Meet our research team

Julia Eckl-Dorna
MD, PhD
Basic research

The never-ending curiosity of discovering daily new details on how our immune system works and how small changes have big impact on balancing between health and disease.

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Julia is an immunologist and associate Professor at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Medical University of Vienna. After completing her medical studies in Vienna, she obtained her PhD focusing on B cell biology in the lab of Facundo Batista in London. Being based at the University hospital she is now able to combine her expertise in and passion for both basic and clinical immunology to focus her research on understanding the mechanisms governing type 2 diseases with the ultimate goal of identifying biomarkers and novel options for personalized treatments. Outside the lab, Julia enjoys reading novels, listening to and playing music and is spending time with her family outdoors.

  • ORCID:
    0000-0001-5981-1607
  • Linkedin:
    Julia Eckl-Dorna
  • Email:
    julia.eckl-dorna@meduniwien.ac.at
Sven Schneider
MD
Clinical Research

I believe in conduction of clinical and basic research to get a deeper insight and thereby constantly improve therapeutic options.

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Sven Schneider works as a specialist at the Department for Otorhinolaryngology – HNS and focuses on diseases of the nose and the paranasal sinuses. From the beginning of his career, he had a strong interest in research. Unsolved problems that need a structured scientifical approach keep him fascinated.

  • ORCID:
    0000-0002-7631-3746
  • Linkedin:
  • Email:
    sven.schneider@meduniwien.ac.at
Fana Alem Kidane
MSc, PhD
Postdoc

In science, knowledge is discovered and organized to enhance the quality of life for humanity and all beings across all domains. It also makes our world more predictable, which is profoundly empowering.

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Fana Alem Kidane joined the lab as a postdoctoral researcher in November 2022. She is currently working on deep characterization of immune cells in asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. Fana has a multidisciplinary background, holding a Ph.D. in Biology from the Veterinary University Vienna, Austria (2018), where she concentrated on vaccine and infection immunology in avian models. She also earned a Master of Science in Biology from KULeuven, Belgium (2011), specializing in molecular and physiological biology, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Jimma University, Ethiopia. Her research interests primarily lie in systems biology, utilizing multiple complementary tools to examine pathological conditions and health interventions. Accordingly, she is employing immunological and Omics technologies to explore the interaction between host factors and the microbial community in the development of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. Outside the lab, Fana enjoys reading books, watching documentaries, and walking in nature.

  • ORCID:
    0000-0002-4092-9792
  • Linkedin:
    Fana Alem Kidane
  • Email:
    fana.kidane@meduniwien.ac.at
Mohammed Zghaebi
MSc
PhD student

Science fuels my curiosity and allows me to build lasting friendships with fellow explorers who share a passion for discovery.

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Mo is fascinated by harnessing the power of genetics to better understand human immunobiology in health and disease for therapeutic benefit. He likes to keep up with the latest news of technological advances that fuel the next generation of biomedicines. Outside the lab, he enjoys exploring live sports events, playing board games, and staying active with friends.

  • ORCID:
    0000-0002-7636-2601
  • Linkedin:
    Mohammed Zghaebi
  • Email:
    mohammed.zghaebi@meduniwien.ac.at
Nicholas Campion
MD, PhD
Clinical scientist

I find the process of setting out to solve a problem extremely satisfying in that it requires intricate understanding of pathology and collaboration with peers to better patient care leading to fantastic research relationships and friendships.

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Nick Campion is a final year ENT resident and recently finished his PhD in Nasal Inflammation and Allergology as part of the Medical University of Vienna N094 MCCA PhD Program. Clinically Nick`s interests lie in the medical and surgical treatment of patients with rhinological diseases. Surgically he is building skills in functional endoscopic sinus and anterior skull base surgery. He is fascinated by nasal immune mechanisms with his research interests lying in understanding the immune kinetics contributing to late phase nasal allergic reactions and the inflammatory mechanisms involved in chronic rhinosinusitis. In the future he hopes to have a successful career in rhinology as a surgeon scientist. Outside of work he joins long hikes, climbing and travelling with his wife and children.

  • ORCID:
    0000-0003-3345-9486
  • Linkedin:
  • Email:
    nicholas.campion@meduniwien.ac.at
Tina Bartosik
MD
Clinical scientist

I am fascinated by the connection between clinical work and the new information generated in the lab.

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Tina Bartosik is a resident at the Medical University of Vienna in the ENT department. Working in research allows Tina to stay up to date with the latest advancements in her field. At work, she particularly enjoys performing surgeries. Outside of work, she enjoys knitting, gardening, cooking, and hiking, activities that provide balance and relaxation.

  • ORCID:
    0000-0002-6326-7402
  • Linkedin:
  • Email:
    tina.bartosik@meduniwien.ac.at
Christina Morgenstern
MSc, PhD
Data scientist

Doing science helps me still my curiosity.

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Christina Morgenstern is a data scientist and bioinformatician from the southern part of Austria with a PhD in genetics and a master’s degree in data science. Christina is interested in integrating different biological and clinical data to infer new insights into the immunological landscape and the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis. She is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys running, cycling and being in the mountains with or without skis.

Victoria Stanek
MSc
Lab Technician

I am fascinated by science because it allows me to marvel at the intricacy of life in an enchantingly intimate way

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Victoria Stanek joined Vienna Airway Lab as a technician in 2016. She received her BSc in Biochemistry from Portsmouth University and obtained her MSc in Genetics and Developmental Biology from Vienna University. Victoria previously worked in cancer research and found her skills easily transferrable to airway immunology, where she particularly enjoys tissue imaging techniques. In her down-time, Victoria is interested in all things culinary and spends many hours on horseback and with her dogs.

  • ORCID:
    0000-0003-3445-0934
  • Linkedin:
  • Email:
    victoria.stanek@meduniwien.ac.at
Aldine Tu
MSc
Lab Technician

Doing science and research is tough and takes a lot of dedication because of all the challenges. But it's worth it. The excitement of finally getting the results you've been working towards is amazing.

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Aldine Tu has been a dedicated laboratory technician since 2019, focusing on research in the field of immunology in ENT, among others. She is known for her attention to detail and strive for scientific excellence and enjoys supporting the rest of the team. Outside of the lab, Aldine enjoys fantasy books, has an ever-changing rotation of art and craft projects, gaming, and enjoys pursuing the internet of the weird and macabre.

  • ORCID:
    0009-0008-0278-2778
  • Linkedin:
  • Email:
    aldine.tu@meduniwien.ac.at
Katharina Gangl
MD, PhD
Clinical scientist

I find scientific medical work fascinating because it combines molecular, clinical, personal and epidemiological perspectives

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Katharina heads the allergy clinic at the ENT department of the Medical University of Vienna, where she is working as a board-certified ENT specialist. Prior to completing medical studies and working in clinical research with a focus on allergy and Th2 mediated disease, she completed a PhD in law and studied undergraduate level biochemistry. She is also a voracious reader with far ranging interests and owns more books than she cares to admit or has space for.

  • ORCID:
    0000-0002-0403-0237
  • Linkedin:
  • Email:
    katharina.gangl@meduniwien.ac.at
Benedikt Freudenthaler
-
Medical Diploma Student

Science snaps nescience - aude sapere!

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Benedikt attended the French school in Vienna and was confronted with the mysterious and fascinating world of science within early classes. He was deeply impressed so that he chose the path of medicine to learn more about the human body, the several diseases, and therapies. Laboratory work is a keystone in modern medicine, therefore he wants to proceed beyond his horizon. Benedikt is still active with social activities and wants to promote his athletic career with waterpolo.

Karina Bayer
MD
PhD student

Science helps me stay up to date and informed about new discoveries and encourages me to never stop learning.

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Karina Bayer is a resident at the Medical University of Vienna in the ENT department. Scientific work allows her to keep up to date with the latest discoveries by being a part of the scientific process itself. At work she especially loves the clinical aspect of science and the interaction with patients. Outside of work she enjoys long walks in nature, and meditation.

  • ORCID:
    0000-0001-9752-2179
  • Linkedin:
    Karina Bayer
  • Email:
    karina.bayer@meduniwien.ac.at
Linda Liu
MD
PhD student

For me, science means exploring the unknown, enriching our knowledge and shaping progress towards a better future.

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Linda Liu has been fascinated by the world of research and the development of innovative processes since she was a child. She is particularly interested in rhinology and rhinosurgery. She also has a tremendous passion for travel: Not only has it always been her personal goal to travel the world, but she also completed numerous internships in Europe and Asia as part of her medical studies, including electives at the University Hospital Zurich, Juntendo University in Tokyo and Asan Medical Center in South Korea. In addition to her enthusiasm for travelling, she enjoys reading all kinds of books, is active in sports and often loses herself in painting - from portrait drawings with graphite to oil and acrylic paintings of landscapes she has visited.

  • ORCID:
    0009-0008-5597-8002
  • Linkedin:
    Linda Liu
  • Email:
    linda.liu@meduniwien.ac.at

Alumni

Anna Doralt

Medical Diploma Student
2022-2023

Anna investigated the effect of Dupilumab on allergen-specific IgE levels and published one letter as a first author together with Nicholas Campion (Allergy). She then started her medical training in Switzerland.

Kilian Freisl

Medical Diploma Student
2020-2023

During his medical diploma thesis, Kilian assessed the smelling function in patients suffering from different forms of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. He contributed as a co-auhtor to one publication of the lab. Afterwards, he started his medical training in Austria.

Marianne Rocha Hasler

Postdoc
2021-2022

Marianne worked on understanding inflammatory patterns governing asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. She published one paper as a first author (Frontiers in Immunology) and contributed to 2 further publications. She then continued as a Postdoc in Munich, Germany.

Nina Schweitzer

Study nurse
2021-2022

Nina supported us in the conduct of clinical studies and also as a lab technician.

Lisa Nemec

Medical Diploma Student
2018-2022

Lisa worked on understanding the changes of mast cell sensitivity in the skin following controlled nasal allergen exposure. She then started her medical training in Austria.

Sergio Villazala-Merino

PhD Student
2014-2020

Sergio investigated the role of IgE-allergen complexes in governing CD23-mediated T cell activation. During his time in the lab, he published two first author papers (JACI, Frontiers in Immunology) and contributed as co-authors to 11 publications. He received a travel grant in 2018 for the European Congress of Immunology and a short talk award at the FASEB conference. After his PhD, he continued his academic career as a postdoc in Marseille, France