"I am designing new proteins from scratch using computer programs that learn from existing protein structures and functions. I am testing how well these proteins work by attaching them to yeast cells and measuring their properties in large numbers. My goal is to find new ways to create proteins for various applications in biotechnology and medicine."

Markus Braun / University Project Assistant

"In my PhD project, we focus on the characterization and functionalization of a de novo alpha helical protein designed by using the Rosetta software. To functionalize this de novo protein, I designed several variants to catalyze the retro-aldol carboligation reaction, which has extensive application in biocatalysis. I also use rational and computational active site re-design approaches to increase the activity and expand activity to include different non-native reactions."

Wael Elaily / University Project Assistant

"We are designing proteins to bind certain dyes. The designed new fluorescent proteins will be further used by our collaboration partners as a down-converting phosphor in light-emitting diodes (LED)  to create new, more sustainable white LEDs."

Horst Lechner / University Project Assistant

Alma Makic / Laboratory Technician

"My role in AGO is to crystallize proteins designed by the other group members. We use these crystals for Structure determination of the proteins with X-ray crystallography."

David Stoll / University Project Assistant

"I am working on the functionalization of de novo designed helical bundle proteins with a special interest in enzymes that employ a metal ligand as cofactor. My work incorporates both design and wetlab characterization."

Adrian Tripp / University Project Assistant