Welcome to the Wittmann Lab

Team members

Sina Wittmann: Group Leader

s.wittmann@imb.de
I am passionate about understanding how our cells regulate the intricate process of gene expression and am particularly fascinated by intrinsically disordered regions. My role within the group is to develop strategies to address all the questions we have and to secure the funding necessary to do so.
Outside of the lab, you can find me enjoying nature through hiking or cycling, as well as experimenting with vegetarian cooking.
Elnaz Hosseini: Postdoc

e.hosseini@imb-mainz.de
My postdoctoral research focuses on transcriptional phase separation, employing single-molecule DNA curtain assays to visualize and quantify the dynamic behavior of transcription factors on DNA.
Outside the lab, I enjoy skating and cooking.
Radhika Khatter: PhD Student

r.khatter@imb-mainz.de
My project aims to understand whether the pancreatic transcription factor network regulates endocrine differentiation through biomolecular condensate formation.
When not in lab, I enjoy playing table tennis, strumming my ukulele, and sipping wine (or chai) by the river.
Leonhard Thews: PhD Student

L.Thews@imb-mainz.de
My PhD project explores how pioneer transcription factors (PTFs) use biomolecular condensation to remodel chromatin structure.
Apart from the lab work I enjoy gardening, reading and spending time with my two cats.
Mahek Surti: PhD Student

M.Surti@imb-mainz.de
My PhD project aims to uncover the role of non coding RNA in transcriptional condensate dynamics.
Outside of lab, I enjoy swimming and hiking, and some art journaling.
Inwoo Kim: Master thesis

I.Kim@imb-mainz.de
As a Master student, my project charactrizes the mechanical properties of transcriptional condensates.
Outside the lab, I love baking cookies and cakes and getting lost in the magical word of Studio Ghibli films.
Laura Kennedy: Bachelor thesis

L.Kennedy@imb-mainz.de
As a bachelor's student, I study interactions between the transcription factor NHA9 and DNA using single-molecule techniques.
Outside the lab, I enjoy playing volleyball, as well as cooking and cooking delicious food.
Michele Romano: Research Assistant

M.Romano@imb-mainz.de
As a research assistant, my project focuses on investigating how Klf4 accesses and remodels facultative heterochromatin, with a particular emphasis on the formation and regulation of transcriptional condensates. I assess these mechanisms using both native Klf4 and MBP-tagged Klf4 to better understand their functional differences.
Outside the lab, I enjoy spending time with friends. In my free time, I like playing cards and guitar.
Mia Behrensmeyer: Student Research Assistant

m.behrensmeyer@imb-mainz.de
I am currently responsible for ordering all laboratory supplies and utensils.
Outside the lab, I enjoy reading or listening to a good book, spending time in the sun, and being with family and friends.
Kimiya Faraji: Student Research Assistant

K.Faraji@imb-mainz.de
As a student research assistant, I support the group with general lab activities and help manage our ordering system. I am also responsible for updating and maintaining our lab’s website.
In my free time, I enjoy reading books, watching movies, cooking, and staying active—especially through sports such as basketball.
Alexander Kitzinger: Student Research Assistant

A.Kitzinger@imb-mainz.de
As a student research assistant, my current responsibilities include supporting other lab members in their research projects as well as contributing to general laboratory operations.
In my free time, I am actively involved in the volunteer fire brigade, enjoy playing card or PC games, and like to spend time with my friends with a good glass of wine.
María Antonia Stadlin Sardi: Student Research Assistant

m.stadlin@imb-mainz.de
As a student research assistant, my work consists of helping members of the lab with different tasks, including experiments, as well as contributing to keeping the lab organized and clean. I am also currently part of the IMB waste disposal group.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, skating around Mainz, and playing video games.