Lab Members

Astrid holds an MD degree from the University of Vienna (Austria) and a PhD from the University of Basel (Switzerland). During her time as a graduate student in Dr. Witek Filipowicz’ group, Astrid focused on microRNA(miRNA)-mediated gene silencing and discovered that TRBP is a protein partner of human Dicer. As a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Greg Hannon at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), Astrid identified a novel nuclease -Zucchini/PLD6- that generates primary piRNAs in flies and mammals. In 2015, Astrid joined the NIDDK/NIH-IRP as a Stadtman Tenure-Track Investigator and achieved tenure in 2023. Together with a team of enthusiastic young scientists, she continues to investigate mechanisms of small RNA-based genome surveillance using a multidisciplinary approach.

• NIH Intramural Research Program: Principal Investigators in RNA Biology
• NIH Intramural Research Program: Principal Investigators in Developmental Biology
• NIH Catalyst: Trans-NIH Recruits, February 2017
• NIH Catalyst: Balancing a Scientific Career with Raising a Family

PhD - School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Qingcai’s graduate work focused on regulatory mechanisms that control floral organ development in rice. Her project focuses on mechanisms of nuclear RNA export in piRNA biology. Outside the lab, Qingcai likes to play and grow flowers.

Ph.D. – NIH-GPP with the University of Patras (Greece)
MSc - University of Patras, Greece

Thenia studies the mechanisms of piRNA biogenesis and piRNA-mediated gene silencing in Drosophila ovaries. Outside the lab, she is a space enthusiast, fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. She also enjoys reading and outdoor activities with friends.

Ph.D. – Charles University, Prague

During my graduate studies in Dr. Petr Svoboda’s lab, I investigated the biological importance of the piRNA pathway in the mammalian female germline. My current work studies the piRNA pathway from a genomics and mechanistic perspective. Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking in nature and good beer with friends.

B.Sc. - Kennesaw State University, GA

Angel is currently working on his undergraduate honors thesis on muscle gene activation in Drosophila, and will be joining the Haase-lab in summer 2023. He is interested to understand how the germline is faithfully specified and maintained across generations. To help investigate this exciting question, he will probe mechanisms of piRNA-mediated transposon silencing and piRNA inheritance in animal development. In his free time, Angel enjoys reading science fiction and nonfiction, taking care of his plants, and hiking to stargaze or to collect fun samples to examine under a microscope.

M.Sc. – Troy University

B.Sc. Molecular Biology – Johannes Gutenberg University & Barry University

Franziska is a bioinformatician currently pursuing her PhD in partnership with the University of Regensburg (Lab ofProf. Dr. Gunter Meister). Her research focuses on understanding the role of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and their involvement in safeguarding genome integrity by silencing mobile genetic elements, particularly in the context of spermatogenesis in mice and humans. Franziska’s work aims to clarify the formation and adaptation of piRNA clusters and exploring how they contribute to fertility regulation. She is also interested in the intersection of machine learning and bioinformatics, particularly in applying these techniques to genetic testing and diagnostics. Outside of her research, Franziska enjoys being outdoors, playing tennis, and spending time with her family.

Graduate student, NIH graduate partnership with University of Maryland, College Park
M.Sc. in Bioinformatics from Johns Hopkins University

BSc – Stockton University, New Jersey

PhD – Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD