Elsa Steinfath

EDUCATION

College / University

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, University of Auckland

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Molecular Medicine

Country

Germany

Lab Experience

RNA and protein extraction, PCR genotyping, RT-PCR and qPCR, westernblot, ELISA, immunohistochemistry on cells and tissue, primary mouse cell culture, handling of C. elegans and human brain tissue, vibratome sample sectioning, bright-field and fluorescence microscopy. ImageJ, Fiji, SPSS, Excel.

Projects / Research

May 2016 - August 2016: Characterization of LRRK2/lrk-1 mutants with Parkinson's disease specific stress challenges in Caenorhabditis elegans, Dept. of Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Dr. Ekkehard Schulze, Baumeister Lab, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg
August 2014: Spittau, B., Rilka, J., Steinfath, E., Zoller, T. and Krieglstein, K., TGFβ1 increases microgliamediated engulfment of apoptotic cells via upregulation of the milk fat globule-EGF factor 8. Glia, 63:142–153
February 2013 - July 2014: The influence of IFNγ and inflammation-related stimuli on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary mouse microglia, Dept. of Molecular Embryology, PD Dr. Björn Spittau, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg

Scholarships / Awards

2016 – 2017:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2015:	Scholarship from Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst
Since 2013:	Scholarship from Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

The questions 'Why?' and 'How?' guided me to the field of brain research. Different scientific disciplines as well as philosophical approaches of understanding awareness and self-reflection, for it all comes together in neuroscience. In fundamental research we can dig deeper for explanations from molecules to cells and cellular interaction to organisms. In clinical research we can find strategies to help and cure. My personal goal is to contribute to this research and have an impact on understanding how the most astonishing organ works.