basque Country, I decided to move to Barcelona for my bachelor's degree in biomedical science, where I am now about to complete my studies. Searching for different internships I found the possibility of joining the LMU were I can expand my knowledge of neuroinmunology, something I'm eager to learn more about. Although my time here will be short, I hope to learn as much as possible and contribute to the ongoing projects in any way I can!

Outside of academia, I am passionate about outdoor activities, especially spending time in the mountains. Whether in summer or winter, I enjoy hiking, ski touring, and climbing. Music is another important part of my life, as I enjoy playing different instruments in my free time.