Could you give a few information about yourself and your scientific background, including previous studies and obtained degrees?

I’m Colin. Hamburg is where I’m from, and even though I’ve moved around a bit, it still feels like home. I began my scientific journey with my bachelor’s degree at the University of Lübeck in Molecular Life Science. For my master´s degree I moved to Vienna and studied Molecular Biology with a focus on structural and computational biology.

Could you provide details about your scientific research, and previous projects, listing your key expertise and skills?

During my bachelor´s structural biology was always my favourite subject. This was further cemented during my thesis, where I used NMR spectroscopy to analyse glycosylation patterns on antibodies. When I started my master´s I continued to focus on structural biology as well as bioinformatics. Finally, during my master thesis, I performed a fragment screening using NMR methods like STD, CPMG, and HSQC for lead compound identification, while also producing and purifying the required protein. Furthermore, I implemented the calculation and analysis of simulated NOESY spectra for the analysis of the influence of various parameters on cross-peak intensities using the programming language python.

What was the motivation for joining the Aureus project?

It first caught my attention due to the nature of the doctoral network and the possibility of international collaboration and camaraderie. The project further enticed me with its many approaches, including techniques like NMR, X-Ray crystallography, and cryo-EM, and the way the projects were complementing each other.

What is the motivation and aim of your PhD project?

My project focuses on the generation of a new recombinant isoform of MGL, structural characterization of its topology and dynamics in comparison with isoform 2, characterization of binding specificity of both isoform on S. aureus surface and towards isolated WTA and LTA, and the determination of affinity and selectivity.

Could you write a few sentences about yourself, your hobbies, interests?

I enjoy all kinds of racket sports, including tennis, badminton and, as I have recently discovered, squash. I also love the mountains for skiing in the winter or hiking during the warmer periods of the year. After work, I like to relax and read, cook or enjoy the occasional movie or show.