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.

⇒ Additional Information about Marie Schölmerich

Bledina Dede

I am passionate about understanding microbial metabolism and its role in shaping environmental cycles. My journey began with a fascination for hydrothermal vents and the remarkable ability of microbes to fix carbon in the dark. The intricate relationship between geology, chemistry, and microbiology in deep-sea hydrothermal vents further intrigued me, deepening my love for extreme environments.

In recent years, I have explored diverse ecosystems, from hypersaline lakes to stromatolites, continually amazed by the resilience and power of microorganisms. Currently, my research focuses on the C1 cycle, examining the global distribution and diversity of extrachromosomal elements and microbial genomes involved in the Wood-Ljungdahl Pathway (WLP), acetogenesis, and methanogenesis. By studying these fundamental processes across various biomes, I aim to enhance our understanding of microbial contributions to carbon cycling and climate regulation.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy traveling and observing animals in their natural habitats. I am also a dog parent and spend most of my free time either going on walks with Nox or showering him with love.

⇒ Additional Information about Bledina Dede

Jo Herbert

I’ve been passionate about microbiology since my undergraduate studies, exploring many topics from the evolution of bacterial pathogenicity during my Masters to their ability to degrade plastic polymers during my PhD. With today’s environmental challenges, I have been drawn to more environmentally-focussed studies of microbiology.

The Schölmerich group’s work on bacteria and archaea involved in ancient carbon cycling pathways really excites me, and I’m eager to explore how these organisms may interact and how we may harness this or potentially alter these processes to help climate change. I am also a huge fan of molecular studies and in particular using long-read sequencing technologies like nanopore sequencing, and I’m excited to apply these tools to gain deeper insights into these systems.

Outside of the office/lab, I love cold-water swimming, running around the lake, visiting the pub with friends, and traveling around Europe on the trains!

⇒ Additional Information about Jo Herbert

Akshay Joshi

I am deeply fascinated by microbiology, as it empowers us to visualize the invisible world of microbes. With my passion for anaerobic microbiology, my doctoral studies focused on advancing the understanding of symbiotic associations between rumen anaerobic fungi and methanogenic archaea for methane enhancement. I developed a special interest in methanogenic archaea, their wide ecological distribution and intriguing metabolic features have a profound environmental impact. Currently, I work on genetic engineering of methanogens to characterize elements of Borgs, which are giant genetic elements implicated in the methane cycle. 

Beyond research, the Swiss Alps have ingrained me a deep passion for hiking and connecting closely with nature.

⇒ Additional Information about Akshay Joshi

Emelie Skoog

I am fascinated by life at its limits, especially microbial communities and their viruses that persist even in the most extreme environments. I am deeply curious about understanding the fundamental principles that govern how microbes and viruses interact, adapt, and evolve. Using a combination of computational analyses and laboratory experiments, I have previously explored these processes in extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents, hypersaline microbial mats, deep-sea hypersaline anoxic basins, and acid-brine lakes, systems thought to potentially resemble conditions on early Earth. During my postdoctoral work, I investigate how environmental extremes, including salinity, pH, and ionic stress, shape viral strategies and economics, and how these processes in turn influence microbial community structure, adaptation, and evolution over time. Through this research, I hope to shed light on how viruses mediate microbial survival and evolutionary trajectories in some of the most challenging environments on our planet. 

Outside of the lab, you can find me searching for rocks, swimming in cold-lakes, and spending time with family and friends.

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 examines 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!

⇒ Additional Information about Madison Barney

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.

⇒ Additional Information about Donat Crippa

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.

⇒ Additional Information about Giulia Fiorito

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.

⇒ Additional Information about Sebastian Haiß

Wiebke Wilhelm

In my biology studies, I was fascinated by the wide range of topics, from genetics to global-scale ecology. I specialized in ecology but found myself increasingly drawn to microbiology, and I therefore completed my studies with a master’s thesis in soil microbiology. Fascinated by the interplay between ecology and microbiology, I aimed to continue with a PhD focusing on soil microbial communities to better understand their complexity and role in ecosystems.

My research project focuses on understanding the role of soil microbial and viral communities in peatlands undergoing restoration. The aim is to identify key players and their roles in establishing a functioning system. To achieve this, I conduct field sampling trips in peatlands, use methods such as sequencing and microcosm experiments, and perform computational analyses.

Outside of research, I enjoy hiking, engaging in a variety of sports, and spending time in the kitchen trying out new recipes.

⇒Additional Information about Wiebke Wilhelm

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.

 

⇒ Additional Information about Carolin Schramm

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. I'm also responsible for health and safety in the lab and outside.

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.

⇒ Additional Information about Lukas Wanner

Serafino Faoro

In my microbiology class, I became fascinated by how diverse life forms can metabolize all kinds of chemicals and how these processes could potentially be used in different applications. Now, in my bachelor’s thesis, I will try to develop compatible shuttle vectors for the transformation of Methanosarcina mazei.

In my free time, I love cooking, staying active, and spending time in nature, especially in the mountains, where I enjoy skiing and hiking. I also like going for a swim in Lake Zurich or in the Limmat.

Laurent Fäseke

I completed my bachelor’s degree in biology here at ETH Zurich and am currently pursuing a master’s in microbiology with an emphasis on environmental and ecological systems. I want to know how life operates across all scales, from the macroscopic to the microscopic, and how these organisms collectively form the world we live in.Currently, I am conducting a semester project within the group, focusing on methanogenic archaea and the newly discovered extrachromosomal elements, known as Borgs. My project involves the heterologous expression of Borg genes in E. coli and methanogens, with the goal of characterizing the resulting proteins.

Outside the lab, I am a passionate beekeeper, stargazer, and hobby ornithologist who finds any excuse to spend time in nature.

Lisa Jödicke

I’m doing my bachelor’s thesis in the Schölmerich lab, where I cultivate methanogenic archaea from pristine peatland soils. I love exploring soil from different perspectives – geology, agriculture, soil chemistry and of course microbiology. My research focuses on peatlands and their microbial communities, which play a crucial role in methane cycling and, by extension, in climate change.

Outside of the lab I am a film editor, I enjoy singing in choirs, playing the piano and doing aerial acrobatics.

 

Audrey Pohlman

During my biochemistry studies, I became fascinated by microorganisms and their remarkable metabolic strategies allowing them to thrive in diverse environments. I am especially intrigued by methanogenic archaea and their central role in the global carbon cycle. In my current research project, I am working on recombinantly expressing and characterizing tandem repeat proteins in Methanosarcina species. In doing so, I hope to gain insights into their localization, interactions, and possible functions in methanogen cell biology.

Outside of the lab, I enjoy to skiing, cooking, reading and spending time with my friends.

Sibylle Vautravers

During my bachelor’s thesis, I worked with environmental DNA (eDNA) and became really interested in genetics. The fact that nearly everything we see is encoded in DNA really fascinates me. Today, we are able to understand the genetic code and can explore how it determines the structure and function of proteins and even further how some of these proteins influence the metabolism of many different organisms and, ultimately, entire ecosystems – small scale to large scale.I really enjoy labwork and I’ve always had a soft spot for microorganism. With environmental microbiology everything comes together. Recently, I learned how phages can impact bacterial metabolism. In my master’s thesis, I will look at how different conditions affect phage induction in the acetogen Clostridium ljungdahlii and investigate how these phages influence its metabolic processes.

Seraina Nohl

I've been interested in nature and investigating how life works since childhood and this passion motivated me to become a biologist. As my range of interests is quite broad, I am really happy to work on a project that encompasses many different aspects. In my PhD, I will study the microbial communities of rice fields in Switzerland with a focus on methanogens and methanotrophs and their relation to greenhouse gas fluxes and how soil carbon mineralization is affected by different residue managements. This will include field sampling, gas measurements, molecular work and tracing carbon sources with stable isotopes.

In my free time, I like to read, try out new cooking recipes and go on hikes.

external page ⇒ Additional Information about Seraina Nohl

Taylor Priest

The biodiversity across Earth’s ecosystems is remarkable. This diversity is a consequence of ecological and evolutionary processes that have been continuously taking place over billions of years. Understanding how life diversifies and evolves under different conditions on Earth is a topic that I am particularly fascinated by. In 2024, I was awarded a NOMIS-ETH Fellowship to investigate the diversity, function and contribution of mobile genetic elements to shaping the ecology and evolution of life across Earth’s biomes – a project I am undertaking under the supervision Prof. Dr. Shinichi Sunagawa and Ass. Prof. Dr. Marie Schoelmerich. Prior to this, my research has been focused on characterising the diversity and ecology of ocean microorganisms over space and time as well as the mechanisms that underpin their diversification.

Aside from my love for scientific research, I am passionate about cooking, running, crossfit, hiking, travelling and spending time in nature with my beautiful dog.

⇒ Additional Information about Taylor Priest

Diana Schweizer

I am a PhD student in the Schölmerich Lab at ETH Zürich and in the Environmental Biotechnology & Bioenergy Lab at ZHAW. Together with an amazing, interdisciplinary research team, I work on sustainable hydrogenotrophic in-situ methanisation for energy integration. The aim of this project is to increase the methane yield in biogas plants to empower the transition to green energy. For the investigation of in-situ biogas production, we use an automated bioreactor system that enables powerful process control for our experiments. I enjoy working on this interdisciplinary research project and I am excited of bringing together microbiology and process engineering for a sustainable future.

Apart from science, I love music, exploring different cuisines, and spending time with my family and friends.

external page ⇒ Additional Information about Diana Schweizer