The Group

Marie Schölmerich

I am fascinated by anaerobic microorganisms that use a primordial pathway to transform the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane. Despite their ancient metabolic origin, they still exist across many different anoxic environments and hold many mysteries yet to be uncovered. As a PhD student, and junior group leader, I applied classical microbiology and biochemistry to understand how these microorganisms survive at the thermodynamic limits of life. As a Postdoc, I expanded my perspective, examining them through the lens of environmental metagenomics within natural ecosystems. In my group at ETH Zürich, we now combine computational and experimental approaches to gain new insights into the fascinating world of C1-metabolizing bacteria and archaea that impact climate change.

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Hanna Zehnle

I became intrigued with molecular biology in high school, especially with DNA replication, transcription and translation. This later combined with a fascination with microorganisms, which live and thrive in virtually all environments on Earth, and even though they’re invisible, crucially shape our nutrient cycles and climate. Among microbes, extremophiles, especially archaea, stood out to me, which make a living even under the toughest circumstances, such as absence of oxygen and a large gradient of temperatures. I’m excited about being able to study ancient anaerobic archaea and bacteria, and DNA elements which associate with them, in our group. Apart from work, I enjoy music, playing ping pong, running, cooking, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of Switzerland.

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Donat Crippa

I am a PhD student in the group and am fascinated by the many processes that occur within microbial populations and communities which are invisible to the naked eye but can be revealed with molecular tools. I am particularly interested in extrachromosomal elements (prophages, plasmids) associated with acetogenic bacteria and how they have influenced the metabolism and evolution of this fascinating group of ancient anaerobes. I am excited to be part of this group and to work together with my colleagues . Apart from pipetting I enjoy climbing, skiing, tennis and playing the piano.

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Giulia Fiorito

I am a PhD student of the group. During my studies in molecular biology I discovered the incredible world of anaerobic microbiology and was captivated by how such small anaerobic microorganisms can significantly impact the environment through their complex metabolic pathways.

My current research focuses on peatland ecosystems and explores the anaerobic C1-metabolizing microbial communities that inhabit them. I have a particular interest in methanogens, methanotrophs, acetogens, and ecDNA elements that drive methane cycling. 

I love every aspect of my PhD project: from going into field to collect samples to the molecular and computational work.

Outside of my research, I enjoy playing the flute, taking long walks in the nature and watching amazing sunsets.

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Sebastian Haiss

During my biology studies, I developed a passion for bacteria and their amazingly diverse metabolic capabilities. I am particularly interested how these processes are mediated and regulated on a molecular basis. With the increase in computing power, numerous new strategies and opportunities have emerged and I am excited to explore them in my PhD project. I study the role of nucleotide tandem repeats in methane producing archaea to better understand their contribution to greenhouse gas emission and climate change, one of the most important topics of our time.

In my free time, I like to be out in nature and go hiking, snowboarding, running or play beach volleyball and spikeball.

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Carolin Schramm

I am the Administrative Assistant of Prof. Marie Schölmerich.

I am supporting the group in all administrative challenges and like to get things done.

If I am not in the office, you will find me travelling, reading, skiing, swimming, cooking or gardening.

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Lukas Wanner

I am the lab manager of the Environmental Microbiology group. I'm supporting the group in the management of the laboratory, in the execution of experiments, during field trips and in the maintenance of our digital infrastructures. As the Biosafety Officer I'm responsible for health and safety in the lab.

I've been interested in everything alive for all my life. During my biology studies I realized that I like to work in diverse and international teams and connect with people and that I really like lab and field work, but not so much scientific writing - so I found the perfect job!

In my free time I like to cook, swim, bike, skateboard, hike, dance, make fresh hair cuts, and most of all play and cuddle with my cat, Rosa.

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Madison Barney

I have always been fascinated by the unseen pathways that shape our world. My master's research focused on methane production and consumption in peatlands, but I was left with unanswered questions about the microbial communities that dictate these pathways.

My PhD in the Schölmerich lab will examine microbial communities and greenhouse gas fluxes from peatlands and how they might be impacted by climatic stressors. I employ a variety of methods from field sampling to peat microcosms to microbial sequencing.

When I'm not working , I like to bike, hike, bake, read, and hang out with my dog, Boots!

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Joaquim Barmaz

I am a biology master student in microbiology and immunology (emphasis on the former). I am especially interested by microbial biochemistry and the potential to use microbes for biotechnological applications. I discovered C1 metabolism  during my master and was fascinated by the possibility for microbes to grow on one carbon molecules as sole carbon source. I work on prophages in the acetogenic bacterium Clostridium ljungdahlii and try to understand what induces them and how this affects the metabolism of the bacterium.

In my free time, I like reading, growing plants - especially orchids - and hiking.

Anna Beretta

I am an Environmental Sciences student, currently working on my Bachelor's thesis. I chose to join the Environmental Microbiology group because I am fascinated by the vast diversity of the microbial world and wanted to explore it further. I am working on methanogenic archaea that can form aggregates, and I am investigating which environmental factors trigger this aggregation.
In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking outdoors with my dog kira, cooking and reading.

Lorenz Koschitz

During my studies in Environmental Sciences I came across fascinating soil microbes that manage to live on air alone. For my master thesis I am now investigating microbes that use the atmospheric trace gases methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide for energy generation. The study site is the forefield of the Wildstrubel glacier in Valais where I measure the concentrations of the trace gases in the soil and use molecular methods to identify the microbes at work.

In my free time I like to play and listen to music, to go bouldering, and being outdoors.

Leona Tauchmann

I am a Master’s student in Biogeochemistry and Pollutant dynamics. During my studies, I was fascinated by some microbes with the enzymatic capability of degrading anthropogenic pollutants. Anaerobic microorganisms with ancient metabolic pathways, such as acetogens, are largely unexplored regarding their bioremediation potential. For this reason, I study the acetogen Moorella thermoacetica, which thrives in the presence of trace metals such as Cadmium and Selenium.

In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, whether I’m biking through the forest or hiking in the mountains.