Kirsten Germing

PhD Student

 

 
© Germing

Department of Ecotoxicology
Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME)
Auf dem Aberg 1
D-57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
Tel.: +49 2972/302-177
kirsten.germing@ime.fraunhofer.de

Nationality: German De

 

Education

  • Since 2024:
    PhD studies in the Department of Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schmallenberg.
  • 2019 - 2022:
    Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Water Sciences at the University of Münster and University of Applied Sciences Münster.
  • 2015 - 2018:
    Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biosciences, University of Münster, Germany

Work experience

  • 2022 - 2024:
    Study Director at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schmallenberg

Supervisors

  • Prof. Dr. Joachim Kurtz, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Münster
  • Prof. Dr. Christoph Schäfers, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Schmallenberg
  • Prof. Dr. Martina Roß-Nickoll, Department of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Risk Assessment, RWTH Aachen University

Research interests

  • Ecotoxicology

  • Immunology
  • Transcriptomics

PhD project description

The functionality of the immune system of organisms is of great importance since it is assumed that in stressed ecosystems, pathogens in particular exert strong pressure on populations. In addition, the organisms in the environment are exposed to a large number of directly or diffusively released environmental pollutants. The ecotoxicological hazard and risk assessment of chemicals currently does not include the identification of effects regarding the immunocompetence of organisms. However, studies indicate that chemicals can induce various effects on immune related parameters of organisms. Therefore, the PhD project is aiming at the establishment of standardized methods to identify immunotoxic modes of action of chemicals in the model species Danio rerio (Zebrafish) and Tribolium castaneum (Red flour beetle).

Publications

  • Germing, K., Ayobahan, S.U., Reinwald, H., Vogt, M., Ringbeck, B., Göckener, B., Eilebrecht, E., Kosak, L., Eilebrecht, S. Chronic toxicity testing including transcriptomics-based molecular profiling in Cloeon dipterum. Environmental Sciences Europe 35, 100 (2023). 10.1186/s12302-023-00806-4 [doi]