Members - Rodriguez Muela Lab

Natalia Rodriguez-Muela, PhD

Natalia obtained her Ph.D. in Neuroscience with Summa cum laude from the CIB-CSIC and Complutense University (UCM) in Madrid, Spain.
Her doctoral research focused on the role of autophagy in neurodegenerative models and was partially conducted at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (AECOM) in New York, USA, in the lab of Ana María Cuervo.

Following her Ph.D., Natalia joined the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University as a Postdoctoral Fellow, where she investigated motor neuron disease using human pluripotent stem cells. She continued her work at Harvard as a Research Associate for two additional years before returning to Europe, supported by a Juan de la Cierva Reintegration Grant.

In 2019, after being awarded an ERC Starting Grant, Natalia moved to Dresden, Germany. She is now a Group Leader at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), as well as a Fellow at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG).

Nicole Giebel, PostDoc

to be updated soon

Human ipsc derived Motor neurons d15 stained for...

Joshua Thomas, Scientist

I’m Joshua Thomas, currently a Scientist in the Rodriguez Muela Lab, where I also completed my PhD. My research focuses on how SMN protein levels may contribute to—or serve as markers of—selective neurovulnerability in motor neuron subpopulations in both SMA and ALS.

Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling across Europe to attend swing dance events, bringing me one step closer to earning the title of Dancing Biologist™

Tobias Grass, PhD

Cortical Neurons

Dissociated cortical neurons day 55, stained with MAP2 (red) and cortical layer marker CTIP2 (green)

Cortical Organoid d46

staind with neuronal marker MAP2 (cyan), mitochondrial protein SDHB (red) and nuclear marker DAPI (blue)

Tobias Graß, PostDoc

I joined the Rodriguez-Muela Lab after completing my PhD in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University. My research focuses on generating and using hiPSC-based isogenic disease models—primarily cortical and spinal cord organoids—to investigate the mechanisms underlying selective neuronal vulnerability in Alzheimer’s disease and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

Outside the lab, I enjoy staying active and doing fitness in my free time.

Zeynep Dokuzoglu, PhD student

I’m Zeynep, a PhD student dedicated to uncovering developmental abnormalities that contribute to neurodegeneration in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
My interest in development and neurodegeneration began during my undergraduate studies at the wonderful Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Turkey, where I also completed my master’s degree. My current project offers a unique opportunity to bridge the fields of neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration by investigating how alterations in the differentiation of motor neuron progenitors may predispose motor neurons to premature degeneration in severe SMA.

Outside of research, I enjoy spending time with my two cats and dog, and discovering delicious food with my partner.

18. Schloss-Triathlon Moritzburg

Antonio Calderelli, Lab Manager

Hi, I’m Antonio, an Italian biologist who earned his PhD in 2004. Since then, I’ve worked in both German and Italian academia across a range of topics, including yeast genetics, hormones, leukemia, medicinal chemistry, and cancer immunology. I joined the Rodriguez-Muela Lab in January 2023 as a technician and am currently involved in several neurodegeneration projects—one of which focuses on building blood vessels in spinal cord organoids.

Outside the lab, I’m a dedicated fitness enthusiast.

Rafael Tur Guasch, PhD Student

Hello, I’m Rafa, a PhD student from Formentera, Spain.
My research focuses on how developmental defects—particularly epigenetic changes—may contribute to the selective neuronal vulnerability seen in neuromuscular disorders. To explore this, I use hiPSC models to investigate why some neurons are more prone to degeneration while others remain resilient.

Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to music and spending time in nature.

Ecem Goerky, PhD Student

Hi, I’m Ecem, originally from Turkey. I completed my Master’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology at LMU Munich and then joined the Rodriguez-Muela Lab as a PhD student. My research interests lie in understanding why motor neuron diseases like ALS show selective neuronal vulnerability and what drives degeneration in specific neuronal subpopulations.

Outside the lab, I enjoy spending my time weightlifting and running. I also love discovering new places and cooking different cuisines.

Hibah Nasir Mulla, Lab Rotation Student

Hello, I’m Hibah Mulla, a neuroscience student pursuing a Master’s in Regenerative Biology and Medicine at Technische Universität Dresden, originally from India. I am currently assisting on a project that investigates the early pathological events associated with familial Alzheimer’s disease. My research interests centres around understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and identifying potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Outside the lab, I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, and have recently discovered a passion for painting and crochet.

Portrait image placeholder

Landscape image placeholder

Square image placeholder

Paulin Noack, FSJ Internship

to be updated soon

Jana Sickert

Jana Sickert

Jana is a vital part of the lab’s administrative support team. She handles everything from hiring paperwork and budget requests to travel bookings and vendor communications. Her organized, calm approach keeps day-to-day operations running smoothly, allowing the rest of the team to focus on science. Jana’s reliability and positive spirit make her a true anchor behind the scenes.

Christina Kirchner

Christina Kirchner

Christina ensures that the many moving parts of lab administration are handled efficiently and with care. Whether it’s following up on missing deliveries, coordinating travel arrangements, or managing documents, she brings energy, precision, and approachability to every task. Her proactive support helps keep the lab functioning seamlessly.

Alumni

Ines Rosignol, PhD

Felix Buchner, M.Sc.

Kartik Jatwani, M.Sc.

Anastasia Chikhladze, M.Sc.

Ekin Sarap, Undergraduate

Jungeun Yun, M.Sc.

Antonia Ramme, M.Sc.

Shrutika Kavali, M.Sc.