Molecular Biology (MSc/PhD)

Melissa Mattern

EDUCATION

College / University

University of Rostock

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science

Major Subjects

Medical Biotechnology (with focus on molecular, cell and microbiology)
Mattern

Country

Germany

Lab Experience

(Molecular) Biology techniques: SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA, DNA/RNA/Protein extraction, Cloning/Transfection/Luciferase Assay, Gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, PCR/RT-qPCR (TaqMan), Flowcytometry Imaging techniques: light microscopy, fluorescence staining and confocal microscopy
Microbiology techniques: anaerobic work, 16S RNA isolation/purification
Cell culture: MCF10A WT/KO cells, Raji cells, Jurkat cells, MG-63 cells, SH-SY5Y cells, iPS IMR90-4, and spheroid formation/ culture
Animal experience: mouse (minor surgical interventions, experimental handling)
Computational skills: GraphPad Prism, Python, ImageJ

Projects / Research

  • 2025: Bachelor's thesis, “Optimization of Spheroid Formation Techniques for Investigating Electrostimulation Responses”, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Rostock
  • 2024: Methods internship, Institute for Experimental Surgery, University of Rostock
  • 2024: Methods internship, Lorenz Lab, Institute of Immunology, University of Rostock
  • 2024: Research Intern, “16S rRNA gene sequencing for diversity recording of bacteria from the North Sea”, Department of Molecular Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen
  • 2024: Research Intern, "Cell culture and analysis in a group working with a blood-brain barrier (BBB) model", Nelz Lab, External Office Extracorporeal Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Rostock

Scholarships / Awards

2025 – 2026: Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2022: „Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft (DPG)“ Graduation Award in Physics (Abiturpreis)
since 2022: e-fellows.net online scholarship

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

My academic and research experiences, including my bachelor’s thesis, have solidified my passion for fundamental research in cell biology, tissue engineering, and biotechnology, particularly as they relate to regenerative medicine. I am especially interested in exploring the regenerative potential of cells, both through intrinsic pathways—such as cellular reprogramming—and via external stimulation. I am deeply fascinated by the complexity of regenerative processes that allow full regeneration of limbs in some species, but also on a cellular level, including signaling/metabolic crosstalk, apoptosis, and cellular repair mechanisms. During my thesis work, I developed a strong interest in pioneering novel methodologies and integrating interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from physics, chemistry, and engineering to address challenges in cell-based research. This experience, along with coursework in cellular regenerative medicine, has inspired me to further investigate mechanisms underlying bone/tissue healing and neuronal regeneration. Additionally, I am keen to explore the intersection of regenerative medicine, biotechnology, and immunology, with a particular focus on developing advanced, multidimensional in vitro models for research. My goal is to contribute to innovative solutions that advance our understanding and application of regenerative processes in medicine.