YSS25YSS25
Meet Anna,
I am currently a Lab Manager and Research Assistant Genetic and Molecular Basis of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. I have experience managing day-to-day lab operations, overseeing experimental procedures, and supporting research teams in the development of neuroscience studies. I’m passionate about advancing our understanding of the brain through both hands-on research and collaborative projects. I enjoy bridging the gap between the technical and administrative aspects of lab work to ensure projects run smoothly and effectively.
Meet Michela,
I’m a molecular biologist with a strong background in RNA biology, now applying my expertise to the field of neuroscience to study autism. Passionate about understanding complex brain disorders, I believe in the power of science to make a difference. I’m deeply committed to science communication and collaboration. That’s why I joined the organizing team of the YSS, to help bring researchers together and share knowledge.
Meet Jakub,
I’m currently a postdoc in the medical genomics group at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria. I graduated from Brno University of Technology with a master’s degree, and then completed my PhD studies at the University of Zilina. As a computer scientist, I’m passionate about bridging the gaps in research by developing and applying innovative computational methods, thinking outside of the box, and exploring novel ideas. Moreover, I enjoy communicating the research to the general public.
Meet Sophia,
I am a communication professional with a background in developmental biology (M.Sc.) and journalism (B.A.). Across my roles in academia, agency, and startup settings, I aimed to translate scientific facts into stories that inform, inspire, and resonate. Today, I shape strategic communication and events at the innovation ecosystem xista empowering science entrepreneurs at the ISTA campus and beyond.
Meet Leo,
I am currently a research technician in structural biology, working on nucleic acid-binding proteins. I’ve recently joined ISTA since completing my M.Sc. in chemical biology at McMaster University in Canada, where I used protein NMR to explore disease-related mechanisms. I’m excited to be part of this year’s YSS organizing team and look forward to discovering the science happening around ISTA, and getting to know the people behind it.
Meet Dekel,
I hold a B.Sc. in Life Sciences and Theater History and an M.Sc. in Plant Sciences from Tel Aviv University, and earned my Ph.D. at the Weizmann Institute of Science investigating plant adaptation to extreme environmental conditions. As a postdoctoral fellow in Bankova’s group at ISTA, I integrate developmental biology, hormonal signaling, and environmental response research in collaboration with experts in computer science, AI, pathogen modeling, and microbiology—and I’m always eager to forge new partnerships.
Meet Ruben,
I’m a PhD candidate in the Vicoso group at ISTA, where I study the evolution of sex chromosomes and sex determination. I’m fascinated by the full complexity of the genome, from emerging forms of non-coding RNAs and their roles in gene regulation, to epigenetic mechanisms and protein function. I joined this year’s YSS organizing team to highlight the exciting intersection of biology and computer science, including both data science and the idea of biology as a kind of hardware.
Meet Eavan,
I’m a PhD student in the Waitukaitis soft & electrified materials group here at ISTA. My research is on a synthetic active matter system, which serves as a simple model for many weird and wonderful (but intrinsically messy) systems we encounter in nature. I firmly believe the future of science depends on collaboration across different research fields, with soft matter physics being a key example of this. I think the YSS is an amazing event, as it offers a unique opportunity for young researchers from diverse backgrounds to foster new networks and seed new ideas, which is why I’m on the committee again this year.
Meet Sarah,
I have a background in psychology with a specialization in cognitive and affective neuroscience. At ISTA, I am pursuing my PhD in the Novarino lab, where I study genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to better understand how social behavior develops and what brain circuits are involved in shaping it. Using multimodal deep phenotyping and machine learning, I investigate how motor behavior and social context influence social development. My research aims to uncover mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, ultimately contributing to more effective interventions and support. For me, the YSS is a wonderful opportunity for early-career researchers to build meaningful connections both within and beyond academia.