J. Simon Wiegert, Lab head, ​CV
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I am interested in the relationship between functional and structural adaptations and long-term stability of neuronal circuits. I am especially focused on the question how synapses contribute to long-term information storage. In the lab, we are tackling this question developing and using optical tools in combination with optical imaging to manipulate and measure hippocampal circuits at various levels ranging from single synapses to neuronal ensembles.  
Andrey Formozov, Postdoc

​I am establishing advanced methods of low-light detection in neurobiology with bioluminescent genetically encoded indicators. I perform measurements in vitro with hippocampal slices and in vivo in freely-behaving animals such as mice and Drosophila larvae (in collaboration with Peter Soba's lab). 
Alexander Dieter, Postdoc

My interest is to learn more about learning: Which internal and external factors are contributing to a successful learning process and finally lead to memory formation? I am combining optogenetic, physiological and behavioral approaches to hopefully get one step closer to the answer.
Maxime Maheu, Postdoc

In the lab, I am interrogating the possibility that brainstem arousal systems control the iterative update of beliefs during learning through the modulation of cortical gain. To this aim, I rely on a cross-species approach, combining experiments in mice (using optogenetics and photometry) and humans (using magnetoencephalography, with the Donner lab). Pupil size provides a non-invasive readout of the activity of these deep brain structures available in both species. Finally, computational models resting on Bayesian inference provide a unified and principled theoretical framework of the learning process.
Mauro Pulin, Postdoc
My Ph.D. project aims at investigating the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlining rewiring of a defined synaptic circuit triggered by neuronal activity, focusing on dendritic spines in organotypic hippocampal slice preparations. My goal is to understand whether chronically perturbing the activity at identified synapses has an impact on their lifetime.
Cynthia Rais, PhD student

I am interested in better understanding the relationship between cellular activity and spine dynamics in vivo. Manipulating the activity in the hippocampus thanks to optogenetics tools, I am using two-photon microscopy for in vivo calcium and spine imaging in anesthetized or awake mice in order to follow spines of active neurons in time.
Jama Wahid, MD student
Marton Molnar, Master student
Lena Eschholz, Master student
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Natascha Jacob, Master student
Stefan Schillemeit, Technical assistant

I take care of everything that just accumulates, especially PCR's, preparing mouse brains for immunhistochemistry, supply, stock-taking, ordering procedures, accounting, helping everybody with everything is needed and sustaining a general good mood   ;-)
​Kathrin Sauter, Technical assistant

Alumni

​Jiajia Yang, guest scientist
Joaquín Isaac Hurtado-Zavala, Postdoc
Wei Yang, PhD student
​Patrick Piechocinski, Master student
Silvia Rodriguez-Rozada, PhD student
Yasmine Shalaby, Master student
Adrianna Nozownik, Master student
Chantal Wissing, Master student