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MAIKE HANSEN, PHD
Group Leader
Biophysical Chemistry
With a background in biophysics and biochemistry, I have a long-standing interest in gene expression regulation in diverse systems, ranging from bacteria and viruses to mammalian cells. After I obtained my master's from Warwick University (UK), I moved to the Netherlands where I received my PhD in 2015. I then worked in the lab of Leor Weinberger at Gladstone Institutes (UCSF) in San Francisco, where I studied gene expression dynamics in viruses, specifically HIV. Now I am interested in understanding how fluctuations at the (macro)molecular level can impact cellular behaviour. In my free time I like to take long walks with my dog, cook and read fantasy books.
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If you are interested in joining our team, see the openings section.
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Research grants and prizes:
2023: NWO Vidi
2022: ERC Starting Grant, ZonMw Off Road, NWO XS
2021: Descartes-Huygens Prize, NWO XS
2020: NWO XS
2016: NWO Rubicon
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Teaching:
MOL-165 Biochemistry II
MOL-128 Essentials of Biochemistry Lab
MOL-129 Biochemistry Lab
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Frank Nelissen, Ing.
Research Staff
I have a background in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and am also interested in Biotechnological applications. I studied at the HAN University of Applied Sciences and graduated in 2002. Since then, I am working at the department of Biophysical Chemistry and specialized in enzymatic nucleic acid synthesis, labeling, manipulation and purification methods, but cloning, PCR, protein expression & purification, blotting, (next generation) sequencing, cell culture and other associated techniques are also common practice. Furthermore, I feel the responsibility to keep our labs running safely and in an organized manner and am therefore involved in First Aid, Biosafety, PAM (working circumstances) and BHV (Emergency Respons). Lastly, I enjoy being involved in the Biochemistry and DNA technology practical courses for 1st and 2nd year students. In my free time, besides spending time with my family & friends and doing jobs around the house, I am a fanatic squash and padel player and in dry weather conditions I like long distance inline skating. I am also a big music fan and like to attend concerts.
Aafke Jonker, Ing.
Research Staff
I have a background in Biochemistry and graduated in 1987. Since then I am working at the department of Biophysical Chemistry.
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I spend a considerable part of my time supporting the department: Inventory management, advice and instructions to PhD students and master/bachelor students of our own group as well from other groups and ordering chemicals and consumables. I also am involved in the Biochemistry and DNA-technology practical for 1st and 2nd year students.
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In my spare time I play tennis and enjoy walks and bike rides.
Regular working hours : Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Óscar García Blay, MSc
PhD student
I studied genetics and biomedical research in Barcelona. I am interested in a variety of topics related to how the genome works to regulate and control biological processes. As a PhD candidate in the Hansen Lab, I combine my interest in gene expression research with the perspective of systems biology. My goal is to identify mechanisms that regulate gene expression noise in a biological context. Outside the lab, I enjoy cooking, listening and sharing music and also travelling. I am always looking for nice activities to do such as escape room games.
Carmen Grandi, MSc
PhD student
I studied biotechnologies and molecular biology at the University of Ferrara, in Italy. I am fascinated by the functional complexity of organisms and, through this journey as a PhD student in the Hansen Lab, I aim to study how stochastic events can impact molecular processes that regulate gene expression, leading to different phenotypes. Doing science also needs creativity: this is why I've always been interested in many forms of art. My biggest passion is singing and creating music. I also enjoy a lot drawing when I need to relax and think.
Xinyu Hu, PhD
Post-doc
During my PhD, I have been working on understanding stem cell fate decisions under mechanical forces. To this end, we developed a novel image-based technique to profile RNAs and proteins simultaneously at a single cell level, called ARTseq-FISH. In the Hansen lab, I focus on unravelling the mechanisms that regulate transcriptional activities and further influence the lineage choices of mouse embryonic stem cells. In my free time, I enjoy trying new recipes and taking photos.
Martin Emmaneel, MSc
PhD student
I did my BSc Life Science and Technology at Leiden University and Delft University of Technology. Afterwards I continued with MSc Chemistry of Life at Radboud University. As a PhD candidate in the Hansen Lab, I focus on the effect of post-transcriptional modifications on gene expression and eventually how it regulates differentiation choices of mouse embryonic stem cells. Outside of the lab I like to take care for my ever-growing collection of house plants.
Meilin Yu, MSc
PhD student
In the past, I studied clinical science of stomatology at Fudan University (CHN), where I focused on the construction of polymer materials for alveolar bone regeneration. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in the Hansen Lab to write an entirely fresh and exciting chapter in my life. My goal Is to identify small-molecules that regulate transcriptional noise, aiming to block cancer drug resistance. Beyond the lab, I enjoy music, movies, and exploration of culinary delights.
Pieter Verhagen, MSc
PhD student
I studied Science and Chemistry of Life at the Radboud University in Nijmegen. It was during this time that I developed a passion for multidisciplinary research, spanning the realms of biology, chemistry and physics. My internships at both the Hansen lab and the Lenstra group at the NKI made me realize that I can combine these fields when studying gene expression noise. As a PhD student in the Hansen lab, I will focus on understanding how nuclear speckles contribute to this noise. Beyond the lab, I practice various sports, enjoy hiking trips and love to draw!
Sue van de Griendt, MSc
PhD student
During my bachelor I studied Molecular Life Sciences at the Wageningen University. After, I continued with the research master Oncology at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. I am fascinated by the extreme cellular and molecular differences of cancerous cells which allow them to survive many circumstances. In the Hansen lab I will study pathways regarding gene expression noise in relation to drug tolerance in cancer cells. In my leisure time, I like cooking, drawing and playing board games.
Sjoerd Uijttewaal
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Master Student
Medical Biology
Merijn Koot
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Master Student
Chemistry of Life
Gwendoly Koenhein
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Master Student
Human Biology
Lynn Schepens
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Master Student
Medical Biology
Kavita Lips
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Master Student
Human Biology
Joey van den Broek
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Master Student
Chemistry of Life
Former lab members:
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Bibian Verstegen - Master Student, Medical Biology (2023)
Zumaya Abdi - Master Student, Human Biology (2022-2023)
Omnia Elzokla - Master Student, Medical Biology (2022-2023)
Martin Emmaneel - Master Student, Molecular Life Sciences (2022)
Pieter Verhagen - Master Student, Chemistry of Life (2021-2022)
Christin Wassermann - Erasmus Master Student, Medical-Biological Chemistry (2022)
Yoanna Petrova - Intern, University of Applied Sciences (2021-2022)
Fréderique Struijs - Master Student, Medical Biology (2021-2022)
Fathi Ibrahim - Intern, University of Applied Sciences (2021-2022)
Laura Roosenboom - Master Student, Medical Epigenomics (2021-2022)
Lise Wubbolts - Master student, Chemistry of Life (2020-2021)
Benjamin Martin - Master Student, Université Paris (2020-2021)
Louise van Hoof - Bachelor student, Molecular Life Sciences (2021)
Fulvio Farina - Bachelor student, Chemistry (2021)
Femke Michels - Bachelor student, Molecular Life Sciences (2021)
Pieter Verhagen - Bachelor student, Molecular Life Sciences (2021)
Ruben Kuijl - Intern, University of Applied Sciences (2020-2021)
Cong-Quan Ta - Intern, University of Applied Sciences (2020-2021)
Bart Swinkels - Bachelor student, Molecular Life Sciences (2020)
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