Philipp Schaefer
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry at Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf and Michigan State University in the US. Throughout this period, I actively participated in various research endeavors primarily centered around the analysis and characterization of individual proteins. However, during my Master’s program at Heidelberg University, my focus shifted towards investigating biological processes more holistically using large single-cell and spatial multi-omics data sets. In my Master’s thesis, for example, I leveraged single-cell RNA and ATAC-seq data to infer and compare gene regulatory networks underlying the development of the mammalian cerebellum. Now I work on deciphering myeloid subtype diversity in multiple sclerosis supported by the DFG Priority Programme “Local and Peripheral Drivers of Microglial Diversity and Function” (SPP 2395)
Research Interests
My research interests lie at the intersection of systems immunology and machine learning. I am intrigued by the immense potential of emerging single-cell and spatial multi-omics technologies, which allow us to explore the establishment of biological function under normal circumstances as well as its disruption in various diseases. In this regard, my specific interest lies in developing computational methodologies that can elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms responsible for autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis.
Professional Career
| 2022 | Master's Thesis at the Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg, Kaessmann Group |
| 2020 | Bachelor's Thesis at the Research Center Jülich, Pietruszka Group |
| 2019 | Research internship at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Denzel Group |
| 2019 | Research intership at the Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering at Michigan State University, Bachmann Group |
| 2018 | Research internship in the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University, Doseff Group |
Education
| 2020-2022 | M.Sc. Molecular Biosciences (Major: Molecular & Cellular Biology), Heidelberg University, Germany |
| 2018-2019 | Academic Year, Michigan State University, US |
| 2016-2020 | B.Sc Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany |